The thing about Junior Rugby is that it always provides excitement. Today’s excitement started with an unexpected field change and the dash to get their on time. We all got there and it was all ok, so all good.
This was our first game in C grade having been promoted, so we didn’t know what to expect, except a better quality of play.
Mosman started strong and our boys looked disorganised. It was only a few minutes before the speedsters for Mosman scored and they looked dangerous. Shortly afterwards they went in again and we were struggling. That was the trigger for our boys to get back in the game. Our forwards started to dominate through the centre of the field and make space for our backs. In-fact every time we had the ball, we rolled it forward. Tommy was tearing them up out wide and it wasn’t long before Mosman had three players marking him!!! (Respect to Tommy)!
With a few minutes before half time, Archer intercepted a pass, stepped and hit a gap to run around and score under the posts. We went to the break 12-7 down, but momentum was building.
The second half saw us pick up where we left off. Our forwards toughed it out and we dominated. I even saw Archie carrying 5 tacklers at one stage. We spent a long time in their quarter and then we got a penalty close to the line. Kaleb took the tap and pushed over to score beside the posts. Scores 12-12. Mosman were competitive and came back scoring again taking a 19-12 lead half way through the second half. The difference at this point of the game was that, although behind, our boys were in control and confident. Kaleb went over for 2 more burrowing try’s and we led by 5 with 1 minute remaining. Mosman were determined to win but our defence was solid. At the end, Mosman retained the ball on our line for 3 minutes after the end of ordinary time for 10+ phases before they were penalised for a double movement. It was outstanding defence from our boys which saw us win 24-19. Yippee! ( I have to admit that I was jumping with excitement for the boys). What a hard fought win!
It was a full team effort & performance with many notable players. I’d like to highlight just a couple.
Corey Green – made several critical tackles bringing down player after player.
Ryan Barnes- the hitman, who cleared out tirelessly.
Dan ‘The Man’ Clempson – Gave good ball to the backs all day.
Max Haywood – Great running that repeatedly got the forward roll on.
Really, all the boys played well. I’d like to give them all a wrap.
Special mention and thanks to Ethan & Nathan from the Reds who answered our call for help and made the trek to Mosman.
Try scorers:
Archer Nicholl: 1 intercept try……..again ( that makes 3 intercepts so far this season).
Kaleb Mark: 3 (Hatrick)! Used his power to burrow over on each occasion.
Conversions:
Lachie Kinstler-Smith: 2
Awards:
Man of the match: Kaleb Mark
Most improved: Lachlan Kinstler-Smith
