Knox 30 — Aloys 15
by “Elfster”
On a wonderfully warm and sunny afternoon at Wahroonga I watched the might of Knox versus the perennially overachieving Aloys: a side, always worth watching because of their passion and willingness.
Arriving early I got good seating; not as good as the Roman emperor-like arrangement for the headmaster, visiting guests, glitterati and ego’s, where a select few sit content in contented contentment, but for this simple fellow more than sufficient.
Unfortunately, as I mulled over a pleasantly satisfactory coffee, I noticed that the construction of a new architectural edifice had displaced a lot of the rose gardens. Some of the ramshackle charm of Knox Number 1 of old being displaced by clinical functionality.
The scoring
Aloys came out with passion and controlled the game early. It was obvious that Knox would have to work for any victory.
Bustling and energetic, Aloys unsettled Knox, soon gaining a penalty goal attempt. This missed and Knox started showing composure. Though giving away more penalties than ideal, the current Knox defence was much better than early in the season and, apart from a few breaks, nullified Aloy’s attacking forays.
Knox were strong in the mauls, winning some scrum feeds there. With increasing composure Knox soon kicked a penalty goal; however some later bad option-taking and poor handling stymied their attack. But in saying that, credit is due to Aloy’s for their attacking defence. Knox 3-0.
Knox soon scored an unconverted try to their industrious 8. Van Zyl from close. Knox 8-0.
With momentum and good work by their forwards, Knox got back into the Aloy’s half. There the Knox 10, H Leaver, showing good foot work and speed, scored a fine individual try. This was duly converted and at oranges Knox lead 15 – 0.
At this stage I felt Knox were clearly ascendant with their depth playing a compelling part, unlike other Aloy’s games where the outcome was long uncertain.
At the start of the 2nd half, Knox obviously having read my match report attacked with vigour, and a deluge of tries seemed imminent. Aloys, obviously not having read my report, lifted and a series of penalties saw them go from deep in defence to attack .
Great effort and commitment from the whole Aloys’ team was rewarded. The number 8 H Williams barged over for a well taken try. From a probably victory to Knox , the game was at tenterhooks. Knox 15-7 – game on!
Aloys felt they were in it, and Knox realised they had to do something. Both sides lifted, but just as Aloys suffered a few injuries Knox increased their intensity and their backline improved their handling. This gave them greater impact and the Knox 13. C Watson was able to score a good try near the corner. Penalty goals had been swapped and Knox were ahead 23 – 10.
Aloys would need two tries and change, but it was Knox who scored next. With possession and territory Knox attacked allowing Watson to score his double by bursting through a few players to score near the uprights. Knox 30 -10.
The game was coming to a close, but to their credit Aloys never gave up, applied pressure and had some good attacking raids that would have scored tries but for last-ditch defence.
Eventually the Aloys 13. D Goodearl took a poor clearing kick from the Knox half and beat some defenders to score a well-deserved try, bu it was too little, too late, and Knox won 30-15.
The players
Aloys — The halfback O’Grady, a smart player who takes good options, was busy and outplayed his opponent. The two gun players of Aloys: no. 8, H Williams and 13. D Goodearl showed their class. Both got tries and some of Goodearl’s runs were impressive. He made some excellent breaks that were close to tries, but for good scrambling defence.
Knox — The back row was industrious. No 9. Van Zyl continues to impress. One of the others, I think 7. A Knox, made a try scoring tackle on the rampaging Aloy’s 13. C Watson and showed some great touches. It will be interesting to see how he goes next year. The 5 L Swinton was an effective second rower: not bad for a Yr 10 lad. The Knox line out is much improved. J Paek 11 showed his class in too few brief touches. 10. H Leaver played well.
Wrap-Up
An entertaining game, played in good spirit and by sides wanting to play rugby.
Knox depth showed with a convincing 48 – 5 win in the 2nds: eight tries to one. The 2nds halfback showed good passing speed and enthusiasm. There was a goodish crowd, but more adults than school kids. On the program it showed a listing of injured open Knox players. There are 24 from 7 open sides – 23%. Some armies have had smaller casualty rates being on the wrong side of some of the world’s most decisive losses. What is going on at the Knox PE department?
Scorers
Knox 30 — C Watson 2, H Leaver, B Van Zyl tries. S Field 2 conversions, 2 penalty goals.
St Aloysius 15 — H Williams, D Goodearl tries. T O’Grady 1 conversion, 1 penalty goal
See Page 3 for an informal report on Waverley v Barker
