GPS 2nd XV 36 – CAS 2nd XV 17
by “rod skellet”
In the lead-up to the main game, the run-on teams looked evenly-sized although the front row of the GPS looked heavier than the CAS combination. Would it matter?
First half
From the kick off GPS gained possession and were it not for some dominant tackling by CAS no. 8 and captain, Simon Purcell, the GPS boys would have been deep in CAS territory. Simple CAS errors such as not finding touch with penalty kicks gifted possession and territory to the well-drilled and highly-skilled GPS team.
Two tightheads in quick succession to the GPS scrum had CAS on the defensive and if it were not for several knock-ons by GPS backs, the scoreboard attendant would have been busy earlier.
Pressure eventually told and GPS 15 Tim Clements opened the scoring with a try from a simple through-the-hands backline move about 15 minutes in.
The GPS boys regained possession from the kick-off and large winger Tyron Taukamo made simple work of his opposite number with a powerful palm off, then passed inside to 6 Dylan Pietsch, backing up, for the second GPS try. Taukamo converted Pietsch try and GPS led 12-nil.
The GPS front row of Jacob Storey, Dylan Woods and Teu Atiola were killing the new CAS front row combination and after the fifth tight head to the GPS boys, the CAS coach pulled his front three off and sent on Nguyen, Filipo and Barakat from the reserves bench. It paid immediate dividends, and with a stable platform at scrum time the CAS lads got some choice ball.
Retaining possession and keeping it tight CAS edged into GPS territory with the ball to have a commanding period of play. A penalty and the ensuing lineout had the CAS forwards pressuring the GPS line and eventually Simon Purcell crashed over wide out for a deserved try just before oranges.
Half-time score: GPS 12 – CAS 5
Second half
After the break the GPS lads started perfectly when they regained possession from a CAS fumble and were well inside the enemy 22. After getting quick ball from halfback Matt Long , rampaging no. 8 Nathan Lawson crashed over the opposing half back for an easy try.
With the extras the score was 19-5 to GPS and the game was looking a bit too easy for them.
But CAS were not done and they hit back after some uncharacteristically sloppy GPS backline passing. Purcell capitalised on the turnover ball to score his second try of the night, eight minutes after the break. The conversion went wide and now GPS led by only 19-10.
CAS made some changes, which on paper looked sound, with Tyzac Jordan on for Robert Siteine at flyhalf and David Stenning on for Leon Bosch, to make an all-Waverley backline with the exception of fullback and halfback.
But the combination did not click defensively and the hard-running GPS midfield of 12 Nick Wilkinson and 13 James Hawkins ran through for an easy GPS try and they were now up 24-10
Another strong run by big GPS winger Taukamo, and his punishing fend applied to his opposing winger, set up a second routine try for Clements. This blew the score out to 29-10 for GPS.
The GPS lads were unlucky not to score again when they broke out from their 22 and hooker Dylan Woods made a exciting break (see photo above) and the CAS backs had trouble catching him—but the ball was knocked on near the CAS goal line.
The CAS regrouped and an immediate impact was made when replacement halfback Wigglesworth zipped down the blindside for a 30-metre run, passed to the supporting Purcell, who dished the final pass to replacement fullback Stenning.
How the Knox boys in the crowd cheered one of their own scoring the best try of the game. With the extras the scorebord registered GPS 29 – CAS 17—not so one-sided.
But the GPS lads had the final say as the clock ticked down and the dominant GPS centre pairing teamed up again to break the CAS first line of defence to stroll over for another easy but well-deserved try.
Final score: GPS 34 – CAS 17
The players
Best for GPS
1. Jacob Storey, 6. Dylan Pietsch, 12. Nick Wilkinson, 13. James Hawkins, 14. Tyron Taukamo
Best for CAS
8. Simon Purcell
Honourable mention to the replacement CAS front row for making a game of it, and scrummie Adam Wigglesworth who added some spark in the last 20 minutes to a well-beaten CAS backline.
NSW Schools watch
GPS
Jacob Storey (THP) had a top game and was dominant all night, and Tyron Taukamo had size and a big fend that made him hard to stop.
CAS
Simon Purcell almost single-handedly kept CAS in the game. Strong at the tackle and all over the park had him as the pick of the forwards from both teams.
Click on Page 3 below for a report on GPS White v. GPS Blue
