Trinity v Knox
by “Elfster”
On a rather brutal winter Saturday in Summer Hill, Trinity was at home to Knox for Round 7 of the competition. Trinity’s late form suggested that the Round 1 result was an aberration whilst Knox would be wanting to remain undefeated in their quest for the Henry Plume Shield.
First half
The playing conditions were tough: cold, wet, windy and the ground heavy and muddy, suiting Trinity’s rugby style of hard, tough running forwards. Starting more composed than Knox, Trinity gained possession and territory. This was due not only to a penalty count heavily in their favour, but by solid forward play.
This soon gave Trinity a first chance of scoring, a penalty, but it wasn’t a day for the kickers. It was definitely a game for the northern hemisphere style conditions, with the Trinity forwards McClennan (8), Pham (2) ad Nguyen (3) hitting the ball up strongly. With possession the Trinity Siteine (10) and Longville (15) were also creating gaps and opportunies, however the Knox defence was resolute. Half breaks remained half breaks and many promising raids often came to grief by the hard tackling Swinton (6).
Knox eventually got possession and showed better structure in attack and soon Margin (4) showed good pace to score a try from 35 metres out. There was a hint of ascendency towards Knox, but they still had issues with penalties, territory and possession. This allowed Trinity to score a delightful try to Barbati (14), who was put into space by some good backline passing and then showed good pace to score. The score was tied at 5-all.
The game was willing, but neither side could assert dominance and mistakes abounded; nor was there much continuity—yet the game was entertaining.
One point of interest was the line-out battle. Admittedly Trinity had a strong line-out, but Knox were overly complicated in their lineouts with the ball often going. This allowed Trinity plenty of attacking opportunities, but Trinity seemed to lack cohesion in attack or the necessary flair.
McClennan (8) would regularly be the first receiver and though he bent the advantage line, the Knox forwards controlled his damaging running. Both Siteine (10) and Longville (15) could beat the first tackler, but their forays were too individual resulting in lost opportunities.
Knox didn’t have a great deal of possession, but with ball in hand they were threatening, attacking in depth and numbers. The try to Stocks (14) showed great structure. The players knew what to do and had confidence in knowing a support player would be there.
This was a big difference to the two sides, Knox being able to capitalise on opportunities. Knox soon scored another try to Woodcock (10) in another rare foray into the Trinity half.
Second half
At half time it was 17 – 5 to Knox. The second half was much the same as the first, with Trinity having much of the possession and territory. However their attack could not breach the Knox defence. For the first 20 minutes of the second half the Knox defence was truly impressive. Trinity was held up over the line on one occasion and the effectiveness of the Knox defence saw Trinity losing ground in attack.
By midway through the half Knox were wearing down Trinity and started gaining possession. With the ball in hand Knox looked good, though only one try was scored to Stenning (15) showing great speed. The game became more open and less structured though handling issues kept the score low.
By the end of the game Trinity looked worn down and bereft of ideas in attack, whereas Knox especially with Williams (12) and Armstrong (13) looked increasingly threatening.
Full time score: Knox 22 – Trinity 5
Teams
Trinity is a solid team and would have beaten a lot of sides today. They have a strong lineout, some powerful ball playing forwards and some backs who are elusive and quick. But their attack was too one dimensional, using their forwards like McClennan to bash their way through the defence. It became predictable and therefore ineffectual.
My best for Trinity were Longville (15), Siteine (10), McClennan (8) and Nguyen (2)
The Knox forwards are effective as they hit the line and set up others to breach it. Knox are well-drilled and show confidence and structure of their play. Though strong defensively, they are more than competent in attack. The centre combination of Williams and Armstrong is very good. Though their lineout struggled, their scrum dominated.
Knox best were Woodcock (10), Armstrong (13) and Williams (12). However all of their forwards were outstanding in defence
The wrap-up
A hard game played in good spirit.
Trinity will rue their inability to take advantage of the abundance of territory and possession , but they were up against a good side. Knox are a step closer to the Henry Plume Shield, but there are no soft games in this comp.
Also thoughts to the Knox second’s player who suffered a horrific leg injury in the 2nds game. Hopefully a quick and total recovery.
Scoring
Knox 22 (H Margin, T Woodcock, H Stocks, D Stenning tries; Woodcock con.) def. Trinity 5 (D Barbati try.)
Click on Page 2 for report on Barker v St. Aloysius
