MCA’s defense was very good and they had an edge in the on ground game - both teams winning turnover ball , although , MCA seemed to be able to do it at critical moments to snuff out whatever momentum SLC could muster . However , it is a marvel that MCA will likely be undefeated premiers with basically no set piece in either scrum or lineout.
MCA were the better team - no question . But it’s unfortunate that basic catch / pass errors led to 2 of MCA’s tries ( and not as a result of any undue pressure ) and poor midfield defense led to MCA’s other try .
Fabulous effort from MCA to dig deep after Floyd Aubrey ( 15 ) went down who was clearly a class above everyone else on the field and threatened to blow the game wide open all on his own . Good game management from Sam Stephens ( 9 ) to keep Lauries pinned down in their own territory with a smart kicking game . I thought Josh Radford ( 12 ) had a strong game and his tough yards through the middle really set the tone . Congratulations to MCA’s workmanlike back row that had to make up for significant deficiency in the set piece and also in any impactful go forward running game. But defensive commitment was yeoman like
For Lauries , John Bryant ( 8 ) didn’t play badly but found the going a bit tougher against the toughest defense he will find at this level of competition . The Lauries tight 5 is very very good and pretty much had their way with their counterparts . What it came down to Lauries just didn’t have a closer ( or closers ) and MCA had more consistent depth in fundamental skill - which made the most of Lauries errors, however, outside of Floyd Aubrey - MCA don’t really have a closer either
Congratulations to all boys in a well played competitive and spirited game