Based on the talk of Iona on this thread, was not sure if Iona played badly or if SPLC was just off the radar. Iona scored their two tries in the first half, the first was short blindside run, 10 or so metres from the line. St. Peter's defence looked very soft in the first 20 or so minutes as both the tries they conceded were example of pretty bad defence. Things clicked into gear as the game went on, SPLC forwards held their own against a much more fancied Iona pack, and the backs as has been the case for the last few years, did the rest. Some good footwork, speed and a huge fend by the SPLC 11 on the IONA 14's face saw them score their first try. Second try was another run down the same wing to score on the sideline. SPLC kicker was very good, slotting all attempts, most of which were from the sideline.
Second half was all Iona, they were solid in the ruck and spent the majority of time in SPLC's 22. Couldn't crack the line though which was surprising given Peters poor goal line defence in the first half. I assume their coach would have given them a rocket at the break and it paid dividends as they did not concede any points.
Few notes from the game:
Iona's 7 was their best player, excellent footwork which saw him almost always break the first contact and get past the advantage line. Iona's backs looked fairly ordinary, they did the same wrap around move several times and even when they had space, Peters seemed to comfortably account for them.
Peters showed reluctance in kicking for the line coming out of their own end which probably put them under more pressure then necessary sometimes. They have speed to burn out wide and speaking to one of their boarding masters, almost half their team is in grade 11, so they should be a lot better next year. And yes, the 12 and I think also the 15 are broncos scholarship holders
