NSW I def NSW II 20-12
Sunny but chilly with wind at 8 knots from NW
With both teams with the misconception they were playing for final Australian selection the play was somewhat dour and unimaginative.
The head to head clashes never really eventuated with NSW I’s determined to win by trying for the 3pts off every available penalty opportunity.
Needless to say the 4 amigos (Kellaway, Jones, Moeroa, Milne) in the NSW I’s dominated the game. Andrew Kellaway (#15) opened the scoring after 6 mins with a neat unders pass from Andrew Deegan (#10) to score next to the posts and one of the other amigos, Harry Jones (#14) converted. Another 5mins and NSW I’s were in again with Harry Jones scoring a pie but failed to convert, Score 12-0 to NSW I’s.
After this first 10mins NSW II’s started to make themselves felt. Firstly their flanker Brandon Paenga-Amosa (#7) was sinbinned for repeated on the ball infringements. This did not deter the II’s who continued to compete well at the breakdown. Fullback, Nic Clancy (#15) latched onto the big No8 to save a certain try over the line and force a 5m defensive scrum. NSW II’s continued to thwart the more fancied opponents and gave nearly as much as they received. Their only blemish was not getting points when within 5m of the NSW I’s goal line.
Half time score 12-0 to NSW I’s.
After the break the team running uphill and into the breeze seemed to have more attacking chances (or performing to the crowd who were camped that end). NSW II’s ran towards the scoreboard 2nd half and tried valiantly several times to get through the 4 amigos defence especially the youngest lad on the pitch, Henry Hutchinson (#13) who never gave up all day.
The effectiveness of the NSW II’s annoyance got to the I’s with their big #5, Joshua Anderson being yellow carded for repeated infringements. This YC also gave cause for the NSWI’s to interchange their halves with Michael Kennedy (#21) and soon afterwards (#22) Corey Tulloch coming on. With all these changes NSW II’s continued to apply the pressure by refusing 3 PK’s for goal and elected for the lineout instead!
NSW II’s were again on the attack and won a delightfully quick tight-head that caught replacement half Michael Kennedy (#21) napping to allow his opposite Joey Lussick to dive on the ball to score. Conversion successful and NSW II’s now trailed by 4 pts
NSW II’s came right back and looked to again pressure for more points when Harry Jones (#14) committed the cardinal fullback sin and allowed the ball to bounce only to regather it, avoid several attackers and cleared with his left foot much to the relief of his team.
NSW I’s then converted field possession into points by taking a PK to take the score to 15-7.
Young Henry Hutchinson (#13) and Nic Clancy (#15) were trying valiantly to defend excellent moves by the big outside backs of NSW I’s and on several occasions these two youngsters (16 & 17 respectively) showed excellent defensive skills. But you cannot defend all day and Jack McCalman (#7) for NSW I’s scored near the corner post. Conversion unsuccessful.
NSW II’s responded with a lovely drifting backline attack started with the No10, Jack Clancy, cutting out his No12, Devan Stolz, once again) to finally put Elliott Jennings (#23) over for a try.
Final score NSW I’s 20 pts def NSW II’s 12 pts.