Earlier games
The opening matches involved teams from AICES, CCC, ISA and CAS
ISA II 47 – AICES 20
In the first game of the day the ISA team was too athletic and fit for AICES and spent a long time in their opponent’s half. They handled the drizzly conditions well, transferred the wet ball with some surety and were able to send wave after wave of players against their opponents.
AICES did well to limit the score to what it was with sheer grit, but they were caught out too often by inside runners close to the ruck.
There wasn’t a lot of joy for the AICES crowd because their lads couldn’t handle the wet ball early, but they roared with approval when impressive winger Isaac Rabuatoka scored a double.
There was a funny moment before bulky ISA flyhalf Jack Ongosio finished the scoring with a try between the sticks, because one of his team mates appeared to plant the ball over the line beforehand—but it was a line on the soccer field.
Seven tries to three was a good reflection of the merits of the two teams.
The players
For ISA scrumhalf Joshua Oxley was a handful and scored a nice try, hooker Samuel Thomas did well in the tight and the loose, and no. 8 Tony Rumore had some bullocking runs.
The most noticeable player for AICES was Rabuatoka, just mentioned.
CCC 22 – CAS II 12
by “Anonymous Al”
The teams for the second game were evenly matched and it made for an entertaining game. CCC looked more competitive than in other years and perhaps the demise of the Country team had something to do with it.
First half
There was no scoring for a while and there were only ten minutes left in the half when CAS flyhalf Tyzac Jordan worked a nice run-around in the CCC 22 with 12 Sam Lawson; then 15 Brad Caddy made ground, and from the ruck 6 Josh Kemeny scored.
That was all the scoring before oranges. Half-time score: CAS 5 – CCC 0.
Second half
Soon after the break CCC 15 Patrick Pelligini split the defence and scored after good phase play from half way; but the easy conversion missed and the score was tied at 5-5.
All the second half play had been in the CAS half but when they got a turn in CCC territory Simon Purcell scored for CAS from a rolling maul. With the extras CAS lead 12-5.
But CCC were not fazed and there was lots of time; so Pelligrini took points with a penalty goal: 12-8 to CAS.
Their next score was more exciting when reserve back Josh Pele flashed up the touchline and Pelligrini was involved again, backing up and continuing the attack. Just as he looked like a ball-hog he passed sweetly to CCC no.8 Jonathan Chapman to score a top try.
CCC 15 – CAS 12. Both sides had opportunities but it was CCC that was taking them and they led for the first time with about 15 minutes remaining.
One felt that CAS had to be next to score but CCC looked stronger and they had the vibe. They caught CAS out with a false call five minutes later and 9 Jamieson Williams scored the five-pointer soon to be seven. CCC 22-12
With not long to go and ten points behind, Jordan, reserve scrummie Butler and winger Mohi combined with some skilful play to pressure the CCC line.
But it was too little too late because it was CCC who had kept the pressure on by more accurate play in the second half. They deserved their win and three tries to two was a fair assessment of the merits of the teams.
For CCC scrumhalf Jamieson Williams and fullback Patrick Pelligrini were the glue that held this fine CCC effort together.
