Pics for 2nd XV game - 2nd XV vs Francis Douglas
Pics for 1st XV game - 1st XV vs Francis Douglas
Match Report for 1st XV
1st XV vs Francis Douglas Memorial College The 1st XV played its first white jersey game against the ever hearty Francis Douglas Memorial College. With Mt Taranaki as the back drop, the game was played with plenty of physicality and positive intent by both sides. The 1st XV played into a fairly stiff breeze in the first half and managed to control possession well. We were able to punch holes through the middle of the park with strong running from the forwards, but lacked composure in attacking parts of the field. That being said, we scored the first try from a good period of pick and go from an attacking lineout. We started to gather momentum from this point as the backs and forwards started to combine in more helter skelter type rugby, but, again, we failed to make the most of the opportunities and FDMC were able to score a try from a mistake near the end of the first half. Scores were tied at the half which, after playing into the breeze, was positive. The second half again started well and indeed for the entire half we used the conditions well, exerting pressure on the FDMC line throughout the second stanza. Again, however, when we needed poise. We got frantic and failed to see the positive attack pictures we were creating. Instead of going as a team, we started to go as individuals and this proved to be our undoing. FDMC had very few opportunities to score and again our mistakes let them in for two soft tries. The final result was a 19-5 loss. This was a performance that was a massive step up from the preseason and we showed plenty of vim and vigour in our actions. Our set piece was a great source of ball and we created enough scoring opportunities to win this game. However, our big lessons were around getting organised when play either broke down or when we were breached - where to next and how do we get there?? Points 2nd XV vs Francis Douglas The game started with the PNBHS forwards getting into their work, carrying hard and cleaning rucks and they began to punch holes In the FDMC defence. They soon got some reward with James Cameron dotting down. Straight from the kick off, they again seized the initiative and a good line from Reif Dawson saw him break the line and score before claiming his second try after a well worked scrum move. FDMC began to fight their way back into the game, but PNBHS held firm before Jared Sellwood scored at the side of the ruck and added his second shortly after a strong charge from James Cameron to complete an impressive 1st half. The second half started with lots of intent but, unfortunately, the accuracy was lacking. Errors began to creep into their game and this let FDMC off the hook and gave them a foothold in the game. They did manage to extend their lead after a well-worked move created space for James Cameron to extend the lead. FDMC finished strongly, taking the game to PNBHS determined to get a score. The PNBHS defence was superb in this spell, led by Sam Simpson and Raymond Tupututupu and they managed to repel wave and wave of attack to win the game 36-0 Tries: James Cameron (2), Reif Dawson (2), Jared Sellwood (2)
Tries: Tamati Ruawai
Conversions:
Reif Dawson (3)