Rugby Report: U55 (5) v Kapiti College (37)
Date: 4 August 2012
Venue: Kapiti College
Result: Loss 5-37 (HT:0-27)
After a win against Wellington College we were feeling confident and ready to end our season on a high. Our quarter final draw saw us playing Kapiti College who were ranked second after the pool play. This was going to be a tough game but we knew if we stopped their South African winger we would be in with a chance.
We lost the toss and Kapiti received the kick off on a hot Kapiti day, completely different conditions from our first game. We started strongly in the early minutes, playing most of the game at about half way. Kapiti’s strategy was clear, give the ball to the South African winger from anywhere on the field. Unfortunately this worked, as he was guided from the side line in Afrikaans, getting on the outside of us and scoring a number of tries. Oliver Lyford’s tackling was the only thing that stopped him running in even more tries.
While the score in the first half was against us, 27-0, we had our share of possession and opportunities. We were pretty happy with our performance and we didn’t believe that the score reflected the way the game was played.
We started the second half flamboyantly, getting the ball out wide and closing in on Kapiti’s line. The forwards reacted brilliantly and William Findlay went over the line in true forwards style. We continued to play in Kapiti’s half but lapses in defence allowed the South African to break out and set up a couple of tries.
We continued using our backs to apply pressure to Kapiti’s line, but some last game of the season white line fever probably cost us a chance of scoring. The final whistle blew with the second half being a hard battle reflected in the 10-5 score line. We were happy with our performance against a team ranked 5 places higher than us. This was a big improvement on the 51-0 losing score line from our first game against Kapiti.
It was a good end to the season and it was a good example of how far we have come. A special shout out to the boys that were fully committed and turned up to every practice. We have improved a lot and really become a tight group.
Special thanks to our coach Mr James and the Gappies for all their work this year and to the parents and supporters, it has not always been easy to watch on the side line but we appreciate your support.
Scorers
Try: William Findlay
Tom Harding
Captain