Kings 36 — Shore 17
By”George Smith” and “The Spaceman”
at Northbridge in near perfect weather and a puff of breeze.
The Kings 1st XV had a somewhat dominant win over the Shore school this afternoon.
I thought that Kings might struggle with halfback Rory Davis and lock Ben Stacy both out injured yet credit must be given to the Kings’ boys who really stood up and got the job done.
Shore were in the game at half time, only trailing by two points. Yet the story of Shore’s tumultuous season played out in its usual course, with both injuries and also ten minute lapses in concentration giving the game to Kings.
Kings played well, no doubt, but Shore seemed not to want it enough despite having all the incentives to win the game.
The Scoring
Both teams had early opportunities to kick-start the scoreboard but it was Kings who put first points on the board. After 15 minutes of play George Lehmann (4) scored a well-earned try which was easily converted by Charlie Friend (13).
But Shore were right in the game, and following some excellent work half Harry Emery (9) set up two quick tries.
Firstly, he held up a beautiful pass on the blind-side to put his winger, Matt Dowsett (14) over. Secondly, right after the restart, he darted 20 metres before offloading to flanker, Henry Wrench (6), who carried a few defenders over the goal-line to score. Shore captain Jack Clancy (10) converted one of the tries and Shore lead 12-7.
Then Kings also scored quickly after the restart, Shoremen were caught well behind their gain line and from a turnover Kings’ Nick Reid (2) scored a try. Friend converted to take Kings into the lead 14-12.
Second half early action was the same as in the first half. Both teams trading territory without gain. Then as Shore’s 13 was hobbling off the paddock Kings capitalised and scored a try when the ball traveled across the backline for Will Davies (12) to score with the overlap.
Kings scored again when Sam Connor (7) fielded a rebounded Shore grubber, and after a few paces offloaded to storming George Lehmann (6) to score.
Later the Kings’ captain and No8 Jack McCalman took the ball off the back of a five metre scrum to slide past the defence and suddenly Kings lead 31-12 with no real changes to the game plan from either team. It looked like Shore had lost their defensive concentration.
But Shore were always looking for attacking opportunities and this was typified by Jum Woodhill (7) when he took a quick tap on the ten metre line,. Whilst everyone was picking themselves off the deck, he raced unopposed and somewhat bemused down the touchline and Clancy scored the try after backing up. The Kings lads still scratching their heads. Kings 31- Shore 17
Kings responded when Will Davies (12) received a beautiful pass from his flyhalf Corey Tulloch (10) and the great line Davies ran allowed him to score virtually untouched. Conversion unsuccessful.
Final score Kings 36 – Shore 17
The Players
Kings:
Kane (15) had a solid game, stepping up like he did against Shore earlier in the season.I’m tempted to say that he has the biggest boot in the GPS with his nudges getting Kings out of trouble numerous times. He ran hard from the back as well. Good game overall despite one or two silly errors.
Davies (12) was also good, running really hard and devastating angles. Was really classy this afternoon.
McCalman (8) was outstanding as always, making some great steals and penalties.
Shore:
Duncan (12) was the only thing stopping the score from going 50 plus in the favour of Kings. He hardly missed a tackle, and continued to make spectacular cover tackles like he has the whole season. He also fronted up in offense, making metres and not afraid to run at the big Kings centres Davies and fellow Walgettarian, Friend.
Wrench (6) was everywhere in both defense and attack. Got through an mountain of work and converted a Harry Emery break by scoring a great try. Emery (9) played well and set up two tries.
In earlier games Shore proved they can win the close ones after repeatedly scrapping out wins in the 2s, 3rds, and 4ths.
Click on arrow for match reports of Scots v. Riverview by “Jasdec”.
