Knox v. Scots by “Elfster”
Knox 31 – Waverley 29
In the first game of the second round there was interest to see whether Waverley could repeat their first round victory over Knox, and whether Knox could show any improved form since then.
The scoring
Knox purposely started getting territory and possession; however their attack let them down. They left some tries behind because of a toxic mixture of uncertainty and white-line fever. And sometimes their players passed instead of keeping it tight, or hogged the ball rather than passing.
The Knox 15 kicked a penalty to earn his side an early a 3-0 lead. The game settled and the Waverley 14 leveled the scores with a penalty. Knox were probably more structured but not as dangerous as Waverley, who seemed more likely to score a try. Yet, Knox marched down field and scored a short-range converted try to their no.8. Knox lead 10-3.
Waverley bounced back, making good use of their big, mobile front rowers and after good interplay their 7 scored a try. Paek of Barker nearly charged down the conversion kick of the Waves 14 but it missed anyway. Knox 10-8.
Not long after the kick-off Waverley put on a good scrum move and their 14 scored their second try, which was converted. Waverley had the enthusiasm and momentum and Knox had lost focus. At oranges the score was Waverley 15 – Knox 10.
The start of second half indicated that a confident Waverley should win easily. Although their 14 went off injured early they demonstrated their confidence with a long-distance movement from which their hooker scored a try, which was converted. Waverley 22-10.
Knox were down by twelve and Waverley were looking confident; but Knox were resolute and played structured rugby so they could hold the ball near the Waverley try-line for some time. But this ended badly when Knox lost the ball over the line and Waverley swept down the field. Their 11 scored at the other end, and the conversion made the score Waverley 29 –Knox 10.
Waverley was in a commanding position, but had not put Knox down. Also injuries started affecting the visitors’ flow and cohesion.
Knox increased their control, pressure and possession and eventually the Knox LHP scored a solo try from the Waverley 22. The conversion made it Waverley 29-17.
Knox maintained momentum and earned penalties, and a yellow card against Waverley. Then came two tries to the Knox 12; one from a quick penalty tap. Both were converted and Knox took the lead 31-29.
The final minutes were tense and frantic. Waverley broke out after a turnover on their own 22 and looked to score the winning try, only to to be held up over the line.
They had some further opportunities, but the Knox defence held. Game over. Knox, who were playing a controlled game at the end, won 31-29.
The teams
Knox
Their’s structure got them through. The ability of Knox to create and maintain possession helped their cause.
They still have defensive lapses, but they are now looking better. If they could get their backline playing as well as their 2nds they would have beaten Waverley easily. Knox played to their strengths and seem to adjust their game plan accordingly – good at isolating the opposition and catching them in mauls Their line out is still an over-complicated mess.
Waverley
They looked more dangerous with long range tries than bashing it up at close. Their players hit the ball at pace, were backed up and ran straight and strong. The injuries disrupted their game immensely, which allowed the momentum to go back to Knox.
The players
Knox
The 8 was a stand out, penetrating the defensive line and being industriously effective. The number 1 showed surprising pace in his (by now) 250m try. The 12 was a hard working punishing tackler and ran hard.
The 13 could be one to watch. The number 9 seemed distracted and was frustrating to watch because he was a bit late Gregan-like: often getting caught at the back and slow in getting rid of the ball; directing play rather than actually playing. That said, he did hold the ball up at the end to avoid defeat.
Waverley
I liked the front row; agile, big and tried with enthusiasm. Their 13 was big and made use of his pace, as did the back 3. Injuries showed up the Waverley lack of depth because although the replacements were willing they were not as effective.
The wrap-up
The closeness helped, but it was an entertaining game and in good spirit. Both sides may gripe about some of the ref’s decisions, but I don’t think it made a difference in the end. A good effort by two willing and reasonable sides, the players should be commended on the game. A pity there weren’t more students from the schools in attendance to watch.
Match details
Scoring
[one_half last=”no”]Knox — 31
Tries: H. Newby (2), N. Meyer, B. van Zyl
Conversions: S. Field (4)
Penalty Goal: S. Field
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Waverley — 29
Tries: N. Koutsoukis, I. Mackay, T. Duffey, L. Stevens
Conversions: B. O’Donnell (2), T. Duffey
Penalty Goal: T. Duffey
Yellow card: Waverley
[/one_half]
Other matches
2nd XV- Knox 39 – Waverley 17
This game was marked by mediocre goal kicking. An impressive Knox side scored seven tries to three.
Click on the arrow to get to Page 3 to read a report of the Cranbrook v. Barker game by “Insight”
