Rugby Report
Shore vs Kings, 23 July
Rain, cancellations and muddy fields were the order of the day on Saturday as Shore faced off against Kings at Parramatta. It was a tough day out for Shore teams with only the Opens and A/B teams in each age group able to play, many losing in narrow contests.
The 4th XV remain undefeated, though after a grinding 5-5 draw they were unlucky not to be able to use the momentum they had gathered at the end of the game to try and put the match away.
Our 3rd XV went into Round 5 of their competition keen to reverse their 0-5 loss to Joeys at the end of Term 2. The team started well and had the best of the first half but were unable to maintain their momentum into the second half. In a scrappy game, Kings came over the top in the second half to take out the win.
The 2nd XV came out at 2.00pm after a disrupted week and started the game with an injury to Finn Baxter. In a tightly fought contest, the boys stayed in the game and fought with great pride and determination, a hallmark of this team. However, Kings ran out winners and deserved the points.
The 1st XV match was an epic battle for the ages. The game had twists and turns, controversy, strong defence, great tries and a thrilling finish. After Dougal Payne was knocked out in the first minute (I am happy to say he has recovered well), the team had to adjust and Ben Whatley came onto the field. In a see-sawing match, Shore first took the lead but Kings struck back to edge ahead at half time. The second half produced desperate defence and Shore took a 19-10 lead with ten minutes remaining. Kings fought back and after a penalty goal and try, the score was 19-18. Kick to come. And…the Kings’ #8 got it. 20-19! The Shore team continued to fight in the last three minutes and pressed the Kings’ line. Unfortunately, a penalty was not awarded, nor were we able to cross the line. A dramatic win to Kings at the final bell.
Over the weekend, I became even prouder of the men of Shore Rugby in our Open division. You conducted yourselves well in the face of various challenges and represented the jersey with great pride. If our vision is to ‘Leave the jersey in a better place’, by your actions on the weekend, you have done that. We did not win but we won in terms of our vision.
Special Mentions for 4 Jun
Well done to…
- Joel Hamilford for his first game for Shore Rugby in the 14Bs and scoring three tries
- Rishad Cook-Sabatino for scoring a try on his 18th birthday in the 1st XV match
- Luke Smart in the 7th XV got two conversions and one field goal. These achievements are good at the best of times but when you do it in the bog of mud which he played on – that’s amazing!
- Ben Whatley for playing a full game in the 2nd XV and then the 1st XV. The fact that he did so well in both games is testament to the hard work he has put in from summer until now.
Mr D. L. Mason-Jones
MIC, Rugby
Rugby Referees Required 2022
With the Rugby season underway, we are looking for parents/Old Boys who are interested in refereeing school fixtures at Northbridge. Any interested persons, please contact Master in Charge, Rugby Referees, Mr Andrew Lees alees@shore.nsw.edu.au.