There was a likely season-defining game at Bellevue Hill in Round 9, a major battle for minor placings at North Parramatta and a possible spoiler for the likely bronze medallists at Northbridge.
On a beautiful spring day in Sydney, rugby was the winner.
Kings 48 — Joeys 31
Joeys showed up at JS White Oval at Kings determined to get their mojo back after two heavy defeats.
But Kings had a good win in Round 8 and were determined to repeat the performance in their last home game of the season.
The scoring
Joeys looked the better team at the start and after Makasini made a long break from a tap penalty kick 6. Patrick O’Brien twisted over to score. A few minutes later Joeys’ 10. Andrew Deegan went on an arcing run around the Kings’ defence and ended up under the posts.
After 13 minutes Joeys were ahead 14-0 and looked to be cruising, but it didn’t take long for Kings to respond.
After a charge by LHP James King attracted defenders near the corner post, the ball was swung wide to the other side and winger Andrew Simson scored in a tackle. Minutes later Joeys did not clear the ball long enough. Kings attacked from the lineout and after a searching run fullback James Kane grubbered through for the other Kings’ winger, Oliver Martin, to score near the posts.
At 20 minutes Kings had drawn level 14-14 but they didn’t stop there: on a long run 13. Charlie Friend broke away from several attempted tackles and scored a spectacular try.
Joeys responded from a scrum in the Kings 22 and after several charges 4. Koim Wingti went over.
It was then 19-19 with nine minutes to go in the half, but Kings got another try before the break from another marvelous long run. After Joeys lost the ball near the halfway line Kane was too fast for defenders and dotted down near the corner. At half-time the score was Kings 24 – Joeys 19.
Kings kept notching up tries after oranges. Joeys dropped the ball in their 22 and the ball was sent wide for Simson to score his second try. Then after a good run from Martin, Kings got near the Joeys line again, and after a tap-kick penalty the ball was spread to 4. George Lehmann who went over.
After taking lineout ball 6. Robert Black then went on a good burst for Kings and when the pill was switched to the other side Simson was in for his third try of the day. Kings had scored three tries after the break and halfway through the second half were ahead 41-19.
The game was well won and although Joeys scored two tries after that—one to replacement prop Marcus Cutler and another to replacement back Patrick Vaughan—Kings also scored another when 5. Mark Quadrio dotted down.
Final score: Kings 48 — Joeys 31
The teams
Kings scored eight tries to five and that was a fair reflection of their superiority. They had a great day and so did the crowd. As co-coach Mr. Stephen James said:
I’m very pleased that the last game of the Year 12 boys on the White (JS White Oval) was such an exciting victory. It was a good game played in a good spirit and a lot of good tries were scored.
Their backline had more fire power and their passes stuck better which allowed them to make the most of their chances. Their kicking from hand was more accurate and this enabled them to exit from their territory better that Joeys could from theirs.
Joeys scored enough points to win the match but they could not protect their well-earned 14-0 lead, nor win the game, because they had another poor day on defence. As in other fixtures this season they were caught short of numbers out wide, and at other times they missed tackle after tackle chasing a single ball runner.
The try scored by Friend must have embarrassed their coaches.
Also, their kicking from hand, including restart kicks, was often poor.
They made some good individual breaks but they didn’t back up as well as Kings did and their passing and catching didn’t compare as well either. Their best work, on attack and defence, came from their forwards.
The players
Kings — 3. Mark Quadrio, 2. Will Davies, 1. Oliver Martin
Quadrio had a high work rate and was always knocking guys over; Davies always attracted defenders, which was part of Joeys’ problem. Winger Simson got three tries, and an honourable mention to him, but Martin on the other wing was was arguably the more dangerous.
Honourable mentions also to Year 11 players 4. George Lehmann and 15. James Kane.
Joeys — 3. Koim Wingti, 2. Ned Hanigan, 1. Pat O’Brien.
Wingti had another top game and showed he would be a big influence next year; Hanigan had his best game since he came back from injury and Patrick O”Brien got the blue heeler award for non-stop effort.
Wrap-up
Kings have been in good form in the last couple of weeks and probably wish that they could start the season again. Riverview should not take them too lightly in the final round next week.
Joeys have won only three games out of nine this year and are still making defensive mistakes.
Their best game this year was in their unlucky loss to Scots at home. If they can reproduce that form next week at Bellevue Hill and win, they can finish the season with a match they will remember.
They will also get “Thank You” cards from Stanmore.
[one_half last=”no”]Match details
Kings — 48
Tries: Andrew Simmons (3), Oliver Martin, Charlie Friend, James Kane, George Lehmann, Mark Quadrio.
Conversions: Friend (4)
Joeys — 31
Tries: Patrick O’Brien, Andrew Deegan, Koim Wingti, Marcus Cutler, Patrick Vaughan.
Conversions: Deegan (3)
Referee: Mr. James Scholtens
Other matches
2nd XV: Joeys 36 – Kings 20
3rd XV: Joeys 31 – Kings 12
16As: Kings 13 – Joeys 12
Photos by Lee Grant[/one_half]
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Click on arrow to see the match report on Scots v. Newington by “Jasdec” on Page 2
