St Pats 36 St Pius 27
Not a game that warrants a match review, other than to say that there were numerous "off-the-ball" incidents that were disgraceful from both teams.
The referee had his hands full from the get go.
When Josh Taweel #7 scored a runaway try he was hit late by the Pius player and the referee could have dealt with the matter (with a red card there and then). It didn't require all 30 players to run in. The "All in Blue" was unnecessary and happened right in front of hundreds of St Pats Junior School students. Well done players ! That was disgraceful.
The yellow cards might have been for repeated infractions, but were also necessary in several cases to "keep the peace". Just prior to #11 Brandon Bouhmelem being kneed in the back after scoring their was a horrific spear tackle "behind play" by a Pats player. It was seen by every spectator at the ground. The referee may have been sight unseen, but the touch judge was not. The incident was not reported, but the linesman (a Pats member of staff) should have been reported.
The incident, and lack of action by the linesman was IMHO responsible for the continued foul play and niggle that continued right through the game - and while I don't condone the action of the Pius player, the late hit may well have been a "get square".
I do hope that Pats and Pius rugby and school staff speak to the players.
Year 12 players can play with a little more "who cares" approach and it is not an attractive look (especially in front of young impressionable kids).
Pats deserved the victory. The had a size and weight dominance in the forwards that they really used effectively - but that advantage was lost with red and yellow cards making it more a running game (that the bigger Pats boys didn't seem to like too much).
The loss of their strike weapon - battering ram #12 Josh Maree was taken off because of concussion, and this allowed Pius a little breathing room and they manned up in the backs and defended well. The Pius #15 (U16 Schoolboy) was strong all day.
The score was extremely close all day, and if not for the stupid and foul play that took place, it really could have been an exciting game. Unfortunately, I, and many. many parents walked away talking about the unsavoury aspects of the game.
