Riverview v Scots
by “SonnyDillWilliams”
Insinuation … “an unpleasant hint or suggestion of something bad”
It is often said that journalism is 10% reporting new facts and 90% repetition, insinuation and supposition. Well its frightening in the digital age, how a small spark, a question over a one-sided “schoolboy rugby” score-line last week, can unleash a wildfire of controversy. Scots were pilloried by insinuation and supposition.
But I don’t want to talk about journalistic accounts, except to say that the Scots College 1st XV, had a less than ideal build-up to Round 5 of the GPS rugby competition for a number of reasons.
Leading into the “top of the table” clash, Riverview [View] also had its share of problems. In their previous match, they had only just snuck home, to retain their undefeated status, after they staged a “last gasp” try to deny a luckless Shore.
The stage was set: two champion teams, one that had barely conceded a try and the other that had shown some patchy lead-up form.
For all the talk of Scots being in some way herculean, they looked like any schoolboy rugby team. If there was anything that was large, it was the school support group, putting paid to any thoughts that there was no “buy-in”. The Scots team all wore black arm bands, paying respect to the 19 year old, Scots old boy, James Teague—a life cut way too short.
With not a cloud in the sky, a fast “mud-free” track, and an experienced referee, only the strong “icy” southerly looked to be a challenging factor.
It was the kind of wind, that would turn even the biggest kick into a miscued 9 iron, and had many bracing themselves against the cold.
First half
From the kick-off it was clear that Riverview had come with intent and a game plan. Shutting down Scots’ Crichton (12) was critical, and View big forwards were not going to allow any easy yards up the mid-field.
Fotukava (3) and others were all over Crichton like a rash. Riverview’s line-speed was fantastic and the energy/fervour at the breakdown was a revelation. View were doing a great job of unsettling Deer (7) and monstering Smith (8). This was going to be a hell of an arm wrestle.
Scots were making uncharacteristic errors, balls were getting dropped, passes were going astray, silly kicks were being made.
After good build-up play, and a switch back inside, Riverview were in for the first try in their right corner. McGregor (10) then added the extras. Riverview 7-o.
Scots were trying to counter-punch but neither the hulking Hendrie (14) or the nuggety Prindville (11) were making inroads.
Hutchinson, Riverview’s Australian Schoolboys 13, was proving his defensive credentials and Freeman (15) Mr Reliable was showing the modern day back doesn’t mind getting his head in a ruck.
McGregor put on a magic move when he passed and wrapped around for a second touch—he was through and ran 30 untroubled metres to score under the posts. 14-0 View.
Scots didn’t seem particularly rattled, but it was clear that View was on-song, and Scots were going to need to lift.
However the harder Scots tried the more things backfired. Strang tried to pinch the ball from the back of the View scrum, but the referee wasn’t having any of that—even if there were no seagulls to prove his point.
Hutchinson show some blinding speed and popped a deft pass to Freeman, who in turn linked with McGregor, and the no. 10 was in for his 2nd try.
21 –0 to Riverview. This definitely wasn’t going to script!
Just on half time Scots number 15 (Porter) was down with a shoulder knock; things were looking grim, and half time came in nick of time.
Second half
The second half started similarly to the first—View were playing out of their skins and while Scots now had the gale, nothing seemed to be working.
By this stage, Riverview was pushing the envelope at the breakdown. While View’s no. 8 might have been the one that deserved a yellow card, for one too many provocative pushes in the back, it was the big 5 (Petterson), who likes a bit of handbag action, who paid the price of not “changing behavior”.
At the same time View’s No 1 hobbled off the field, only to be replaced by Bowditch (16), who also seemed to be carrying a leg injury of sorts.
Either way, something changed from that moment. Scots ceased kicking and they went back to their “ball in hand” running rugby. Suddenly the passes were sticking, the inside balls were working, and they were in it.
The first Scots try went to flanker Taylor Deer: 21-7, and it was game on after 16 minutes of the second half.
From the restart Crichton broke the defensive line and ran 50 meters, finishing with a “jig” that thwarted several courageous defenders before scoring. He could not convert his try. Riverview were still ahead, but by only 21-12 at 18 minutes.
Scots definitely had their mojo back, and things were looking ominous. Dan England (10) was in for Scots third try and the score was 21-19 View at 22 minutes.
The yellow card from hell, for View it was feeling like the longest ten minutes.
Both Hendrie (14) and Prindville (11) made dangerous attacks only to be thwarted by good scrambling defence from the likes of Condon (9).
However after a kick penalty tap, Charlie Smith (8) was in after an electric dart. Scots was in front 24 -21, and it had been a very costly “yellow card”. Scots had scored four tries in eight minutes.
It wasn’t however over. Both teams had plenty of fight left, and there were still ten minutes to go.
Scots had an opportunity to take three points, within kickable distance, but they elected to kick into the corner. However they butchered the opportunity only to give View, a sniff.
At this point I was thinking that in some games, there shouldn’t be a victor: perhaps a View penalty and a 24-all draw seemed a fair result. However like two heavyweight boxers, both teams were trying for the knock out blow.
You could see the collective View mindset get it to Hutchinson—forget about the 30 knot wind: if he got it, no one could beat him over a 60 meter footrace.
However it was not to be as View gallantly tried to attack, Dan England stole an intercept, and immediately popped it to Crichton, who scored in the last play of the day.
He converted his own try: Final score: Scots 31-Riverview 21.
The players
Riverview
3 points … McGregor (10) … class act, Aussie Schools standard
2 points … Freeman (15) .. Mr Reliable
1 point .. Rorke (9) unsung hero
Scots
3 points .. Crichton (12) … his old man was an Aussie Schoolboy, but nothing like this kid … and no questions on his Scots pedigree
2 points .. Dan England (10) .. if he is your second stringer, wow
1 point … Smith (8) … pocket dynamo
The wrap up
What a great match: two fantastic teams, great atmosphere, bagpipes, a vocal crowd, a true arm wrestle, that went right down to the wire.
And admission price — Nil.
See video in “Discussion” (below) for video of match highlights.
