2ND GRADE
We knew it was going to be a different challenge against Uni this time around and with a few key changes including debuts for Will Abbot and Deak Henderson and a flanker debut for Al we were ready for Uni. The game didn’t start as planned, with an early penalty to Uni and an injury to Hugh, meaning Jake Bindley was straight into the game, just coming off the field for 3rds. We started to get more position and into the game as it wore on with a try to Liam S, converted by Sauce giving us a 7-3 lead after 20mins. As we have regularly done, we dropped off after scoring and let Uni in through a simple defensive misread only minutes later to go up 10-7. In what was a hectic first half, Uni then lost a player to the bin and Al was able to break through for his first try of the day, converted to give us a 14-10 lead at the break.
We started the second half where we left off and within minutes Al was in for his second under the posts, converted to give us a 21-10 lead. A further penalty to Sauce pushed us out to 24-10 and we looked pretty comfortable in the way we were controlling the game. We did however struggle at the restart again and let Uni in for a try, noting our defence did hold steady for a good number of phases. We bounced back quickly and some excellent phase play and ball control set up Charlie for a nice try to take the score to 31-15. The last 10 minutes sore a yellow car to Ben D followed by a try to Uni and a penalty goal to Sauce to leave it at 34-20. A good win, with the most pleasing aspect being the visible growth in the way we play and gel as a team. Well done to the point recipients Al Wratten (3), Nick J-H (2) and Jacob A (1).
4TH GRADE
On a brisk Saturday the Royals fourth grade slowly gathered at the Uni North grounds. A side that in preseason trials we had held with, but drew with RMC, sent us into the match questioning our own game plan.
The opposition ran the first 30 mostly in possession of the ball and persisted threw attack to take a 15-0 lead. But Ryley Douglass stole a telegraphed pass to run a 70 meter try, converted by Liam Maguire giving us some inspiration. The 8 point difference gave us some light and we fought into half.
There wasn’t much other then personnel we could change. Our boys lacked ball and couldn’t attack, defensively we stopped their larger side over and over, but could not stop the occasional overlap that they could score on.
The students came out firing again taking another 17 points before we could capitalize. This time it was new recruit Konah Miller driving in for a 5 pointer. But Uni scored again before the bell.
The score doesn’t show the overall unity of our fourth grade side. We played well, but just need to get our hands on the ball more to allow for our attack. Our light side needs to regather and fight next week against a heavily sized and numbered Gungahlin side at home.
Uni-Norths 41-12 Royals
Best on ground-Ryley Douglass 1, Sam Myburg 1, Eddie Easton 2, Chris Burrdge 3
