Scots v Newington
by “Nectarphiliac”
Scots were runaway winners of the 2014 GPS 1st XV competition and an impressive cadre of players had returned this year.
Newington stormed home to beat Riverview in the last trial, and didn’t Kings beat Scots last weekend also? Maybe New had a sniff against a team that beat them 101-0 in the first round last year.
First Half
It was an average start from Newington, who were put under pressure in the first ten minutes. Soon after a long ball from Strang to 10 Dan England, left him space to show and go; then open the scoring after crashing over the line. He converted his try for a scoreline of 7-0 to Scots.
But Newington responded in brilliant fashion. They had Scots stuck inside their own 22m for some time, and after they forced a penalty kick their backs inflicted some damage. The ball went from Kuenzle to Murray and a perfectly timed pass had 13 Simon Kennewell crashing straight through the Scots defence to score. Kuenzle converted from in front, and it was tied up, 7-7.
After the restart hooker Dylan Woods nearly scored for Scots from a lineout when he beat three defenders, but he was held up over the line. A few phases after the scrum however, sizeable 12 James Hawkins burst through to score after a pick and drive. The conversion made the score 14-7 to Scots.
Newington was not able to advance much because of the impressive Scots defence; however a break came when Kuenzle found a good touch from a penalty kick. Newington went wide and 15 Sepesa Loga-Tarogi’s bumped off the Scots’winger in typical fashion to score in the the opposite corner. There were no extras and Scots were still ahead, but only by 14-12.
Now it was the turn of Scots to be repelled by impressive defence from their opponents, and Newington earned the last attacking chance of the half. When Kuenzle passed a crash-ball to hooker Teu Atiola, he scored, and Newington led for the first time in the match.
There was no conversion and the half-time score was Newington 17 – Scots 14.
Second Half
Loga-Tarogi scored for Newington in the corner, minutes after the break . The conversion missed but a lead of 22-14 to the visitors was disturbing the Scots’ crowd.
Newington had the momentum with Scots on the back foot It was to be the case for much of the remainder of the game
Scots had their moments though. Once 13 Angus Chadwick put on the pace to run into Newington’s half, and then a chip from 11 Jake Prindiville, started a foot race between Murray and Strang. Both missed the ball, and it was cleared. Soon after, a try-saving tackle from Kennewell on 14 Jarrod Cullen enabled Newington to exit from their 22.
Scots had a few opportunities like this but they couldn’t capitalise of them; it was a theme throughout the game.
Newington still led by eight points and strong runs from England and Woods for Scots could not breach the tough Newington defence. Time was running out for Scots and it became worse when a furious palm from Taukamo on 1 Harry Todd, then an offload to fresh reserve Hamish Duvall playing on the wing, gave the Year 11 a typical winger’s try in the corner.
Yet another conversion was missed and full time was called soon after. What a difference a year makes.
Final Score: Newington 27 – Scots 14
The Players
Newington
12 Cameron Murray played brilliantly, running hard and making numerous try-saving tackles. He has a good sense of vision, and will be a key player for Newington this year.
13 
Simon Kennewell showed some nice skills and toughness also. He went on hard runs, but was willing to attack the breakdown with tenacity.
1 Jacob Storey. An excellent scrummager, and was also quick to the breakdown, which was of clear benefit to the team. Was dominant in the pick and drive.
Scots
10 Dan England has a complete skill set for the position, including impressive passing and play-making. It is clear that England will be the backbone of this Scots’ side.
2 Dylan Woods carried the forwards with numerous runs, almost scoring at one stage. A dynamic and lethal hooker who most teams would like to possess.
12 James Hawkins looked sizeable on the pitch for his position, and was hard to stop. He used his bulk to disrupt defenders and crashed over once to score
Scoring
Newington 27 (S Loga-Tarogi 2, S Kennewell, T Atiola, H Duvall tries; Kuenzle 1 conversion) def. Scots 14 (D England, J Hawkins, D England tries; D England 2 conversion)
Photos of Scots players by Rugby Graphic Moments:
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Thank you
Click on Page 3 below for a report on Kings v Shore by “Azzurri”
