Apologies for the lateness of the post. This is my first go at this, so i will try and be as detailed as possible in my view, given the lack of a detailed report from the Scots v Kings game on the weekend.
Scots started very slowly and that set about letting Kings race wide off some quick turnover ball for the red headed fullback to slide accross in the far corner, all in all a greatsweeping backline try, that he then backed up by thumping it over form the sideline!
Unfortunately for Kings, that was about it for them, Scots put the hammer down so to speak and piled on a number of unanswered tries in the lead up to half time. After half time more of the same followed, with Kings eventually getting another consolation try, but Scots were just to good. Scots ability to backup and run in support as well as their willingness to run from everywhere and attack at all costs was brilliant to watch. Kellaway off thrid phase play with his hands on the ball sliding at a tired defense is great to watch, and the scots back row running their lines through the midfield will be a nightmare for all centre pairings this season, as they had a field day with the poor Kings boys.
A couple of notes from the game:
- Scots looked rusty, as if this was their first real hit out for the full 70 minutes, although, their support play was sublime, with the Scots 12 (starkey) scoring off a break by the scots 2 who did 90% of the work before offloading the ball.
- Kellaway at 10 works but at the same time it doesnt. His defensive work was huge, with no breaks coming for Kings in the 9-10 channel, however, his attack was noticeably tired as a result. Would be lovely to see him out wide again rather then distributing the ball. Starkey did most of the distributing and did it with style, Kellaway only doing bits of the first reciever stuff.
- Winger Crafts for Scots was electric, and talk about speed! Scored one down the sideline and scored again on the bell with a league style leap of faith into the corner. Was rock solid in defense too, and based on his performance you would have to think he is a shot at higher honours.
- The Scots forwards were solid as a rock and did not allow Kings much space to move. The big difference were the locks and back row. 2nd rowers for Scots were everywhere, one of them a big unit bending the line every time he ran, the other one a slightly skinnier, but more athletic one who took one of the most majestic kickoffs being lifted by his props at full flight and taking the high ball overhead. Both locks for Scots were exceptional, with the 4 maybe getting the nod over the 5 (sorry have no names for you).
- Scots hooker was everywhere and shared the midfield runnign duties with Dunbar and Kamp and made a couple of huge breaks leading to runaway tries. Plays as a 4th backrower, and plays it well!
- The back row for Scots were led by Dunbar and Kamp, Crichton was a tad quiet. Dunbar stepped up and IMO outplayed McCalman (if only just as McCalman was by far and away Kings best forward), the kids work rate is phenomenal, and has a cracker running game through the midfield. Kamp hits hard! Would not want to be on the receiving end when runs!
- Scots backs otherwise quiet, but even in the wet played wide and expansive, their half (short) doesn't run much but god he gives a sweet, fast pass. For a half playing in wet conditions his service was top rate, which i suppose allowed the backs to shine on a day that was probably built for the forwards.
For Kings:
- Centre 12 was their only shining light in the backs. Made some bustling big runs and was really the only one giving it a solid go. The rest of the back seither looked to kcik or shovell the ball on with no real intent. He looks a series crash option (ah al Rob Horne/Nathan Grey style) and he does it really well! Would suit a strong backline with a ballplaying 13! unfortunately thats not what he ended up with on Saturday.
- Kings 10 vanished a bit, didnt look to run or test the line, only looked to pass. Really lacklsutre given the hype surrounding the represntative pedigree.
- Kings half tired, and as his backs got more disinterested, he stepped up trying to run it from the base and spark something. Defense was strong, but was no match for the constanat belting from Scots.
- McCalman worked hard, but i think was on the recieving end from the Scots open side, mostly i think due to the fact that Scots had the numbers in support and McCalman was really isolated on his own.
- No other standouts in the forwards from Kings, actually quite a poor performance from them all things considered.
Best for Scots: 4,5,6,7,14
Best for Kings: 7,9,12
Might seem a tad one sided, but unfortunately was one of those games where Scots were on top from the fifth minute until the seventyth.
Kings method of shovelling to 12 and trying to support will take a bit of modifying as i dont think it will go a terribly long way especially against the likes of the New centres. Scots looked a tad rusty and not quite gelled, so if they can really get their passes and movements sticking, should be a great higlights reel from the boys on the hill.
On a parting note, watched the last 15 of the 2nds game to, Kings trough everything at a desperate Scots defense. The no.1 for Scots (big Fijian/Islander) must have held up 3 or 4 kings kids (and then the subsequent maul) on his own. No idea if his workrate is up there but talk about strong
!!! I think the props from Scots will be watching over their shoulders!
Hope all the young blokes out there have a top weekend at the State Champs, and best of luck to both teams for the season ahead.
