Rugby Report: Scots 1st XV v Oriental Rongotai Academy
On a beautiful day and on a surprising dry track at the Polo, Scots College 1st XV got the hit out they needed before traveling to Christchurch next weekend to compete in their annual Quadrangular Tournament with St Kent's (AKL), ST Andrews (CHCH) and Lindisfarne(HB).
Ories had done a good job putting together a team which featured several of the top schoolboy players from Rongotai and St Pats (Town) and the son of former Ories centurion Ian "Tubby' de Terte - Matt -from Wellington College, as well as players from the well performed U21 side. Toss in a few Premier players and it was just what the doctor had ordered. Played in fantastic spirit with both teams willing to 'have a crack' with the ball in hand and willing defence, Scots were able to anticipate their opening game against St Kent's. Competing in the tough Auckland Schools competition St Kent's finished 5th in 2010 and have produced top level rugby players in recent years - Joe Rokocoko, Steve Surridge, Tasesa Lavea, John Afoa and Jerome Kaino - Ories provided the physical contest Scots will get from the Auckland school.
In 21 years of competition in this tournament Scots have only won 2 matches, so while history will suggest another tough tournament, this game may just provide the required level of intensity as Scots look to make the main game on finals day.
Ories captained by Rongotai College Captain Ardie Savea made tough workof the opening 15 minutes as the team adjusted to playing with 'new team mates' but in a 3 try scoring spree within 10 minutes, mainly through Scots errors, they jumped out to a sizable lead. Ories were to score again as Scots looked for composure as they tried to chase the game down, Scots settled into a good pattern with ball in hand, kicking to space and applying pressure in the 'red zone'. This led to 2 tries by Jackson Garden-Bachop before the break. After the break it was a fairly even contest, however as the game wound down the physical nature of the game and Ories powerful running game was taking its toll on the Scots defence. In yet another try scoring blitz Ories put the game well beyond any reach late in the game and the game finished as it had started with bodies on the line at every contest.
Mention must be made of the fantastic spirit this game was played in and it was a credit to all the players involved and hopefully this match will become an annual fixture as Scots look for their Quad preparation and Ories look to get their Academy season underway. Making his debut 'as a chef' was John Willis, who provided the scones from a secret family recipe for the aftermatch function, the cream and strawberry jam were a nice touch. Scots coach Dave Meaclem was last seen heading down Miramar Ave with a plateful.