Quick Hands
David Wilson (68)
I might have missed it, but did anyone get a result and/or score from Riverview 3s v High?
My observations from the King's v Scots game concur with yours Brian in respect to their LHP and I can't understand why the referees and their assistants don't enforce the scrum laws as they are meant to. In simple terms a LHP can't constantly place their left hand on the ground prior to the engage and push forward off it. They are also required to secure a bind on their opposing prop's upper back or rear shoulder at the engage not leave their left arm by their own side. The engagement must also be at the horizontal not pushing upwards leveraging off your left arm placed on your own thigh or hip rather than bound onto your opponent as the scrummaging laws dictate. It's bloody dangerous as well as is the tactic I witnessed yesterday where the Newiington props were constantly knocking down the binds of their opponents.Thirdly, Yes the scrum was bigger to a man, but unless someone educates the LHP for Scots, he will come up against a couple of very serious men in Newington and Joeys. The back five in the scrum more than compliment the front three. This was agreed on by more than one astute spectator.So as far as your views on this are negated by the absolute inability from your LHP to bind according to U19 scrum laws.
Do Scots still lose half of their 15s age group to Glengarry? If so, was Scots v Shore As against As? If the answer to both questions is 'yes', then a mighty effort from Scots and would indicate a weak age group at Shore.
Every referee in Australia should be made to watch a replay of the Lions V Reds match. On a slippery pitch with one scrum completely dominant NOT ONE SCRUM WAS RESET. Free kick, penalty or play on.Afternoon plans cancelled, so report is coming a tad early!
Where to begin.... well, Scots v Shore was always going to be an interesting affair, and it lived up to expectation. Shore did everything possible to throw Scots off their usually up tempo game and it worked to brilliant effect. Shore 10 Clancy looked in total control despite being behind a seriously battered pack, however his work along with his brother at the back wasn't quite enough.
That said, Scots backs had a ton of ball but couldn't capitalise. the Scots 12 and 13 had days to forget, dropping balls and tackles you would expect your 14b's to be making. Kellaway at 10 was again not terribly effective in terms of his control and distribution, however his imprint on the game was notable, with a try, a bag of goals and a stint on the sidelines for some sort of brain explosion (didn't see it, just saw him walk of steaming about something).
In that sense, Clancy had the better of the flyhalves battle, however Kellaway took the game on when it needed it and kicking as well as i have seen in ugly windy conditions.
The day however belonged to the Scots forwards, they were led brilliantly by Skipper Dunbar (7), Will Ridley (3) and Nick Kellaway (4). Kellaway dominated the lineout both on his own and opposition throw which bailed Scots out of a lot of problems, Dunbar was brilliant in lose play, as he was against Kings, and Ridley was immense at the breakdown, getting through a truck load of work! For Shore, their prop Streeter was very good as were the two flankers (names unsure). they worked tirelessly and created a million and one headaches.
Unfortunately for Shore, Scots were that bit to strong in the end, although Shore certainly unlocked the way to stop Scots momentum and used it to great effect. Rather then bore with another recount of the game (G&G bot's report was very good), ill leave my notes on the game:
Scots:
- Dunbar (7) and Kellaway(4) shone for Scots. Both worked tirelessly, and were probably the difference on the day. This is two weeks in a row they have been standouts. Kellaway's skills in the air are brilliant! Dunbar in the loose is just as brilliant.
- Prop Ridley (3) had a great game and was into everything, and the big loose head (1 - no name) was the big unit from the seconds last week who obviously stood out to the coaches as well. Not his best game, but am sure he has more to offer.
- The return of Crichton (8), he was back and busling in the midfield this week. great to see the big man hitting the line like a freight train! Needs to maintain this form and involvement later in the season.
- Scots scrum was huge! they massacred shore repeatedly. Jaghound mentioned the refereeing and is probably right, it should never have gone as far or as long as it did, but Shore were hammered scrum after scrum, and you had to feel sorry for them. The Scots tight 5 owned the scrum!
- Scots half Short (9) was again very strong, has such a lovely clean pass. Is a pleasure to watch service like that, shame the Scots backs couldn't capitalise.
- Scots wingers were both quiet, however was hard with little ball making it out wide.
- Must mention that Scots lost fullback Styles (15) and Flanker Kamp (6) both to nasty head knocks early in the first half which made life tough, however replacement winger (no idea what his name) worked hard to find the ball and make meters, a solid show off the bench.
Shore:
- Clancy (10) plays with serious class and control. Looked to put the ball behind the scots backs and worked his team with great effect.
- His brother at the back plays with the same style and is a pleasure to watch. When the twins combine, the ball slides so effortlessly.
- The shore backs got up and dirty with the Scots backs and it unsettled them big time. The Scots boys had the size and probably the speed, but Shore were very well drilled and did a great job to contain them. the 13 in particular did very well and shutting down alot of wide play.
- The Shore forwads got hammered. No two ways about it, they simply had no answer at the set piece, and also at the breakdown. The two flankers tried all day, but them aside, there was a big gap in play. Scots inability to play with discipline saved the scoreline IMO.
- Shore 9 had a tough day behind a backward moving pack, but otherwise played pretty well, certainly gives Clancy nice ball which allows him time and space.
