SKC 2nd XV vs. Geelong Grammar
It was a long and winding journey, through a land of sweeping plains, there were silver bells and cockle shells with blue birds all in a row, but finally the SKC team arrived at Geelong Grammar keen to outplay, outwit and outlast our formidable opponents, GGS. The weekend previous, being what it was, showcased an exciting game of touch played amongst the squad, with the standout performer being Mr Toohey, whose whippet like agility bedazzled boys and crowd alike.
A serene day greeted us as we gathered under the St Kevin’s marquee, the temperature 13 degrees Celsius, the sky a non-threatening baby blue, the pitch engulfed with a ever so slight layer of moisture, and the air pressure at approximately 101.3 kilopascals. Inspired by these 36,24,36 conditions, the team warmed up with a sense of concise moral purpose.
Enthused by Mr Toohey’s pre match address, and hence winning the coin toss St Kevin’s started with a bang, placing early pressure on our opponents, who upon confrontation pre match, appeared to block out the sun. A high intensity commencement resulted in some big hits and a penalty awarded under the post allowed SKC to take first honours on the scoreboard. 3-0. A long period of no points then ensued however, Geelong hit back scoring a try. To the team’s credit, we quickly adjusted to the multiple vicissitudes presented by our opposition, with the forwards lifting and linking, as well as a barnstorming run, which included a silky smooth pickup, by John Novak, to the final result of another easy penalty kick. 6-5 (half time)
Hard scrummaging by Stephen Li and Ammidio resulted in a solid base for the backs to strut their stuff, however on occasion execution was left wanting. These minor setbacks however didn’t dampen our spirits with the team continually putting pressure on the GGS outfit. SKC’s loose forwards, led by Liam Travers, were ruthless in defence and around the ruck and maul situation; however indefatigable defence from our opponents denied us on many occasions. St Kevin’s constant toil was finally rewarded by a try to the hard working James Mustey with about ten minutes left in the match. Aware of the gravity of the situation the team didn’t let up the pressure, fighting to the final whistle, consequently scoring a final try via the slippery weaving of fly half Shaun Bree-Killingbeck.
StatsScore: SKC 20-5 GGS
SKC 20-5 GGSTries: Mustey, Bree-KillingbeckMustey, Bree-Killingbeck Conversions: Herath 2
Mustey, Bree-Killingbeck Herath 2Penalties: Herath 2Herath 2The game was a hard fought battle between two evenly matched sides, showcasing a dominant performance by the forwards (Liam Travers at open side particularly exemplary) over much larger opposition, and a well rounded performance by the backs with standout performances from Shaun Bree-Killingbeck, James Mustey and John Novak. A well rounded display of rugby with clear signs of promising rounds ahead. A solid week of training was clearly refracted in this week’s performance and repeated efforts like those shown on the track could result in another promising round.
Herath 2The game was a hard fought battle between two evenly matched sides, showcasing a dominant performance by the forwards (Liam Travers at open side particularly exemplary) over much larger opposition, and a well rounded performance by the backs with standout performances from Shaun Bree-Killingbeck, James Mustey and John Novak. A well rounded display of rugby with clear signs of promising rounds ahead. A solid week of training was clearly refracted in this week’s performance and repeated efforts like those shown on the track could result in another promising round.Matheesha Herath
