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1st XV Report
The now annual preseason fixture against Lindisfarne was played in warm conditions yesterday. For both sides it was a chance to get a gauge on how preseason was progressing and put skills and patterns under pressure. We started by working hard to get go forward with strong carries and timely support. The forwards in particular were laying a good platform allowing the backs to find good space on the edges. This stretched the defensive line and holes started to appear through the middle of the park. The first try of the game after a prolonged period in the opposition 22 as the forwards went to work and Trevor Shane Baker crashed over. From the kick off, we had to absorb some pressure before a break out from set piece saw some very good decision making from our playmakers putting Jayden Keelan away for our second try. Our defense continued to be tested and we showed good aggression at times as Lindisfarne had the majority of possession through the most of the game. When we had possession our attack showed good support and we were expressed our skills to a pleasing level, especially on the counterattack. Stewart Cruden scored the next four tries following good team play. Lafo Takiari scored a superb long range try showing pace and power and then Trevor Shane Baker scored his second try. Final score was 52-3.
We showed plenty of positive signs for the upcoming season. The set piece was a solid source of ball and the defensive line was rarely breached. Aggression was evident in the ball carry at times as it was in the tackle and this was pleasing as well.
The team continues to work its way through its preseason campaign with a game against Scots College in Wellington in two weeks time.
Points Scorers
Tries
Stewart Cruden x 4
Trevor Shane Baker x 2
Jayden Keelan
Lafo Takiari
Conversions Stewart Cruden x4 Jayden Keelan x1
2nd XV Report