King’s 37 — Riverview 26
by Chris Ng
In very hot conditions Riverview kicked off and a simple back line move of passing the ball saw centre Stageman put through a gap from 30 metres out to score untouched, in the second minute. The conversion by Freeman had Riverview leading 7-0.
For the next ten minutes errors became the ‘play of the day’ as each team tried to outdo each other in losing possession and trying to maintain pressure.
In the eleventh minute, King’s put their first try on the board when fly half Tulloch put centre Davies through a gap on halfway, then after a number of mauls, half Macqueen dived behind the forwards’ legs to score. Centre Friend was to have an unhappy day with the boot missing almost everything on offer and the conversion missed: Riverview led 7-5.
Three minutes later King’s flanker Black backed up a break by number 8 McCalman from 40 metres out. He received the ball near the sideline 20 metres out and forced his way inside the corner post for Kings to lead 10-7.
Common sense came into play on the 15th minute when the referee allowed both teams to have a drinks break due to the hot conditions.
In the 17th minute King’s forwards forced the Riverview team to be marching backwards and lock Lehmann picked up the ball five metres out and strolled over for a 15-7 View lead.
King’s had their fourth try after 21 minutes when McCalman made a huge break of 60 metres (he was having the time of his life scattering the Riverview defence at every opportunity) and then was involved in the next phase of play that saw hooker Reid stroll over. With Friend finally converting a try King’s were ahead 22-7.
For the balance of the first half Riverview was probably trying too hard to get back in the match, but failed to maintain pressure with loose play and lack of ball control. Close to half time Riverview full back Freeman appeared to have suffered an ankle injury as he needed medical treatment for an extended period and had to forego any conversion attempts later in the match.
At half time the score was 22-7 in King’s favour and Riverview appeared to be lacking motivation.
Second half
Riverview must have received some speech, as they came out firing after the break.
Almost from the resumption, the Riverview backs centre Molloy, full back Freeman and winger McKay let the ball do the talking from half way and McKay raced away from the King’s defence, to score. When flyhalf McGregor kicked the angled conversion, Riverview were trailing by 22-14.
Within three minutes, King’s were applying pressure ten metres out from the Riverview line when King’s tight head Lee was loitering in the backs and dropped the ball, which landed in Freeman’s hands. He quickly whipped the ball to McKay who raced away on a 90 metre scamper to score his second try. With McGregor converting again it was ‘game on’ with King’s just ahead 22-21.
King’s then applied the pressure at the crucial stage and regained control of the match in the ninth minute. After a series of forward rushes the ball was sent to centre Davies to run through a gap ten metres out for a try and a King’s 27-21 lead.
King’s continued to apply the pressure and in the 13th minute a series of rucks and mauls in prime Riverview real estate saw lock Black go over for his second try. King’s full back Kane successfully converted and King’s were leading 34-21 and were almost out of reach.
Kane kicked a penalty for King’s in the 20th minute which made the score 37-21, and the the gap worth more than two converted tries . The last points of the game went to Riverview lock Petterson in the 24th minute after Riverview received two penalties to get up the field. After a series of quick passes the big forward was in the right place to dot down for a final score of King’s 37 –Riverview 26.
Overall ten tries were scored in this entertaining match.
Riverview were looking to be early 2014 favourites, as they have ten players from the First XV and six players from the Second XV returning to the school.
[one_half last=”no”]Scoring details
King’s — 37
Tries: Robert Black (2), George Lehmann, Nick Reid, Will Davies, James Kane,.
Conversions: Charlie Friend, Kane.
Penalty Goal: Kane.
Riverview — 26
Tries: Charlie McKay (2), Joseph Stageman, Beau Petterson.
Conversions: Jack McGregor (2), Bill Freeman.[/one_half]
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Points table at end of 2013 GPS season – 1st XV Competition
18 points (9 wins & 1 loss) – Joint Premiers – Newington & Scots
10 points (5 wins & 5 losses) – Riverview
8 points (4 wins & 6 losses) – King’s
6 points (3 wins & 7 losses) – St Joseph’s
0 points (0 wins & 10 losses) – Shore
First premiership for Scots since their famous 1993 year title and Newington’s 3rd title in 4 years (2010, 2012 – both Champions titles) to celebrate their 150th year.
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Match reports of Round 8 Queensland GPS games can be seen here.
Coming up soon – 2013 GPS Review and GPS Team of the Year
