Was down at the GPS vs Easts game yesterday, was a very entertaining game of footy from two sides very good sides. In the set piece I thought it was a split decision with Easts probably getting the better of GPS at scrum time with Paraka particularly dominant. GPS controlled line out time with the young Toolis twins creating all sorts of headaches for the Tigers both offensively and defensively in the air. Both lads are playing some outstanding footy at the moment and hopefully as their bodies mature and add a bit of bulk to their frames they may get a chance at the next level.
Where Jeeps, got the better of the Tigers in the engine room was when the Gallopers forwards work with their ball carries whether it was in tight or through a little bit of tipping before the line in tandem with their backs, in my opinion that is where the game was won with the sometimes penalty prone Liam Ferguson turning back the clock with a fine all round display.
I thought Matty Brandon had a fairly quiet game today by his standards but he still managed to put the dangerous Toby White through some holes that if it not were for some desperate GPS covering defence would have scored. If White is the best 13 in Premier rugby than young Kerevi, the official man of the match has the potential to be as good or better judging from his performance today. I don't think he is quite up to Toby's level yet but the flashes of brilliance he showed today especially via the no look flick pass that set up the sweeping Ferguson try was freakish, and hints at some good things to come in the future by talented Fijian.
The Easts cause was not helped with the mixed bag Toua produced as well as Seuteni's injury sustained by an alleged shoulder charge by GPS prop P.Kite, that ultimately cost Kite 10 in the bin and Seuteni sitting out a crucial time in the first half just as Easts were beginning to claw their way back into the match.
Although I thought GPS were better today in general play, there is still a disjoint at 9 with Grasso for mine. I think he has some good tools no doubt, I just found he made a few wrong choices when hot in attack and also some poor passes marching up field in attack either going to ground or behind the man. Hopefully, its just a matter of getting accustomed to playing at a new club and the team getting used to his style. I also think that although McWhirter did a solid job, (B. Tuqiri included) fitness permitting and after some solid game time in Reserves getting up a bit of match fitness Milne will eventually occupy the 10 jersey later in the year with his big boot and assured passing the best of the 10's at the club.
I thought Ready and Parry were a constant menace at the breakdown bordering on the legal parameters of the game at times but fair play to both lads, they did everything they could to slow down GPS ball today, and demanded some special attention.
All in all was a great game of rugby played by two very good sides, special mention to the Easts club for the atmosphere they put on each time my beloved Gallopers go down to Coorparoo, it's always a fun day with plenty of things for the kids to do, cold brews and a loud passionate home crowd to ark up any over sensitive visitors from across the bridge during the game all for the love of the club you may (or may not) barack for, all in good fun just the way it should be on a Saturday arvo at the footy. Cheers to the Tigers for a great day, hopefully we host as well you guys on the return fixture down at Yoku.