A Grade Match report:
Despite an air of confidence and a new found sense of team ship we where to be out done again by Southside this past weekend. We began strongly and with our focus on the game plan but unfortunately it only lasted for about the first 20 minutes and after that we tended to play to there style (messy) . We did lead heading into half time but I would like to say that it was due to us sticking to the game plan and executing the little things well but I cannot. To the boys credit though there spirits where high and remained focused it was just disappointing we played into their hands. The second half was to be a bit different as it seemed like a totally different Southside team came out after the break. They where full of confidence and this showed in their attack. We where out muscled in the forwards and out paced in the backs, it wasn’t that they had great structure or even a great plan it was more that they took it to us. We have to learn to be more patient and stick to the basics as all the other parts of the game will fall into place. This week we have Innisfail in Innisfail which will give us an opportunity for us to go back to basics and play with the intensity I know the boys have deep down in there bellies. We do need to start playing smarter as it appears we will not receive any help from the officials in relation to the oppositions attempts at infringing in and around the break down and for some reason I am not to sure why we are crucified for slight infringements (like a 90kg player Jersey Slinging a 120kg monster?). Southside 31 JCU 26
– Dave ‘Norto’ Norton
Reserve Grade Match Report:
With the reserve grade bench going form one extreme (11players) to the other (4 players) the boys geared up for what was to be our last home game of the season. Being undefeated at home for 2009 all boys were very keen to keep that record in tack. JCU had a dream start with an old mate of ours (Joey Webb) returning to the back line and doing what he does best, dancing down the side line scoring 5 pointers. Once again the JCU forward pack lead by our fearless captain Brendan Turner came out dominating, laying a great platform for our ever changing backline. It wasn’t long before our halfback Luvin Yakka showed another bit of individual brilliance, tip- toeing through a small gap to put the pig skin under the black dot making the score 10 nil. But once again JCU hit a brick wall and with another 10 minute lapses in concentration just before half time allowed Southside to score a 7 pointer making the score 12 – 7 at half time.
At half time coach Alex talked about getting back to basics and sticking with the game plan we had been dong at training. The boys must have listened and again JCU kicked back into rugby mode and scored another 3 tries to finish the game winners at 31-7. Once again it is pleasing to see reserve grade remain dominant at home going through the season undefeated in their own backyard, it has been a tradition that has been up held for quite a few years now, well done boys. Best players on the field this week go to Luvin Yakka, Clinton Prior and Sam Penwarden. A special welcome back goes to Tim Scott another fearless leader of the club who has been sidelined due to illness for the last 8 weeks, good game and great to have you back mate.
Next week we are going up against Atherton who are gaining confidence and momentum after recording their third straight win after belting Brothers last weekend.
– Alex Costello
