The first game of the final day was between two teams that hadn’t won a game; yet both had been unlucky during the week in one match. Who would get some redemption?
Combined States 36 — Western Australia 12
by “Lee Grant”
First half
Early in the game WA scored after a beautiful in and away, which was not remarkable except that it was done by LHP Lorenzo Mario, and over five metres. 10 Nicholas Jooste kicked a fine conversion from touch to put WA ahead 7-0.
All the play was in the Combined States (CS) end of the park and dropping the ball by CS did not help them to exit. WA were not brilliant in their ball handling either and played some unconvincing rugby altogether, but at least most of their errors were made in the right part of the field
But late in the half CS got some field position and someone hacked the ball forward—and WA got a cruel bounce. Combined got the ball to within a few metres of the WA line and after the cleanout 10 Josh Thorndyke picked up the pill and ambled over.
That must have been a downer for the boys from the west because they had pressured the Combined into errors before that. CS had never looked a danger up to that random point.
The conversion missed and WA were still ahead but by just 7-5, and that was the half time score.
Second half
Combined States changed all their players after the break—or at least it seemed that way. The tentative rabble of the first half looked like ball-breakers and dancing men in the second.
They attacked from the kick-off and were parked down the WA end of the field but were held up. However it was only a reprieve because big bopper no.8 Lukn Lealaiauloto-Tui crashed over from the five-meter scrum.
Then followed a beautiful ensemble try after 3 Jack Bodwitch forced turnover ball for CS and following ball-play through several pairs of hands Thorndyke charged. When tackled he got the ball to hooker James Wilkinson, who scored. At 13 minutes into the second half Combined States were ahead 19-7.
They were over again straight after the kickoff when 11 Lucas Price scored after more razzle-dazzle. Where were these players for Combined States earlier in the week?
But to their credit WA fought back and soon after 8 Isaac Cavu was forced out near the corner flag lock Sam Offer went over for meat. With eight minutes left CS led 26-12; was there a chance for WA?
No, CS put down the hammer with another ensemble try with 2 Wilkinson influential again, but it was Lealaiauloto-Tui who got his second pie. The hooker wasn’t finished with his shift though and after he got defenders to watch him Wilkinson, the man-of-the-match, got the last try of the game.
Final score: Combined States 36 – Western Australia 12.
The scoring
Combined States 36 (L Lealaiauloto-Tui (2), J Wilkinson (2), J Thorndyke, L Price tries; K Anthony 3 cons) bt Western Australia 12 (L Mario, S Offer tries; N Jooste con).
Best players of the week
Combined States
3 points – 2 James Wilkinson – I was surprised that this player didn’t make the Aus schools tour as a third string hooker and reserve flanker (a position he played for CCC). He is a dynamo with ball in hand and is strong in the tackle too.
2 points – 12 Ned Yeomans – was one of the several good inside centres during the week and better than most at helping his supporting players. Good tackler also.
1 point – 5 Keiran Bonin – maybe it was the orange headgear but he was always obvious anyway with his work rate and hard play.
Western Australia
3 points – 1 Lorenzo Mario – was their best player and was both hard and agile.
2 points – 10 Nicholas Jooste – a mature performer for his age and one we may hear of later as a senior player.
1 point – 15 Kauri Cudd – another mature player who always seemed to make the right decisions.
