Riverview 25 – Newington 10
by “umbrella_defence”
Newington pushed Riverview in a muddy encounter, proving that they’re more than just ‘underdogs’.
First Half
The first five minutes of the half was marked by a dominant Riverview side making serious metres, with their strong play rewarded by a McGregor (#10) penalty goal.
Immediately after this, the pressure continued, and Riverview found themselves down in Newington territory once again. However, miscommunication between the inside backs saw a botched set piece move, resulting in a turnover.
Newington then began to put pressureon View, causing havoc up the middle through Fifita (#1) and Kennewell (#13). Eventually they were rewarded for their efforts, as Vunipola Fifita (#1) crossed in about the 10th minute through some fast-paced, brutal pick and driving. Newington’s kicker Kuenzle missed a relatively easy conversation, making the score 5 – 3.
From there on Newington continued to dominant possession, with Riverview making a number of handling errors. However, some amazing team defensive patterns limited Newington’s line breaks, while impressive hits from Beau Petterson (#4) and Jack Bowditch (#3) helped keep some of the big Newington boys quiet.
Eventually, Riverview managed to sort out some of their handling issues, and, despite the mud, managed to play some decent running rugby. They were eventually rewarded for their efforts, with GPS 1sts fly-half Jack McGregor crossing the line, though he failed to convert from a difficult position.
However, the battle was by no means over, and Newington continued to press hard against Riverview, with #15 Sepesa Loga-Tarogi proving more than a handful, while Latinipulu (#12) was spirited in his attacking play. About this time I noticed that Simon Kennwell of Newington had left the field and have since heard that he sustained an injury. This was disappointing for him and his school because he was effective in the midfield.
It was Henry Hutchinson (#13), from View, who stymied the tide of White jerseys with a fantastic break from his own territory, almost out of nowhere. He managed to get the ball out to McGregor, who in turn executed an amazing left-to-right pass on the go across to #14 Conor Hurley, who scored under the sticks to take the score to 13 – 5 at half-time.
Second Half
Riverview had begun to get the better of Newington towards the end of the first half, and there was a feeling that this dominance might continue. This was not so, as Newington’s never-say-die attitude proved more than a handful for the Riverview boys, with Fifita’s (#3) Australian schoolboy level prowess obvious through his amazing forward play.
Set piece issues continued to dog each team, with both hookers not throwing the ball in straight at times, and scrappy play a-plenty.
Newington was the first team to get sort out these woes, and because of this, they began applying serious pressure to Riverview via strong midfield carries. However, some sensational counter-attack from Riverview #15 Bill Freeman resulted in ample space for Conor Menzies (#7) to finish off the job. Riverview 20 – Newington 5.
Once again, Newington came back with some thumping attack up the middle, with Riverview #9 Lachlan Condon coping a crunching shoulder from Newington’s Laimani (#1), which resulted in a substitution for #21 Gabe Cooper.
However, while Newington was hot on attack, Riverview managed to get a turnover, and #21 Cooper showed some serious guts in running it himself from near his own 22, scoring a brilliant ~70m try, outpacing the Newington chasers. Riverview 25 – Newington 5.
At this stage the sense that Riverview were about to really run away with it had worked its way back into the crowd, but, yet again, Newington showed the kind of resolve that’s indicative of a quality team.
Newington continued to work their way up through the middle, with Vunipola Fifita again instrumental for his team. A yellow card to View #3 Jack Bowditch opened things up a little more for New, and, through an incredible effective maul, Newington’s #1 Laimani managed to cross close to the bell. The conversion was missed, and the game finished up at 25 – 10.
Summary
Riverview would be disappointed with their performance. They are still yet to have reached their full potential, with handling errors contributing and the occasional set piece issue dogging their play.
With two 1st XV level backs returning in Tom McKellar and Joseph Stageman next term, a few changes are likely, which might help improve these issues. The big Riverview-Joeys clash is up next, and it will be interesting to see whether those two rivals can maintain their recent form over the break.
Newington should be proud of the way they played. They are certainly a strong side, and their clashes with Scots and Joeys will be sensational. There’s a lot of talent in their side, and they should be lethal next year.
The players
Riverview
3. Jack McGregor (#3) – played arguably his best game for the Riverview 1st XV yet, justifying his selection for the GPS 1sts. He made a few errors, but in general his passing, attacking, kicking and general decision making was excellent. He also copped a lot of midfield attack via New’s #12, but he handled the traffic well.
2. Hosea Fotukava (#2) – as usual Hosea was a machine around the park – he’s a real workhorse, and that part of his game is rarely acknowledged. However, this weak he really stepped up and had some excellent carries, while also putting on some superb hits.
1. Beau Petterson (#4) – Beau justified his selection in the GPS 1sts with yet another consistent performance. I hazard to say that he’s the biggest hitter in the GPS – some of his tackles are just bone crunching. As a Northern Territory boy, he is certainly tough, and he clearly fears no one in the way he plays. He’s a rough diamond, but he’s become an essential player in this Riverview side.
Newington
3. Vunipola Fifita (#3) – was outstanding, and played as one would expect an Australian schoolboy to play. As their captain, he lead from the front, getting stuck in the tough stuff, while also making strong metres in his carries. His try at the start was indicative of his strength in the game.
2. Sepesa Loga-Tarogi (#15) – was excellent. His go forward was essential to Newington’s approach to the game, and he also managed to create a lot of opportunities out wide through his breaks.
1. Simon Kennwell (#13) – Simon was unlucky not too get more game time, as injury struck him down early, but while he was on he was very effective, providing the opportunities up the middle that facilitated Newington’s edge during the game.