- Shore will find it tough against the bigger sides, as their forwards were not up to the task unfortunately, they will need some serious scrum work to compete against new!.
The Referee:
- He was horribly! How many times can you reset a scrum, the answer apparently endless. Not one scrum for the whole game was set once, multiple re-sets every time, before issuing a penalty. His decision making was horribly off, as were his assistants, including one howler, where a Shore player slaughtered the Scots hooker off the kickoff with a perfectly timed tackle, only to have the assistant stick his beak in and award a penalty for a perfectly legal tackle.
By no stretch am i saying that Scots or Shore were little angels, however the Ref was horrible, and needs to go and read his rule book i would suggest.
All in all a pretty disappointing game, the handling was miserable, from Scots especially and both teams will need a huge boot up the backside if they are to seriously match it against the New, View and Joeys sides.
A big congratulations to the boys who made GPS sides. A just reward for some very hard work, and a very strong 1's and 2's side picked, will be great watching this week.
15 A's Scots V Shore last minutesYes, and yes.
From what I've seen (admittedly only a little) I don't think it's necessarily a weak group at Shore, they have some strong players, as do Scots. In this game from what I hear, Scots determination paid off in the second half.
11 of 1sts from either Scots or Newington is probably a good reflection of GPS form with both teams having an unbeaten start to their seasons. From what I've seen in the first two rounds they are both very big and quick all around the park and very well drilled, Scots in particular. This will serve both GPS and NSW Schools very well in the upcoming rep season.
Very surprised that Rory Davis is not ranked in the top three GPS halfbacks and am very disappointed for him as he has been a shining light for Kings in their four games this year. James Kane was also perhaps worthy of a spot in at least the 3rds even if on the wing rather than fullback. Ranking Jack McCalman below Dunbar and Morris is a travesty and ill conceived. They are both fine players but are not in McCalman's class. He will be in the NSW Schools 1's.
Also surprised that Kellaway was chosen as captain when Dunbar is Scots captain. Cannell would have been my choice followed by Sandell.
I'd have Hutchison at wing in front of Robinson, or even into outside centre and Taane at wing. The kid is an absolute machine, doesn't miss tackles and breaks the line at every single touch.
Scrumhalf Mike Kennedy dominated Lussick when New played View and as I've said before, Lussick couldn't even pass left to right, something that one would assume is a prerequisite for GPS 1sts, let alone halfback.
Would also have considered Nathan Kelly or Hosea Fotukava (both GPS 3rds 2012) for the front row, outplaying the chosen Newington boys, especially Serhon.
As you said, Mete was shoved off Robinson twice yesterday, but he'd arguably be the quickest person in GPS, and weighing upwards of 90kg, he has shown to be very difficult to tackle. Im not saying GPS 1's, but he has played far better than Oldham and Kennewell who were picked above him.
I cannot fathom why Andrew Kellaway is GPS captain. He certainly has earnt his selection after his past 2 seasons BUT. .... yesterday he stupidly tried to show all and sundry that he is BIG & GOOD. He showed his team mates and those of the sideline how to rub the head of opposing players into the ground, then capped it off being sent off for misconduct by throwing ball at head of player after the whistle. This, IMHO is certainly not the desired behaviour of our GPS 1st XV captain!That said, Scots backs had a ton of ball but couldn't capitalise. Kellaway at 10 was again not terribly effective in terms of his control and distribution, however his imprint on the game was notable, with a try, a bag of goals and a stint on the sidelines for some sort of brain explosion (didn't see it, just saw him walk of steaming about something).
.
This has been commented on by a number of posters, and I also noticed that Newington played hardly any trials compared to the other schools. Perhaps they've got it right and are conscious of the longer season brought on by 2 rounds.Lets not loose sight of the New v View score line and the fact New mised a few goals and are well underdone.
Mete was shoved off Robinson twice yesterday, but he'd arguably be the quickest person in GPS, and weighing upwards of 90kg, he has shown to be very difficult to tackle. Im not saying GPS 1's, but he has played far better than Oldham and Kennewell who were picked above him.
Didn't K. Beale of Joeys achieve selection in GPS 1sts 3 years in a row without Pathways?Great insight GS. Can't remember the last time a GPS side boasted 3 current AUS schoolboys, and an AUS A player as well, is going to be a cracker watching Clancy unleash the big boys outside him.
In answer to your question footy king, there was a year in the mid 2000's IIRC where joeys had 16 selected into GPS teams, with the seconds halfback being picked up in the GPS 2nds. Around the kurtley Beale era.
Am out for the Agternoon, will post some notes from the shore v scots clash yesterday at some stage tomorrow.
Congratulations to all of the boys selected int the GPS teams this weekend, a huge honour and you will no doubt do yourselves proud! Also a congratulations to Andrew kellaway and Andrew Deegan on their third year of GPS selection. I can't recall this ever happening before without the use of pathways! A phenomenal achievement from both boys. Best of luck in their games this week!
Didn't K. Beale of Joeys achieve selection in GPS 1sts 3 years in a row without Pathways?
From memory Joeys wouldn't let Kurtley play GPS in year 10. He probably would have made it if he did play, however i cant be 100% certain if he did or didn't in year 10. He did play in 11 and 12 i think. Crichton is another who next year will cap 3 years of GPS representation.