Scots v Kings
by “Crackerjack”
Some of the pundits and prognosticators had flagged this as a “danger game” for Scots, but it ended up as a comfortable enough win for them over Kings, with a late flurry flattering the hosts somewhat. The impressive pre-season trial win to the Kings boys, counted for nought today.
First half
A champagne day invited bubbly rugby, but it was a stolid opening instead from both teams.
Kings sought points but missed early penalty attempts, and Scots made them pay when, after fine lead-up work in close from the forwards and halfback Strang, James Hawkins (13) crashed over next to Kings’ posts for Scots’ first try. Converted and Scots up 7-0.
The Kings’ centre pairing of Matt Orpen (12) and Nick Stubbs (13) orchestrated much of the go-forward yardage for the visitors, but the Scots’ three-quarters held firm. Apart from the solid defence on show, the attacking flow of both sides was compromised by regular knock-ons and lost-ahead calls.
Scots’ version of the ‘Eveready bunny’, Charlie Smith (7), livened up the noticeably subdued home crowd with a mid-field burst of speed, a dab kick ahead, and a shuffle out to Dan England (12) loitering in support. England missed converting his own try but Scots were ahead 12-0.
Kings’ penalty calls down in Scots territory changed from attempting penalty goals to their fullback Rhys Millar (15) kicking deep into the corners to set up attacking line-outs for the visitors. No.8, Dylan Pietsch, charged through one of them and careered over the stripe barely touched. Kings back in it 12-5.
In the shadow of half-time, Scots replied when flyhalf Dylan McLachlan (10), sweetly timed a pass which popped left-wing Jake Prindiville (11) into space to sprint to the line. Ryan McCauley (5) took over kicking duties from England and converted.
Half-time score: Scots 19 – Kings 5
Second half
Kings had the aid of the northerly breeze after the break, but Prindiville (11) of Scots found his 2014 try-scoring mojo. A two-man cut-out from England (12) close to the line, and Prindiville dived in the left corner. Scots ahead 24-5.
Scots looked comfortable, or comfortable enough, when Charlie Smith got binned for ‘doing a Richie McCaw’ having a nice quiet lie down in the ruck with Kings deep in attack. Despite that, the Scots defensive line was holding well, with some notable big hit tackles by their No.8, George Miller.
Smith came back on, but Scots seemed to like playing with only 14 men as moments later, Dan England was carded (though I couldn’t pick up referee Wayne Barne’s call, just the bright yellow and England departing).
Kings persistence paid off when fleet-footed Dylan Pietsch (8) put half a goose-step on a tiring Nick Zylstra (3), and Pietsch went over for his second to cut the deficit back to 24-12.
With five minutes to go, one of Kings’ best, Orpen (12), limped off with an injury.
Close to full time Dylan Woods (2), one of the quickest hookers in the comp, showed a clean pair of heels and a big set of lungs when he streaked 60 metres to score out wide, outlasting both the Kings’ 10 (Poletto) in cover and referee Barnes. Scots out of danger at 29-12.
Dan England (12) returned to the field with seconds left, but that was all the time he needed to put a big hit on his opposite, turning Scots’ defence into attack. Jake Prindiville (11) pinned his ears back again for a runaway converted third try for the day to end proceedings.
Full-time score: Scots 36 def Kings 12.
Best players
Kings – Dylan Pietsch (8), Matt Orpen (12) and Joey Skelly (5).
Scots – George Miller (8), Theo Strang (9), Dan England (12) (despite the yellow), and James Hawkins (13).
Wrap-up
Scots will be pleased to get the win in a fairly stop-start affair.
Two tries scored in the last minute of regulation had the final margin being a touch flattering to the hosts, but their forwards did an excellent job setting a platform and their classy backline executed well.
Kings toiled hard all day, but they lacked a play-maker who could crack the game open in the face of the solid Scots’ defence. Scots playing away next week against top-of-the-table Newington will be quite a different scenario.
Scoring
Scots 36 (J. Prindiville 3, J. Hawkins, D. England, D. Woods tries; McCauley 2, England cons) bt. Kings 12 (D. Pietsch 2 tries; D. Poletto con)
Click on Page 3 below for report on Joeys v Shore by “Lee Grant”
