Match Report for Newington (NC) vs Toowoomba Grammar School (TGS)
Score: Newington 29 – Toowoomba Grammar School 12
Try Scorers: Mannix, Kennewell, McKay, Gilfedder, Loga-Tarogi.
Conversions: Kuenzle 2/5
Newington took to the field with their new black jerseys, and a formidable lineup, similar to that of the Premiership side of 2012. The game started with TGS kicking off to a sizeable Newington team, who as a matter of fact, actually appeared to be dwarfed by the Grammar team. For the first ten minutes, the boys from Stanmore were put under the pump with a vicious onslaught from Grammar’s forwards and backs, with a talented number 9 providing clean ball all day. Finally Newington got their break when Simon Kennewell (13), gifted the side with a much needed penalty, forcing the referee to blow his whistle, after a Grammar player failed to release the ball. Touch was found off the boot of Bayley Kuenzle (10), however a poor line out gave Grammar the ball back. This was much the tone for the first 10 minutes, with multiple phases building pressure on Newington’s line, however an impressive defense, made it impossible for Grammar to capitalize. The break through came when Max McKay (7), pilfered the ball and made a strong incisive run. From this point on it was a dominant, well-structured Newington attack, gaining territory on every run. Soon after this, Kuenzle spotted space on the right side and impressive handling from the forwards saw big young Tyrone Taukamo (11) in space. He tip toed down the touch line and pulled off a rugby league-esque offload to smart supporting forward Charlie Mannix (4), who crashed over the line for the first try of the match. Kuenzle slotted it in from out wide to take the score to 7-0.
Newington exited well off the kickoff and an overthrow in the line out on half way saw Newington make their way up field, with strong runs through the forwards setting a clean platform for Matt Long (9) to scoot and slice through. After an interchange of passing, Mannix found Nathan Lawson (8) who toed it through for Kennewell to touch down. Kuenzle continued his fine kicking form slotting the kick from the left hand touchline to take the score to 14-0.
A poor kick off led to a centerfield scrum for Newington, who on the day did end up being the dominant scrumming side, and with another successful scrum, Kennewell made his way downfield shaking off defenders. After the ensuing ruck on the 22m, the ball was spread through the hands again and Sepesa Loga-Tarogi (15) broke the first tackle to offload to Taukamo, who outpaced the cover defense and passed it back in to McKay who was rewarded with a typical supportive flankers try. The kick was pulled and the score sat at 19-0.
Newington received the kick off trouble free, with Lawson taking up the ball. Although being in good territory, Newington succumbed to a few phases of scrappy play, with Grammar recognizing this and pushing them back onto their line. However Newington were once again given a break, with a penalty blown, and touch found. For the next 10 minutes, play was centered around the middle of the field with both teams having opportunities with the ball, but none capitalizing. Finally, with five minutes in the half to go, Long presented Kennewell with a long ball, who took on four defenders to crash over the line, although being held up, Sam Gilfedder (14) was there supporting, and so pick and drove to dive over the line for a try. Kuenzle was unsuccessful with the kick, with the score now 24-0. Only minutes later the halftime whistle rung.
The second half started off with impressive structure and fluidity from Grammar, with them being able to string together multiple phases. A lack in defense meant that the Grammar 13 was able to break through and reach the line, stopped by a gutsy tackle from Cameron Murray (12). Although on Newington’s line for a couple of minutes, Grammar was unable to score. Having said that, Grammar did keep Newington inside their 50m for the next 10 minutes, and with this, the long awaited try came from a maul. The conversion was successful, and the score was now 24-7.
Minutes later Grammar scored again. A handling error from Newington led to a scrum right on the 22m, and with some flashy skill from TGS’s 10, their swift 12 went over the line to take the score to 24-12. The conversion was unsuccessful, and the score remained the same.
The score stayed the same for the next 15 minutes, with both sides receiving the ball. However, Newington did noticeably hold them back in their half for the majority of this period, and finally a late try came from Sepesa Loga-Tarogi, receiving a clean ball from Kuenzle, and then putting on the footwork to score down the side line. The kick was unsuccessful, and the score remained at 29-12, and did so until the conclusion of the match, which was only a few minutes later.
3 points – Simon Kennewell (13) – Quick and aggressive, a senior player that cements the team well together
2 points – Matt Long (9) – Providing clean ball all day, and good vision.
1 point – Max McKay (7) – Agile and effective at the breakdown.
A solid win from Newington, which was delivered due to some well structured rugby and good communication amongst the whole team. Definitely a side to look out for come the GPS Rounds.
Many thanks,
MDM