Knox 58 — St. Aloysius 12
by “Elfster”
On a summer-like day Knox hosted St Aloysius in a game most pundits thought would be a one-sided affair.
However Knox must almost seem a second home game for most sides, such is the paltry and unenthusiastic support given by the Knox home supporters.
The Knox kids are quiet, small in number and by the manner of their dress seem more interested in a shabby street fashion sense than one reflecting pride in their school. Whereas visiting sides enthusiastic and smart support adds colour and soul to the spectacle.
The lack of support was apparent in the display by the Knox 2nds. They looked strangely listless and directionless. Mistakes and discipline let them down and they were perhaps surprised by the spirited display by St Aloysius.
And full credit to that side which stayed with Knox and pushed them to the end. If the Aloysius 1st played with similar spirit the 1sts result may not be as expected.
First half
Aloysius came out with an intent that meant Knox would have to earn any victory; though Knox soon scored. Their first try was typical of Knox playing this year: support, ball movement, smart passing and power. Quick ball from the forwards at the half -way, ball movement along the backs and a break by Connor saw the M Bisson 4 score.
And then typical of Knox they eased and gave away some penalties. It was Aloysius turn to attack. From five metres out a penalty, a tap and the ball went through the backs. Fortunately there was a second rower – Nowlan – in the backline who stopped any potential idiocy by the backs and took the ball and scored. This try was converted and Aloys was up 7 – 5.
Was the seemingly impossible about to happen?
The game then eased into a period of relative quiet. Both sides were striving for superiority, but neither were yielding. I think credit must be given to the Aloysius forwards who were more than matching those of Knox. Though, as in previous games, one must have wondered at what cost to their stamina.
In the last third of the half Knox rolled into the Aloysius half and Bisson scored again, and also got a penalty. Knox were finally showing some form and their combination and precision was starting to tell.
In a blow to Aloysius they lost their captain Vevers around this time when they were deep in attack. It looked like a head injury, though nothing untoward or obvious was the cause of it. Aloysius soon lost possession and with studious ease Knox worked their way into attack and soon their captain Widders-Leece soon went over. At half time it 18 – 7.
Second half
The second half was a different story. Knox were finally out of their first half lethargy and Aloysius had been worn down.
Though Aloysius still showed determination and spirit, as witnessed by a fine try to their fullback Dunlop. The Knox tries showed a combination of power and pace. Though the majority of the scoring was through their forwards, it was often off the back of breaks made by their backs.
As in previous games Knox lacked sustained precision and their handling, discipline and errors meant they left a few tries on the field. It made no difference, but Aloysius were on the end of one or two mistakes by officialdom at times when they were on attack.
The Knox 12 scored a good individual try from 50 metres out. He showed good speed and stepping to beat a few defenders to score. Knox can be a good side to watch. They keep the ball in hand, support each other and have a fine combination. They also occasionally push their play a bit too much, but they do give it a go.
The second of Widders-Leece’s tries was also a good one – with his pace and ability to step he is more reminiscent of a back than a hooker.
The Teams
St Aloysius started well and initially looked good in attack. They ran good lines and showed some pace. Their forwards also help up to the stronger Knox pack initially.
Their lineout solid and scrum went well. The loss of Vevers took out a fair bit of their direction in attack. They scrambled well in defence despite letting in nine tries. Aloysius won’t finish at the bottom of this competition.
Knox were ruthless and at times irresistible. They took a while to get going, but during that time battered Aloysius and softened them up.
Knox is a well structured side that shows great combination. They can spread the ball easily across their line and then straighten when required with numerous players in support.
They have quite a few options in attack and know when to utilise those options. They are still improving and would want to work on their application and discipline.
I think their relative weakness in defence is due to lapses in both discipline and concentration rather than an inherent weakness.
The Players
For Aloysius T Nowlan 5 had a good game. Solid in the tight he also scored a good try. The 15 T Dunlop impressed as well, he had some pace and looked to place himself in the right place at the right time. The 10 Dainton also impressed with his vision and direction. The forwards were willing though well outplayed.
For Knox it was another good team effort but Watson, Van Zyl, Bisson and Pierce had standout games. Williams continues to impress at 12 in both attack and defence. Chapman at 6 really stoodout, being strong in the air and winning a few balls from kick-offs.
And in mentioning players I would be remiss in not mentioning Widders-Leece. He is dynamic, powerful fast and with a good feel to the game.
Scoring
Knox 58 ( J Widders-Leece 3, B Van Zyl, 2, M Bisson, 2, J Williams, J Pierce tries: L Price 3, L Bosch 2 goal s, L Price penalty) def St Aloysius 12 ( T Nowlan, T Dunlop tries, J Dainton goal ).
