Riverview v Shore
by “Byron Williamson”
The clouds dispersed and the (somewhat well-tasting) meat pies were served for what promised to be a great game of running rugby. Shore, only winning two of their last 31 1st XV matches, were desperate for that first win, and View were trying to get back in the winner’s circle.
First half
After a scrappy start to the game, Riverview had the majority of the possession and exerted their dominance from the outset. Close to the line several times, their hard work eventually paid off with 9 Josh Noonan going blind on a five-metre scrum and scoring virtually untouched. Conversion (just) unsuccessful, 5-0 to View.
Riverview continued to have the better of the running, with No. 2 Jake Hedge from Shore having to spend ten minutes in the bin for what looked like a professional foul. With the front row in all sorts, the View pack dominated in the scrums, which led to a simple forward running try to Riverview’s 2 Alex Hamilton. The extras made the score to 12-0.
The period that followed was mundane, with mistakes from both sides. Shore started to assert themselves in the lineouts, with leadership from captain, No. 8 Fergus Bragg obvious. However, they failed to maintain pressure and after a Riverview break Noonan crossed again. After the conversion View led 19-0.
Devastating runs from View forwards 5 Michael Fenn and 6 Charlie Rorke opened up big holes, yet Shore didn’t concede points again before the break. Feisty 7 Ben Reader and skipper Fergus Bragg were standouts in the Shore defence .
Half-time score: Riverview 19 – Shore 0.
Second half
Despite being in a bit of pain, Jack McGregor, with 12 Oliver Smeallie, began making inroads in the Shore centres, with one break leading to Hamilton’s second try of the game.The extras made the score 26-0 to View.
Riverview’s confidence was evident, and strong clean outs and runs from No. 4 Xavier Fitzpatrick led to many gains being made, and 15 Conor Hurley crossing over. The McGregor conversion was successful again and View led 33-0.
Then, after some good phases, 13 Lockie Patrick crossed the line for Shore with some good footwork – and 12 Max Sinclair made the score 33-7 with the extras.
After benefitting from a fine pass to him, View 11 Tom O’Reilly, gave his signature palm off on the opposing player, and scored in the corner; this increased the lead to 38-7.
With an unassailable lead Aussie Schools no. 10 McGregor, was benched, perhaps with a groin niggle, and perhaps also it was just precautionary. .
No. 13 William Terry who had one of his best games of the season, scored near the posts. Substitute fly-half Lenehan, converted for a scoreline of 45-7 to View.
But Shore never gave up and nearly scored the last try when Sinclair made good metres, but the View defence remained strong and the game was over.
Final score: Riverview 45 – Shore 7
The players
Riverview
3 Points – Josh Noonan – easily his best game of the season, scoring two of his own and setting up another. Led the team well with McGregor off and his decisions proved vital for View’s big win.
2 Points – The front rowers Hamilton and Morrison – provided hard hitting runs and a solid scrum to lay the framework for a dominant all round game for Riverview. Hamilton scored twice himself, and Morrison caused damage with runs up the middle.
1 Point – McGregor and Terry – are proving to be a dynamic duo because, the leadership of McGregor is starting to rub off on Terry, who will take over this team next year. Both have good pace and ability to use the ball; they were instrumental in several tries and Terry was able to bag one of his own.
Shore
3 Points – Ben Reader – has gone largely unnoticed this year, but against View he was a menace in the rucks coming away with several steals, and providing some much needed possession to Shore. The rest of the team should admire his defence and work ethic.
2 Points – Fergus Bragg – a captain’s knock, good overall leadership and had his moments.
1 Point – Lachie Patrick – the stand-out in the backs, a few shining runs where his speed was highlighted, could possibly be moved to fly-half to get some more ball.
Scoring
Riverview 45 ( J. Noonan 2, A. Hamilton 2, C. Hurley, T. O’Reilly, W. Terry tries; J. McGregor 4, T. Lenehan cons.) def. Shore 7 (L. Patrick try; M. Sinclair con.)
Photos of Riverview v Shore provided by “Cross Photography” (as mentioned) – others by “factanonverba”. Thank you
Click on Page 3 below for a report on Newington v Kings by “rugbycheersquad”
