JCU Vs Mudcrabs
Reserve Grade – a win 34 to nil.
Prior to the game we had a good roll-up in the forwards but scant backs. This required last minute adjustments and several players playing two games. Thanks to all for helping out, and to Norto for getting players on the field with short term registration.
A combination of forward power and aggressive tackling in forwards and backs, gave us the edge. The defensive improvement was in contrast to the last game when we gave away 4 tries. Lack of training paddock time was no more noticeable than in our poor support play, which improved in the second half. Being short on backs, Bradyn Boske took the field still rehabbing from knee surgery, as did Suma Nona nursing a joint injury in his foot. Mosese Naikatini who had been earmarked for the second row, took the field as inside centre and entertained us with classic Fijian rugby, until he too suffered a knee injury and had to leave the field. Andre Klink again showed improvement, this time in his defensive positioning, staying on his man on the wing and trusting the inside defence to slide, which they did. League convert Adam du Bois had his first start as hooker, and dispelled any doubt he may have had about that daunting position. Good defensive tackling Adam.
Biggest surprise was the great performance of newcomer Paul Spinnelli, at open side flanker. Not only did he read the play well, and enter the fray when he needed to, but he did it with aggressive tackling and cleaning, belying his slight frame.
Man of the Match points:– This earned Paul 1 point, Lachlan Aruha earned 2 points for his consistent game and mid-field hard tackling and line breaks, number 8 and Captain, Ryan Godfrey got the 3 points for his leading from the front with both aggressive tackling and ball running. Manager’s Mug went again to Brian McCarthy for his work rate but also for his 40 metre line-breaking run (probably called a sprint in McCarthese) which had us all hoping he’d go all the way.
Tries to Stewart Gibson, Lachlan Aruha, Christian Aruha, Brad Holland, Tim Horrocks and Bryce Stanley.
Conversions: 2 from 6 attempts, 1 each to Bradyn Boske and Nik Lilo.
A grade – lost 12 – 31
We started the game running into the wind, but it became apparent soon after the start that we were not switched on. We lost line-out ball and the opposition urgency in their defensive line speed, and their second shove in the scrum, caused too much loss of valuable possession. However, a few penalties went our way and we attacked from within their 22, and with straight running and letting the ball do the work, crossed over in the corner for the first try. Our defence was up to the task, but a few lapses saw Muddies, who had the majority of possession, cross for two converted tries to go into half-time up 14 -7. A few tactical changes were made but luck was against us when, using the wind, a ground-gaining kick from five-eighth Tim Horrocks which would have had us on the attack in their 22, bounced the wrong way and ran over the dead ball line, putting them on the attack well into our half, instead. Subsequently they scored but we felt we were still in the game. Some huge hits from outside centre Christian Aruha prevented them using their fast and evasive wingers. Our pick and drive worked well but was not used aptly enough to gain momentum for a backline attack. After the game the boys recognised that their mental approach to the game was not up to scratch and they all vowed that this would not happen again, and that valuable lessons can, and will be taken out of the loss.
MoM points:- 1 to second rower Braden Veale who consistently has been having a good game for the last few weeks. 2 to Blindside flanker Liam Duncan for his work rate and ball steals, backing up from helping out in reserve grade. 3 went to outside centre Christian Aruha for his uplifting hard hitting defence, but also a nice try assist.
Tries: reborn as a winger Bryce Stanley scored two.
Conversions: one from two attempts by Bradley Manoi.
