Rugby Report: Scots 1st XV 23 v St Bernards 1st XV 0
At the start of the 2010 rugby season the team decided it had 3 goals it wanted to achieve. 1. Compete in the Premier Trophy grade (Premier 1), 2. Knock over a 'traditional' top 4 school and 3. Finish 5th after round robin play. A 'must win' match up saw Scots College 1st XV achieve their 3rd and last goal with a 23 - 0 bonus point victory against St Bernards. The game once again drew a large crowd to the Scots "Field of Dreams" and the team did not disappoint. On a field that was water logged the day before, played its part as both teams played in a positive manner and looked to give the ball some width. Scots, on the back of a 18 - 0 victory the week before against Premier 2 leaders Newlands, looked to emulate that defensive display against St Bernards. Their is an old saying that "defence wins championships" and we have taken that attitude and applied it to our individual games at the back end of the season. 140 minutes without a point being scored against the team. It is a defensive attitude that we are now able to work on as we look to complete the "coaching jigsaw".
Scots had their 1st points on the board after only 5min when Jackson Garden - Bachop slotted a handy penalty, for what would turn out to be his only kick of the game. This was on the back of good territory gained despite losing the kickoff receipt which put the team under territorial pressure at the wrong end of the field. Scots worked their way into the game with a good defensive effort, this did not allow St Bernards to get over the gain line. Some good time was spent at the right end of the field and Scots were threatening through their back play. Good lead up work by the forwards and some simple catch/pass saw right wing JJ Economu cross for the opening try in the 20th minute. The St Bernards line was breached again 4min later when running from deep in their own territory Scots ran the ball and centre Watisoni Bulivakarua scampered 50m to score. Scots took a 13 - 0 lead into the break.
The halftime break was all about the need to stay patient and build pressure through maintaining the ball and to play at the right end of the park. Although somewhere this message was lost in translation as the ball was once again ran out from a deep defensive situation. Wing James Holden with a nice draw and pass found the inside runner in the 15m channel and Graeme Peter crossed for a try some 80m later with 5min gone. St Bernards were a competitive side and threatened on several occasions, but a committed defensive effort saw promising attacks snuffed out.
I have been coach of Scots for 4 years and roughly 80 games, during that time their has been some memorable team tries, but yesterday we were all to witness a miracle try. With 15min to play and a defensive 5m scrum under our posts, Jackson turned to his dad and asked "what shall I do" to which Bash replied "do what you want", so he took a wobbly old ball from half back Paddy Gluck 5m inside is in-goal area and ran....and he ran.....and he kept running until he crossed the tryline at the other end after having some serious work to do to get there. Brilliant solo effort and so worthy of being our first bonus
point try in Premier 1.
Finishing 5th now gives the team an opportunity to play St Pats Silverstream for a place in
the semi-finals. The boys are excited about this prospect as they once again take on one of the big 4.
Mention must be made of the fantastic support we have had throughout the season from our supporter base - which includes many. From the parents to the local residents who walk through the gate on a Saturday afternoon. Premier college rugby has returned to Scots College after an absence of 21 years and it has been a great ride so far. A whole lot of laughs and only a few stern words has created an environment of which we are very proud. Next Saturday the year 13's can leave a huge legacy for those returning, a victory will see Scots College assured of a place in Premier 1 2011 and a semi final spot.
Thanks to the wonderful people who help with our aftermatch functions for our home fixtures. Your efforts are so much appreciated as are the scones.
Dave Meaclem
Related Link: [Dominion Post] Best Try ever for Scots player