Post-Match Analysis: Shore vs Scots at Stirling Bridge
Due to my time I will only be posting 1 post game review. ( Only game I watched this week ). Will still be doing previews later on for this Saturday..
It was electric as both teams took the field to Stirling Bridge last Saturday. This was a match in a season in which defeat would very much mean Chernobyl—it would be over.
Bellevue Hill boys came seeking expectation, nervous even though their 2nd XV had been having a successful season. The Shore boys knew this was a key game to get redeeming premiership sights in view. Here's how things went down:
UNDERPERFORMED OR PERFORMED?
Bassingthwaite and Callaghan: New Hope
The addition of Bassingthwaite and Callaghan to the Shore program this year has been monumental. Bassingthwaite stood out with great footwork and game sense for a performance that hints at even greater things next year. His partner, Callaghan, showed remarkable agility and speed to become one of the most exciting players in schoolboy rugby over the next year.
Fitler: Hero or Letdown?
Fitler, on paper, just seems to have so much potential. Performance on Saturday, however, was underwhelming. This really had to be one of those games in which he stepped up and came out visibly not quite to expectations. Where the season depends on it, I look forward to him rising to the occasion against King's and really turning things around for his team.
Le'Maitre and Warner: Hole-in-One Performance
Again, it was Le'Maitre who picked the team up, playing a really great game himself with an excellent try. Warner, who had vomited at halftime, turned up for the entire second half—a true attribute of his workhorse mentality—and his perseverance and tenacity must be commended.
Who Knows...
From a Scot's point of view, they did not play badly. But after Shore defended some of their key players, Scots found themselves in trouble. The game had been so close, and Scots may still have a lot to do as they gear up to take on King's for a second time. For Shore, not all is lost just yet. There is this thin veil of hope. The Shore boys edged past their rivals by a whisker on Saturday last, however.
Crowd Performance
This energy, very impressive for an away game, was matched by the Scots supporters. Back-and-forth chanting between the schools heated things up even more. Notably, the Shore boys stood for the entire second half—now that's how you support a basketball team. That type of engagement needs to be mandated; it really enhances this culture and atmosphere for these games. That culture needs to be elevated across all schools to this level.
The game became full-activated, keeping everyone on their toenails. Each team shows promise, and it will be interesting how they come out in the remaining games. For now, Shore can celebrate a hard-won victory, while Scots need to regroup and prepare for their next challenge.
However only time will tell...
Yours in sporting reason, A sane observer
- wisemaan
