Trinity v Aloys
by “oldandslow”
The 1st XV match started in more positive spirit than the Second XV game, with both the home and visiting supporters in good voice.
First Half
Only a few minutes into the match an Aloys back line move from the set piece left Trinity’s defence in tatters. First blood to the visitors; it was shaping up as a tough day out for Trinity.
But they hit back quickly, with #10 (Siteine) showing excellent footwork and benefiting from holding the ball in two hands with outside options. He sliced through the first line of defence, stepped the fullback and went in under the posts
After that the game evolved into a stalemate. During the first half Aloys looked better organised, and their mobile back row was effective at recycling the ball—although they gave away a few penalties leaving their feet on defence.
Trinity tried some complex lineout moves that bordered on the bizarre; they weren’t successful but at least they entertained the crowd. Aloys had a slight edge in the scrums but not enough to disrupt Trinity’s ball.
Some aimless kicking up the middle by Trinity gifted Aloys plenty of good ball, but at least their scrambling defence was excellent. In particular, 6 Filippo, was notable for making a series of strong one-on-one tackles.
The first half ended tied at 10-10, which Trinity would have been satisfied with, given the amount of ball Aloys enjoyed.
Second half
Trinity had the perfect start after the break. The mobile LHP Wayland pressured Aloys into dropping the ball from the kick-off and a few pick and goes later the Trinity pack muscled over for their hooker to score.
Although still scrappy at the set piece, Trinity started to roll over Aloys in the second half, with strong defence from the pack and inside backs rattling the ball loose regularly. A couple of hard but fair tackles left some Aloys’ players winded on the ground.
The game remained fixed at 15-10 to Trinity for most of the second half. Aloys became reliant on their giant #14 Diamond to break the Trinity line; the strong, fast young man made some inroads but he was well-contained for all that as his battering-ram involvement became predictable.
Despite the binning of Trinity’s skipper and #8, it didn’t shift the pattern of play: Aloys continued to have good ball, and Trinity kept defending tenaciously.
Trinity became composed and played with more structure as the game progressed, Siteine managed his team well and they also started to make more ground up the middle.
Trinity forced Aloys to play in their own half more often despite the efforts of Diamond and #12 Lawson, and it became clear that they lacked the outside pace and attacking edge required to go all the way.
The game became one for Trinity to lose but the nerves were quelled by an excellent Trinity try that sealed the deal.
Their #12 Longville. made an outstanding break with pace and footwork that beat several defenders up the middle. 40 metres later the Trinity halves gave good service to #8 McClellan standing out in the midfield. Nobody was going to stop him from 15 meters out and he slammed the ball down next to the posts.
Final score Trinity 22 – Aloys 10.
The players
Aloys – Winger Diamond was a threat each time he had the ball and his size, pace and strength will challenge all defences this season. #12 Lawson also ran strongly, although with a tendency to move sideways and take space from his outside backs. With his height and power he could be more damaging if he straightens up.
The Aloys back row was effective, without any stand-outs, and the forward pack was good in most facets of play.They were diligent and efficient, and the whole team worked hard and was well-drilled.
Trinity – No. 8 (McClennan) was strong and had several bullocking runs combined with punishing defence. Flyhalf Siteine has been mentioned earlier; he is likely to be more dangerous with better ball from set pieces.
But my Man of the Match was blindside flanker Fillippo who made several strong runs and tackles that shut down some Aloys’ moves, including two that saved tries on his goal line..
The Wrap up
Both teams will be happy with their committed defensive efforts.
Aloys needs to straighten up and be more direct in attack. Trinity needs to improve its lineout and kicking game.
Trinity’s NSW representative (inside center Morris) was out this week, but when he returns, and Longville (who has an excellent kicking game) moves to fullback, most of the kicking problems should be addressed.
Trinity’s back line looks better than it has for a few years; so the key for them will be to have its powerful forwards get numbers to the breakdown, and also to win their own set-piece ball.
