StAC vs Waimea - June 19th - Match ReportThe match was played at St Andrew’s College on a very boggy field but in perfect weather conditions with very warm temperatures and little or no wind in the first half. There was a sizeable crowd gathered for what was a must win game for Stac 1st XV to keep one of their goals of winning all games against the co-ed schools alive and to get back the self belief that was so evident in the earlier games in the season. Waimea started well but a vital turnover was accepted by St Andrew’s College and a well judged chip kick put through by Martin Solofua saw a very smart pickup by Richie Mo’unga and he ran the ball in to score under the posts. Ritchie converted this try. 7 nil St Andrew’s College From the restart Waimea went straight onto attack and St Andrew’s College were penalised twice in quick succession which resulted in Paddy Smith Waimea’s fullback converting from a handy position. 7 – 3 St Andrew’s College The next period of play was largely played between the 22’s and both teams showed they were capable of playing some very smart rugby especially in the forwards and given the conditions, but were equally guilty of some soft turnovers and a trading of penalties spoiling opportunities of scoring. Finally from a movement started on halfway and some missed tackles by St Andrew’s College, Waimea worked some passes together that saw their centre Trael Joass score wide out in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful. 8 – 7 Waimea From the restart Waimea failed to defend some very smart forward and backline play and the ball was spread out wide and some good support play shown by Todd Henderson resulted in another very classy try to Ritchie Mo’unga under the posts. Ritchie converted 14 – 8 St Andrew’s College Some scrappy play followed with the basics of rugby in these conditions lost for a period of time. Waimea then decided to play to their strength with some very good pick and go rugby and continued to dominate both territory and possession but all the St Andrew’s College forwards showed they could compete in this area and kept Waimea scoreless. Waimea were awarded a penalty right on halftime and chose to run instead of kicking for goal and the pressure finally told and they knocked the ball on. Halftime 14 – 8 St Andrew’s College The second half began with a with a slight wind advantage to St Andrew’s College that wasn’t evident in the first half and some very good play was displayed by both teams, until with St Andrew’s College on attack after some good forward work the ball went out through the backs and Junior Sitagata used his strength to stretch out and place the ball over the line under the posts. Richie Mo’unga converted. 21 – 8 St Andrew’s College Waimea went onto attack after the restart from a St Andrew’s College mistake and very nearly scored but were denied by some very good tackling and then Waimea were penalised for holding on which gave St Andrew’s College a penalty and some much needed relief. The game then saw some good backline moves by both sides but vital mistakes denied scoring opportunities. At this stage St Andrew’s College and Waimea started using their bench and in particular this gave St Andrew’s College some further energy. A further period of Waimea on attack but were again denied by some spirited defending. St Andrew’s College eventually went onto attack again and against the run of play and with some more good forward work and some skilful play by Martin Solofua who managed to get the ball to Richie Mo’unga who took the chance and scored wide out. Richie’s conversion hit the post. 26 – 8 St Andrew’s College Virtually from Waimea’s restart St Andrew’s College secured good ball from the 22 and moved it through the backline again with Todd Henderson and James Fairburn combining in some good passing and supporting of one another which led to a try scored by Todd under the posts after a 75m move. Richie converted. 33 – 8 St Andrew’s College St Andrew’s College were really on a roll and again virtually from the restart were back down on attack and some more impressive play by forwards and backs saw Harry Railton score a very good try out wide. Richie missed the conversion. 38 – 8 St Andrew’s College St Andrew’s College scored 3 tries in a 5 minute period which certainly knocked Waimea’s confidence but to their credit they never gave up. It’s also worth mentioning that Waimea College prop Zeke Dyson played his 50th game for the College and showed his skills throughout the game, an outstanding achievement. The game was played hard but fair and was helped by some good refereeing with decisive decisions and a good manner by the official which was a pleasant change from recent weeks. It was certainly an entertaining game so thanks to the whole team and the coaching and management staff from all of your supporters. MVP Points 3 Todd Henderson 2 Ritchie Mo’unga 1 Martin Sitagata Locationhttp://www.crfu.co.nz/main/index.cfm/1,538,3466,0,html Copyright © CRFU 2013 |
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