Kings v Joeys
by “Anonymous George”
The possession and territory were with Kings in the first ten minutes but they were unable to convert this into points. It looked like it was going to be a very even contest.
Twelve minutes in and an attacking scrum win by Joeys was defended well by King’s, but just two minutes later 10 Connor O’Shea got the ball after another strong Joeys’ scrum and scored after a classic in-and-away. He converted his own try: Kings 0 – Joeys 7.
At the 20 minute mark there was a lineout win to Kings followed by a driving maul and the King’s #7 (Taylor) broke free around the side of the ruck to score. Conversion to #15 (Kane) and it was all even. Kings 7 – Joeys 7.
Several phases later after the kick off and Joeys hooker James Margan scored a converted try adjacent to the posts. Kings 7 – Joeys 14.
At the 28 minute mark there was an old fashioned kicking duel won by Joeys. They were starting to gain the ascendancy in many parts of the game but a scrum deep inside King’s territory around 20 metres out was wasted by Joeys when they were penalised for holding on in the tackle.
The King’s forwards were making some metres with repeated pick and drives. A subsequent King’s lineout was won well by their #4 and the backs spread the ball wide across the field only to be forced into touch.
Back down-field again and a nice run around move by O’Shea, then he got the pill back a few phases later to score a well-deserved second try.
Half time score Joeys 21 – Kings 7.
Second half
Five minutes into the second half there was a poor kick-chase by Kings and the Joeys’ #14 Streater-Mason sliced through some thin defence to score adjacent to posts.
Conversion successful. Kings 7 – Joeys 28. Joeys were ascendant now.
Three minutes later Joeys 8 Koim Wingti got quick lineout ball from the top and got the pill to 12 Will McDonnell and he went straight through and over. Conversion successful by O’Shea. Kings 7 – Joeys 35.
Joeys were scrummaging well and when they got a tighthead scrum it was looking ominous for Kings!
At 21 minutes into the second half and a penalty for high tackle, Kings used the possession to spread the ball wide and they dive over from close range. Conversion by 15 (Kane) successful. Kings 14 – Joeys 35.
With about ten minutes of the match remaining O’Shea of Joeys lost the ball forward (a rare mistake) and it was scooped up by Kings #6 (Lehmann). After several phases King’s #14 (Campbell) was over in the corner. The kick was unsuccessful from out wide. Kings 19 – Joeys 35.
With just five minutes remaining O’Donnell got an inside ball close to the line and scored Joeys’ sixth try of the day.
Final score: Joeys 42 – Kings 19.
The Players
Kings
3. #8 (Ballantyne) tackled all day and led from the front.
2. #6 (Lehmann)
1. #4 (Allison).
Joeys
3. *10 O’Shea – very smart game, ticked all boxes regarding kicking, defending, running and used his outside backs well.
2. #8 Wingti – stepped up, brutal in attack and defence.
1. #15 Clements – filled in nicely for Wright at the back, could slot in at 13 in the coming weeks.
Wrap up
Joeys gained the ascendancy mid way through the first half and never looked back. A courageous fight back late in the game by Kings was too little, too late.
Photos Kings v. Joeys by “Anonymous George”
See next page for a report of Scots v Newington
