Running Lines: Volume 2 2025
Getting to the top is easy, it’s staying up there that proves difficult. After an array of wins against St Aloysius it was back down to earth after the fixture against Knox.
Our results were:
| Team | Opposition | Result | Win/Loss |
| 13A | Knox | 47-10 | Win |
| 1sts | Knox | 14-61 | Loss |
| 2nds | Knox | 26-27 | Loss |
| 3rds | Knox | 12-38 | Loss |
| 4ths | Knox | Cancelled | – |
| 5ths | Knox | Cancelled | – |
| 6ths | Knox | Cancelled | – |
| 16A | Knox | 10-19 | Loss |
| 16B | Knox | Cancelled | – |
| 16C | Knox | Cancelled | – |
| 15A | Knox | 5-26 | Loss |
| 15B | Knox | Cancelled | – |
| 15C | Knox | Cancelled | – |
| 14A | Knox | 5-40 | Loss |
| 14B | Knox | Cancelled | – |
| 14C | Knox | Cancelled | – |
| 13B | Knox | Cancelled | – |
| 13C | Knox | Cancelled | – |
- Player of the Day: Junior Teams (13s, 14s & 15s) – Oliver Morgan (13A)
- Player of the Day: Senior Teams (16s & Opens) – James Jackson (1st XV)
- Rugby All Rounder of the Day (for effort/attitude on and off the field) – Jack Rankine (13A)
- Team of the Day – 13A
Let’s start on the top. The under 13A rugby boys. A squad of 20 boys who, initially were in doubt if there game would actually go ahead with all the field closures taking place over the week. The game was pushed to Knox’s main oval. With 27 years of coaching experience in Mr Messiter, and a current Australian under 20 player Kaleb Ah-Colt as coaches and a group of boys who love the game and have a good knack for it. These boys are besotted with the game and really take in all the direction that is given to them. They will learn, and learn quick. The future for these young boys is bright. Oliver Morgan made some positive tackles to keep the pressure on the Knox Grammar boys. Sebastian Pilcher gets on the board first, with a well worked team try that saw some great passing accuracy releasing the speedy winger under the sticks. Momentum and confidence is key, especially for these younger rugby boys. Scoring first really asserts some confidence amongst the team and puts the opposition team under great pressure. Jack Rankine and Bowie Klaiber were carrying the ball with such power and determination, not willing to go to the ground at all. Meters gained really allowed Hamilton Gill to control the game. Cross field kicks at under 13 level… this shows great confidence. When you have Sebastian Drower on the wing, it is no wonder these boys decide to get the ball to the edge wherever possible. He is rapid. Well done to our youngest team of the senior school. You have made your school and rugby supporters so proud.
As many of the games were cancelled as a result of the heavy rain during the week. Dangar and Woollahra looked like a small aquatic ecosystem.
The 14s showed a glimpse of progress. These boys need to stay switched on in the game. Once they have made a good pass, tackle or run, they need to continue looking for work. A few individual performances that stood out on game day, but these boys need to develop a bit more cohesion going forward.
The mighty 3rds were in the game until the last 10 minutes. 12-14 down at one stage where our boys were always in the fight. A few careless errors saw Knox capitalise and run in a few unanswered tries at the end. The scoreline does not reflect the effort that the Cranbrook boys put in.
After a significant score margin for the under 15 team against Knox in 2024, this years under 16 group had a good crack at turning the scoreboard around. Bravery was the word that comes to mind. Our boys were flying into tackles and putting in some good shots onto the Knox boys. A few turnovers and the ball was given width where our boys were given some great attacking opportunies.
The seconds had a heart-breaking end to their game with a missed penalty kick at the death. However, these boys are resilient and robust. After leading 26-10 with 10 minutes to go, the boys let in a few soft/lazy tries that were unanswered by the fatigued Cranbrook boys. Another game and another lesson learned. Upwards and onwards, we go.
The first side suffered a second half onslaught from Knox. Cranbrook enjoyed much of the possession in the first half and got some good attacking phases together but just weren’t able to penetrate the Knox defence. James Jackson was a key link between forwards and backs, making great decisions on the field. A few kicking errors and lack of kick chase saw Knox return kicks into space putting Cranbrook back on scramble defence. This group of boys will lick their wounds and prepare well for the next game against Waverley.
The sun looks to be out this week and into the weekend, so no better way to return to action than a local derby against our neighbours.
Brent Crossley
Master in Charge of Rugby
