After spectating the Joeys VS Barker trial game today, here is a breif summary of the matches:
2ND XV:
Joeys 2ND XV looked solid taking home a convincing win over Barker. Boasting a full new squad, with no returning players, Joeys, had plenty of contributors from the ever successful 2024 U16. The forward pack was dominant, and the backline was all class as they ran riot on their opposition.
BEST:
1. Bryn Whittaker:
Having played his first game back since rowing, Whittaker looked solid all game, tackling fiercely and running the ball with great intent, leading to plenty of post contact metres. Despite his small frame, Whittaker's effort was paramount, and earned a run on in the 1st XV in the second half.
2. Finn Leary:
Showing his versatility, Leary proved he play Flanker, as well as his dominant position last year, hooker. His strength in his defense and offense was on full display, earning him solid minutes in the 1sts.
3. Sam Jorgensen:
Hardly stepped a foot wrong all game, Jorgenson showed he can set up tries with simple and sophisticated passes, as well as his usual aggression when running the ball. Jorgenson was impossible to tackle, making a break every time he ran it.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
Rory O'Connor looked strong, moving well and a good clearance kick. Year 10 Finn Hannon also looked solid leading an opens team, scoring a simple support try in the first half. Henry Gardiner was great early as per, as he made linebreak after linebreak showing his speed and strength, terrorising his opposition winger.
IN THE FIRING LINE:
No one as of yet.
1STS XV:
Joeys just weren't good enough today in their close loss to Barker in a 29-38 scoreline. Despite the fight shown from the young guns in the second half with some impressive performances, it was the senior players who dissapointed, particularly early, as joeys were getting dominated in the first half, even with ALMOST their full strength team, missing only Tom Dunn, who at this point isn't even a lock on the wing. Unfortunately for Joeys, Cooper Green, second row, went down with a foot concern early in the first half, stripping Joeys of his lineout talent and overall size in the forward pack that for the most part struggled today.
BEST:
1. Kynan Hart:
Kynan being a senior player in the side, returning for his 3rd year, was one of the only senior Joeys boys that showed up today. Hart was impressive, with his ball running posing a major threat to his opposition centres, who after tackle attempts, were left on their backside. hart defense for the most part was solid as well.
2. Julian Minto:
Scoring 3 tries and setting up one as a year 10, Minto provided offensive spark for the cerise and blue, displaying his electrying pace and fancy footwork, leaving defenders in his path. Minto held his width well and was on the end of two Bede Fogarty cross field kicks, to go over, including one where he caught the ball, put on a mesmorising step, and scored in the corner. Minto also had a strong defensive presence putting on a big hit late in the game.
3. Bede Fogarty:
Fogarty had plenty of offensive output today, assisting 3 tries, as well as showcasing his pace, passing, footwork and footskills, factors that are going to see him be a major threat throughout the season. His cross field kick to Minto in the first half was, no exaggeration, perfect, as well as an offload to Beckectt to see him go over. He should hold his head up high, great performance.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
Year 10 Eddie Garcia Wood, was solid, and didnt look phased in the older age group. Captain Justice T was also solid, but not up to his highest standards.
IN THE FIRING LINE:
The Joeys Lineout struggled today as there main man Green went down in the first half.
Charlie Ghattas was not up to his usual best, however the best hooker in the GPS, was off the back of an injury in the hip and was pushing through the pain.
The likes of Max Palmisani and Matthew Gough, returning players from last years 1st XV were quiet today, and will be no doubt looking to return to their brilliant best after the holiday break.
Henry Troy getting a yellow card did not help his case for a wing spot in the 1sts, but when on the field, Troy was sharp, displaying his speed and agility that he showcased last year in the 1s and 2s.
