1st XV v Scots College Match Report - Saturday 4 May
The 1st XV played the first round of the Hurricanes Preseason Festival against Scots College in Masterton on Saturday 4 May. The games between these two sides have been extremely competitive in the last few years with very close scorelines and this game was no different.
The game started exceptionally well for us with a try inside the first 5 minutes and our forwards dominating the early exchanges. Two more tries and we had a 21-0 lead after 20 minutes and were playing very well, making the most of our scoring opportunities in start contrast to our earlier games. Most pleasing was the attitude and aggressive intent amongst the forwards who had rolled the sleeves up. The backs were setting good platforms and the organisation and composure previously missing started to come through. Scots scored a try with their first real look in our half but we replied with a fourth try to take a 28-5 lead into the half. The message at the half was to maintain the aggression in the carry clean and to play territory and ask the opposition to run it out from deep and back our defence.
The game turned into a clichéd game of two halves with Scots scoring two quick tries and it was well and truly game on. We were able to earn penalties through our dominant carries but we were wasteful of opportunities to add to the scoreboard and this would come back and haunt us as the half wore on. A penalty extended our lead but Scots came roaring back, feeding of our mistakes to take a 35-31 lead with five minutes to go. Again we earned the right to have the last crack however we failed to execute when we needed to and despite a tremendous start, were unable to get back in front. Final score 35-31.
This team is showing that after every game lessons are being learnt. The key now is maintaining our focus, aggression and ruthlessness for an entire game. The potential is certainly there and as a coaching team we are extremely proud of the effort and attitude shown so far. A continuation of this is needed, the team understands this and holds itself accountable. The next challenge is against St Pats Town in Gisborne in the next round of the Hurricanes Festival before we play Wellington College in the final round for the Wellington Old Boys Shield.
Scorers:
Tries Feleti Sae Ta’ofu’ou
Soane Fakahau
Chance Malu
Elyjah Crosswell
Cons Curtis Heaphy x 4
Pen Curtis Heaphy
