Riverview 66 – Kings 17
by “umbrella_defence”
Riverview thumped Kings by scoring ten tries to two in a game that will serve as a warning to competitors.
The scoreline didn’t reflect Kings’ tenacity, nor their passages of good play. Nonetheless, it was a tough day for the visitors who were short of a few players. But there were some positive signs for them.
First Half
Kings started the game well, putting serious pressure on the Riverview side. Kings were able to camp themselves down near Riverview’s line and managed to string some long periods of phase play together.
In fact, Kings were unlucky not to score twice, with their #11 just stepping out with a clear path to the line and another opportunity ruled out because of a forward pass.
Kings were rewarded for this period of play by taking the first points with a penalty goal. However, it felt like a psychological win to Riverview as their defensive play was great, and they put on some big hits.
From that point on the half seemed to be all Riverview, as they utilised a strong kicking game and set piece to build pressure. The boots of Condon (#9) and McGregor (#10) did the damage.
Eventually this pressure turned to points. Bill Freeman (#15) was superb around the field, and he set Tom McBryde (#11) up for the first try of the game which McGregor (#10) converted.
Kings still showed some good fight towards the end of the half and didn’t make it easy for Riverview. But they couldn’t match the strength, speed and skill of the home team. A couple of tries to Hutchinson and McGregor, both converted by McGregor, made the half time score 21 – 3 to Riverview.
Second Half
In the second half Kings still gave 100%, and were by no means mugs. Riverview maintained their strong defence and kept Kings out of the scoring, with big hits aplenty.
Jack Hayson (#8) from Riverview made a huge difference making some great breaks. He might be an unforeseen contender for GPS 1sts considering Crichton’s (Scots) temporary move to outside centre.
At this stage Kings’ strength around the breakdown was demonstrated, as Riverview failed to get clean ball because of the pestering George Lehman (#6).
As the scoreline indicates, Riverview piled on the points. Hurley (#11) crossed the line three times; and substitute winger Elijah Williams, Jake Pirina (#12), and Menzies (#7) each crossed once.
Although Henry Hutchinson (#13) also scored twice, he did not have the big impact on the game as was expected. McGregor’s goal kicking was sharp, missing only two of his nine conversion attempts.
Taylor crossed twice for Kings—once after a series of phases and once from a maul—his determination and skill a testimony to the team’s strength of character. I am sure Kings will improve over the year, and with players like James Kane (#15) to return, they will surely become more of a threat.
The teams
Riverview
They were strong, but they could have been better. Their start was weak, and their exit strategies need improvement. Kings were able to challenge them at the breakdown which meant they didn’t get very clean ball off their rucks. Their set piece has improved since the St. Augustines’ fixture, but the side needs a bit more work if they want to fulfill their full potential.
Kings
As indicated, they weren’t as bad as the scoreline might suggest. They had moments of strong play, and made serious inroads into Riverview’s half a number of times. They had a few tactical issues though, as they kicked too much to a side with great counter attack. I wouldn’t be surprised if this Kings’ side took a few significant scalps – don’t write them off yet.
The players
Kings
George Lehman (#6) and Nick Stubbs (#12) gave tenacious performances in a team that was outclassed. The latter ran some solid lines that helped create space out wide for his wingers, while the formers’ ruck work has already been noted. Their contribution is the reason Riverview didn’t meet their full potential.
Riverview
Jack Hayson (#8) and Tom McBryde (#11) were exceptional and Bill Freeman (#15) put in a class performance. Henry Hutchinson (#13) and Hosea Fotukava (#1) were quiet by their usual elite standards, but were solid players.
Scoring
Riverview 66 (Hurley 3, Hutchison 2, McBryde, Menzies, Pirina, Williams tries; McGregor 1 try 7cons, Freeman con) def. Kings 17 (Taylor 2 tries; Poletto 2 cons, goal).
Other results (unofficial):
2nd XV: Riverview 30 def Kings12.
3rd XV: Sydney Grammar 1st XV 26 def Riverview 12
16 As: Kings 29 def Riverview 17
