Rugby Report
St Joseph’s College (Joeys) – Thursday 6 June
Firstly, thank you. To all the boys who came from School in the pouring rain and in ponchos to come and watch Shore take on Joeys at Hunters Hill – we appreciate you.
The First and Second XV played last Thursday in torrential rain yet again. And both games showed the great courage and skill of our players.
The Second XV started in a clinical fashion and really controlled the first half with disciplined play and fine penalty goal kicking from Ollie Greig. Unfortunately, a lapse in concentration and a well-worked Joeys move saw them cross for a try, however, Shore was in front at half-time. The second half started to see the rain really start to come down and the match turned into an arm wrestle between both sides. Joeys crossed for another try and hit the lead for the first time. Shore was down 12-14 and then picked up the intensity once again. Sustained pressure by Shore did not eventuate into points, and Joeys crossed for a third try. However, Shore’s never-say-die attitude came out, and Duncan Cowan crossed for a try to make the score 19-21. Unfortunately, this was where the game ended – a gutsy display from both sides.
The rain was really coming down now as the First XV took to the field. The Cavalry then started to arrive 10 minutes into the game (the Shore boys who had been bussed from North Sydney), and it was on. Once again, the team started well and took control of the match through well structured play. A penalty goal to Henry Conick and a try to Rex Bassingthwaighte put Shore 8-0 up. Again though, through a lapse in concentration, Joeys was allowed to cross for a try from a simple backline move, and the score was 8-7 to Shore at half-time.
As in the Second XV game, the rest of the First XV match turned into an arm wrestle between two very strong GPS sides. Another Joeys try, and two Shore penalty goals had the score locked at 14-14. Both sides were throwing everyone they could at the game, and Joeys were awarded a penalty attempt with minutes to go. They got it. 17-14 to Joeys. Shore then threw down one last almighty effort and attacked the Joeys half with great skill and discipline. Twenty plus phases later and no penalties being awarded, the ball spilled loose, and Joeys grabbed it to kick it out…but it was blocked, and Marshall Le Maitre got a toe on the ball as it headed to the try line…alas, the ball went dead, and the final whistle blew.
All of the coaching staff who watched these games came away with great admiration for our boys. Players who were not well, played for their friends. Alex Smith played out of position in the Second XV when needed and did this for those around him. And therein lies what we hope is the spirit of all Shore teams, no matter how old you are – playing for those around you is where the joy, satisfaction and ultimately success always comes from.
As we take on Scots tomorrow, let us go once more to our beloved Bridge and defend it with all that we have, playing for our friends and jersey as the ultimate objective.
Go Shore!
Mr D Mason-Jones
MIC Rugby
