1st XV v Tauranga Boys’ College Match Report
The 1st XV trekked north to Tauranga to contest the Mitchell Cup with Tauranga Boys’ College. The massive extremes in performance meant that once again the team were coming off a hugely disappointing performance looking to restore some team pride.
The game started with an effective kicking game from the home side, keeping us in our 22 for the first ten minutes of the game. Our defensive line held firm with far better execution and hard work and we managed to weather the storm, get down the other end and, against the run of play, score the first try. The next stanza was again played out in our half with our defence being tested. Again we did not break, even after being reduced to 14 men following a yellow card. We ventured into the attacking half and, again, we came away with a try to lead 10-0 after the first quarter. Our attack started to find some flow as our ruck work became more effective. We created more chances but weren’t quite able to capitalise on them. Tauranga were gifted one more chance with the half closing and they scored right on halftime to make it 10-5.
The second half started much the same as the first ended, with both teams having territory and possession in the right parts of the field. However, the weight of defence was starting to tell and we were unable to hold them out, allowing them to cross for two tries to take a 17-10 lead. We came back with a well worked set piece try that tied the scores at 17-17 with fifteen minutes left. We then created enough possession and territory to score the go ahead try and indeed with two minutes to go, we were in good position to mount one last attack but we were unable to be accurate enough with our skills and kept handing possession back to the opposition. As it played out, with time all but up, Tauranga had one last scrum from which to attack from and they managed to score a converted try out wide to snatch the win 24-17.
The team can be hugely proud of the manner in which they turned their performance around after Silverstream, but will also lament some lost chances to win this game and win the Mitchell Cup back. Their hard work and attitude could certainly not be faulted and one hopes the mental adjustment remains in place for the rest of the season.
Points Scorers:
Tries: Mackenzie Tansley x 2
Jackson Scully
Conversions: Stewart Cruden
