The GPS competition recommenced yesterday. After two rounds in Term 2, and the NSW trials and Australian Championships in the holidays, the lads were back playing for their schools.
Kings 35 — Shore 10
by “George Smith”
Kings v Shore at Gowan Brae
Weather: sunny with a 20pt NW wind
Crowd: 2100
With both teams entering the match desperate to kick-start their respective campaigns after forgettable Term 2 matches. Kings laid the foundation with all teams commanding an undefeated record on the JS White oval for the day.
The scoring
Kings, kicking into the wind, soon put pressure on Shore who were kept in the game by the Kings forwards giving away several penalties for leaving their feet and repeated turnovers. However, they were intent to put points on the scoreboard. James Kane (#12) kicked his first penalty after 13 minutes and hit the post with his second attempt seven minutes later.
Kings captain, and Aust Schoolboy representative, Jack McCalman (#7) was leading his team with some excellent runs. On a well rehearsed move McCalman ran straight at his opposition and gave a good offload to ever present George Lehmann (#6) to score next to the posts. Kane converted. Kings were leading 10-0.
Shore valiantly tried to get down the other end. With a 20 point wind with them they failed to capitalise with their halfback Harry Emery (#9) kicking out on the full. However they did eventually get down the other end without kicking and managed to score a try to Angus Cooke (#6) out wide through their well coached forward play.
But Kings immediately struck back after the Shore backline defence were caught offside in front of the posts allowing Kane to kick another penalty goal.
Shore clawed their way back and again scored after pressing the Kings line for ten minutes. Charlie Oldham (#20) came off his wing to score.
Half-time, Kings led 13-10 and this score reminded many in the stands of last British & Irish Lions test.
Kings at half time were reminded that their 2nds scored 20 points with the wind and restarted the match with two quick tries to Corey Tulloch (#10) and Rory Davis (#9) with Kane converting one of them adding to his menacing runs and long kicks in general play.
Trailing 10-25 and defending their line yet again Shore was again dealt a cruel blow when their flyhalf and captain Jack Clancy (#10) was yellow carded for not releasing the player five metres out from his line. Tom Bucknell (#14) scored straight after and Kings lead 30-10.
Another poorly executed kick by Shore gave James Kane the ball on his ten metre line and he ran the ball back 30 metres to put Kings in another good attacking position. The ball swung wide to the right and Kings were over for another pie to Rory Davis (#9).
Full time hooter sounded with Kings 35-10 over Shore.
The Players
Kings: Jack McCalman (#7) lead his pack and team admirably all day and was very well supported by his 4, 5 & 6 (James Greentree, Ben Stacey and George Lehmann respectively). Rory Davis (#9) and James Kane (#12) were the pick of the backs.
Shore: Their leaders were missing most of the day. Too often the Clancy twins did not link with their support and got caught when isolated. Charlie Oldham (#20) played well on the wing constructively adding to opportunities throughout the game. Of the forwards the number 5 & 6 (Cater and Cooke) played well as did their tireless #7 Jum Woodhill.
Wrap-up
With three points separating these two teams at half time Kings came home like the Lions at Homebush piling on 22 unanswered points. Kings played with a game plan which they executed well. The wind proved to be a 20 point asset in both the 1sts and 2nds games. Shore didn’t capitalise on this with poor kicking in general play by their 9 & 10.
Kings now face Joeys in Round 4 which will be an enthralling game given the closeness of the trial between these two teams. Shore face Riverview which will be overshadowed by the match of the round Newington v Scots at Stanmore.
See page 2 for Lee Grant’s match report on Newington v. Joeys
