Kings v Riverview
by “factanonverba”
On an uncharacteristically warm and balmy afternoon the two blue and white teams, neither in premiership contention, faced off after an unusual day of only Kings’ teams versus View teams in all grades.
Expectations were high but by halftime many spectators must have been considering whether a day at the beach may have been more beneficial.
First half
The first half was a dour affair with neither pack asserting themselves and multiple errors from both teams thwarting their attacks. View failed to capitalise on the occasionally strong breeze behind their backs and their backline, led by flyhalf Jack McGregor, was nullified by the Kings defence and unforced errors.
Eventually, View scored from the weight of possession and good field positions. McGregor’s poor recent goal kicking was forgotten as he slotted the conversion. Kings responded when no.8 Dylan Pietsch scored an unconverted try; then McGregor finished the half with a penalty goal.
Spectators wandered around looking for sunscreen and re-hydration, hoping for better rugby in the second stanza.
Half time score: Riverview 10 – Kings 5.
Second half
The game opened up in the second half as the heat and injuries took their toll.
View replaced three forwards and their previously dominant scrum suffered as did their lineouts. It was an even contest for the first 20 minutes but The Kings boys took the game through their outside backs – the Orpen brothers, Stubbs and Millar – cracking the Iggies defence.
Number 8 Pietsch finished off some brilliant open rugby initiated by Rhys Millar to score. Nicholas Stubbs also crossed out wide.
The only highlight for View was a barnstorming try to Michael Fenn, adjacent to the posts, after incisive running through the ruck by Charlie Rorke backed up by replacement Nicholas Tracey.
View had their opportunities but forward passes, poor kicking, turnovers and last-line defence from Kings stopped them in their tracks. The Kings’ boys however made more of their opportunities and finished with a convincing victory.
Final score: Kings 33 – Riverview 17
Scoring
Kings 33 (D. Pietsch 2, N. Brown, N. Stubbs, C. Orpen tries; C. Orpen 3, N. Stubbs 4 cons) def. Riverview 17 (M. Fenn, W. Terry tries; J. McGregor 2 cons, pen)
Photos of Kings v Riverview by “factanonverba”
