St Patrick’s v Barker: Strathfield 16th July 2016
I ventured out to St Pats to watch a very entertaining and high quality game of rugby. My apologies to the St Pats team for not highlighting individuals but no programs were available so I will just pick out your numbers.
This game was of interest as Adam Doueihi (the Aust Schoolboy and NSW1 no 10) was playing for St Pats as was Barkers prop Tim Anstey (NSW2).
There were some wholesale changes to Barkers run on team from that who played Trinity in the last round of the CAS comp. Missing were Buffa (1), Stalls (6), Reimer (8), Tejcek (9) Kitchener (10) and Nevison (12).
From this writers perspective the changes worked for Barker.
Elevating Anstey to Captain was just reward for Barker best player and he led by example. Anstey’s scrummaging was first rate and his work around the park and tackling just gave his team that extra “ticka” that is un-coachable and so desirable in a leader.
The front row was rock solid all day and Matt Coghill (2) must be also commended for his massive improvement in lineout throws while his work rate around the park and open field running was always getting the reds across the advantage line. But it was the first phase that was the huge improvement for Barker. Barker actual won their own throw 90% of the time which meant clean front foot ball to the backs.
Another notable mention must go to Mack Northcott (5). At 6’3 he is not the tallest 2nd rower running around but as a year 11 lad he is bulking up and he was very noticeable in defence and for the huge improvement in Barker’s lineout.
The best part of this game however was Barkers backs.
Elevating halfback Tom Williams (year 12) from the 2nds to the firsts was overdue and putting Falito van Woerkom in at 10, in from 13 was brilliant. The Barker backs scored or set up 3 first half tries. More than they have scored all year. Falito has great speed and footwork, (similar to Ryan Longville from Trinity), but has just not been in position to show his potential. Well today against the best 10 in the state he certainly got the points.
The outside backs with this extra time and space showed what they could do, with Simon Marais (11) Will Lloyd (15) and Conner Bastow (11) all having their best game of the season.
To St Pats, Douehi (10) was almost faultless in attack. He distributed well to his outside backs, and turned Barker around with his prodigious and accurate kicks. He was missing a strong runner outside him or a player with genuine pace and hence some strong attacking moves broke down or just did not get finished.
Much of this can also be credited to the Barker backs, who have had plenty of tackling practise this year. It is much more motivating as a tackler to be defending a lead, rather than a 40 point thrashing, which has been more often than not for Barker this year.
The St Pats front row were competitive all day despite losing their no2 after 25min, and their number 7 was probably the best player on the field. He was everywhere, pilfering turnovers and generally being a total pest at the breakdown, which is a huge credit to him.
The final score by the way was 19/12 (3 tries to two) with Barker getting a nice solid win under their belt.
Next week is the traditional huge game against Knox at Barker and despite most of us followers predicting a comfortable Knox win, this Reds team is on the improve and will certainly give a much better show based on today’s game.
Let’s hope the Barker selectors reward the lads who stood up today and please, keep Falito Van Woerkom at 10 and Tom Williams at 9.
