Rugby Report
Rugby was back at Northbridge last weekend. Although several games had to be cancelled, we are now off and running. All age groups had some games being played and we hope the rain holds off this weekend and allows every team a run.
Our U13s had a good start to their first run in a Shore jersey. Even though two games had to be cancelled, our C’s had a hard-fought win against Oakhill B’s, and the Shore B’s had a strong start, defeating St Gregory’s A’s. Our A’s had a great start, taking a good lead into half-time, but unfortunately watched a good Oakhill team dominate the second-half and run away with a close win. It was then great to see so many of our Year 7 boys at North Sydney Oval in the evening supporting the First XV.
Some notable games around the grounds included the Fifth XV only just going down to St Gregory’s Second XV, the 15B’s and 16B’s defeating A sides from St Gregory’s, and the 14A and 16A sides starting their seasons well with wins against Oakhill.
Shoreman of the day went to Owen Barnes – who played a full game in 14E’s, a full game in 14D’s and 35 minutes in the 14C’s. Well done!
Our GPS Competition teams continue to prepare well for the season. The Third XV narrowly went down to a strong St Gregory’s First XV side, and the Second XV, whilst dominating territory in the second-half of their match, had a hard-fought loss to Oakhill.
The First XV took on Oakhill under lights at North Sydney Oval and performed well to record a 40-17 win. Oakhill are always tough opponents, and the First’s defence at the outset was strong and well connected. This resulted in pressure turning into early territory and early tries via the smart work of Jack Binnie. Felix Harvison and Henry Conick also scored first-half tries off the back of good lead up work, and Shore took a strong lead into the half-time break. Henry Conick was kicking very nicely, slotting four from four conversions.
The second-half started like the first, and Shore showed good discipline in front of a spirited opposition. Charlie Francis, in his starting debut, scored a lovely try off the back of a good team effort, and the ever-present James Warner picked up his first try for the season, capping off a strong game for him. Whilst it was a good win, the team has lots of areas to work on as they approach the GPS Competition.
Tomorrow sees Shore take on Knox in our Mother’s Day Round. Each team will be wearing pink socks in a nod to mums, carers, grandmothers and all the women in our lives who do so much for us. My Mum always drove me across Sydney, supporting each and every activity I did, and I remain grateful for all that she did in this way.
Mr D Mason-Jones
MIC Rugby
