Only managed to see the CAS Seconds and the first half of the 1s but there were many positives but also improvements for both teams.
Second: 31-19 win
The team fired immediately through captain Rasch (4) who crashed over after some great team play and a good darting line break by Siteine (10) in the midfield. The team seemed to gel well against what looked a bigger CHS side who were playing some physical rugby. The CAS forwards in general played a tight game and showed they were ready for the physical contest. Special mentions to Halliday (5) for his effective and relentless ruck work which shouldn't go unrewarded and sub Rower Begg who ran strong lines against a hard-hitting CHS defence. Purcell (8) also showed some great speed to charge 30m down the sideline practically untouched for the try.
Both 9's Murphy and Butler gave good service throughout the game and commanded the forwards well. Siteine played his usual elusive and agile game however some improvements in distribution could prove beneficial. Lawson (12) was definitely my player of the game with superb attack and reliable defence, preventing the large pairing of CHS centres from busting through the middle. Although there is great talent in the 1s, Lawson really does seem deserved of a spot regardless of the big names in the team. Smirnotis (13) proved his critics wrong with a solid game. Although he took his time to warm up, the realisation that everyone is actually a lot smaller than him resulted in some good straight running and tough defence. Both wingers looked perhaps a little lost and maybe a swap for Aloysius' Dunlop or Waverley's Jaya would prove sensible. The bench of Nikopoulos (3), Jordan (10) and Mazaraki (14) played well and will perhaps be pushing for regular starting spots in the team.
On a sour note, Waverley's Cardassilaris seems to have suffered a bad ankle injury and does not look like he will play in the forthcoming weeks.
Great game from the Seconds who played hard and ground down a large and physical CHS side.
First: 26-31 loss
I only saw the First half but there are certainly improvements to be made in order to compete with GPS in a fortnight. The team was physically larger than CHS with the likes of Swinton, Basson, McLennan and Margin. These players all played their typical games; hard hitting and straight running rugby. The front row was solid however it's tough for them to shine with such a powerful and overshadowing back row. Chapman, despite not being captain, led from the front with smart footy and was always there in support. Scrum half Hayes provided good service to both forwards and backs and still looks to be the clear choice at 9. Thompson (10) showed some flair with a nice chip'n'chase but that's about all the team got from him. With a decent pass and such damaging outside backs, it would seem wise to spread the butter but a few too many solo runs and poor decisions may see a potential shuffle in the 10 position. Williams (12) was hard running and solid in defence but like Thompson, seems to want to run it that extra metre and go it alone instead of shifting it towards more attacking players such as Diamond who is renowned to finish off anything in the final 22. Unfortunately for spectators, Diamond didn't see too much of the ball but when he did he ran hard and damaging lines although he spent most of his times in the ruck supporting his inside backs. Slaven (13) was his usual self; hungry for the ball and taking on opposition players in situations that perhaps seemed unforgiving given his size in comparison. His try following a run from Williams really captured his mongrel as he wrestled for the ball and burrowed over the line. Fullback Longville has without a doubt great attacking talent but given his position, his tackling was soft and half-hearted (although I cannot blame him considering the size of CHS' rampaging 13). Narayan kicked very well and should be able to finish off anything in a good side provided it gets to him first.
Please note that this was my perspective of just the first half of the game and of course things might have improved/not improved for the players I mentioned.
