Newington 40 — Shore 20
by “The Spaceman”
First half
The first ten to fifteen minutes were played at a very high intensity, with first blood going to Newington with big lock Tom Piroddi crashing over just to the right of the posts after some impressive phase play.
Shore came back at Newington with some good running rugby, eventually awarded a penalty slotted by Harry Kemball (13). After some solid possession from Shore, a cheeky box kick by Harry Emery that rolled quickly down toward the soccer fields saw Matt Dowsett (11) outpace everyone to dive on the ball and score in the corner. 7-8 to Shore.
Newington then scored a solid try from the set piece, with Kennewell (13) instrumental in the move getting on the outside of his opposite number to set up his winger in the corner. At this stage, both teams were looking really good with ball in hand, yet Shore’s defence was more exposed than Newington’s, resulting in other try making it 19-8.
After the intitial intensity of the game, both teams struggled to maintain possession, especially after some puzzling penalties at the ruck from the referee.
A towering Emery box kick that was poorly chased by Shore resulted in a great break from Kennewell from 60 out, only to be put shutdown by some clever defence 10 out from the Shore line. After a few dominant phases, Newington scored with winger Ball (11) in the corner, Kuenzle (10) converted to make the New lead 26-8.
Shore maintained good possession and territory at the end of the half (which seemed like it went for 40 minutes plus) however momentum shifted quickly, with Newington easily rolling up the field. Newington inside centre Latu Latu (12) steamrolled the Shore fly half to score, and Kuenzle converting to make it 33-8 at the half.
Second half
The second half was a tight, grinding affair with Shore gaining the upper hand for the most part. Shore’s hooker Oliver Stump (2), who was massive in both defence and attack, crashed over to make the score 33-15.
A period of even play followed until Shore flyhalf Dom Naylor (10) scored underneath the scoreboard after some great scrambling play to make it 33-20. With the atmosphere building, Shore were hoping for a miracle comeback that just didn’t eventuate.
Newington were very strong in the outside backs, and after some consistent lead up play, Kennewell sealed the deal with a try again on the edge.
Final Score Newington 40: Shore 20.
The players
Newington
3 points: Simon Kennewell (13) — Really stood up today, was devastating to the Shore outside back and showed good pace when in the clear. His move into the centres has worked well and is definitely a player to keep an eye out during the season.
2 points: Sepesa Loga-Tarogi (15) — Dangerous from the back and linked up well with both his wingers. Ran hard and straight as per usual.
1 point: Latu Latunipulu (12) — Provided a great offsider to Kennewell, creating an ominous centre pairing. Shore 3 points: Harry Emery (9)
Had a solid game today and didn’t make too many mistakes, gave good service to Naylor but still looked dangerous around the ruck. In good form for higher GPS selections.
Shore
3 points: Harry Emery (9) — Had a solid game today and didn’t make too many mistakes, gave good service to Naylor but still looked dangerous around the ruck. In good form for higher GPS selections.
2 points: Jum Woodhill (7) — Led by example today with a great presence all round the field. Got some good steals and had a few great carries.
1 point: Oliver Stump (2) — A true blue workhorse today, especially in defense. GPS selection is on the cards if the form keeps up, definitely a larger presence than his opposite number.
The wrap-up
At the end of the day, the match-ups in the centres and out wide were just too great in Newington’s favour.
If Shore are to win anymore games this season, their centre pairing and outside combinations need to be looked at as whilst they are greatly skilled and brave players, they were plain and simply out-muscled and outpaced today by the larger Newington centres.
Promising signs for both sides this round, with room for improvement heading into Round 2.
Scoring
Newington 40 (Piroddi, Clifford, Ball, Kennewell, Latinupulu, Erunini-Bennett tries; Kuenzle 5 cons) def Shore 20: (Hollenbon, Naylor, Dowsett tries; Kemble con, pen goal.)
Burger with the lot survey
Scots takes a commanding lead in Round One.
Compiled on a fresh bun, the burger, bacon, egg and sausage were not greasy and combined well in the mouth. The generous topping of fried onion (crisp but not burnt) made it the 2014 gold standard of BWTL. 8.5/10
All photos by Lee Grant
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