SKC 1st XV downs Scotch College 9 - 7 in hard-fought match
In the first fixture match for the year, Scotch College 1st XV was hoping to take revenge for last year’s Grand Final loss to SKC.
Our traditional and respected foes across the creek took on our 1st XV at the Scotch home ground. They were hoping to outmuscle us in the set pieces, traditionally their strength, and looking likely again this year, with 3 of their forwards represented in the State U/18 team (Pat Swan, Jack North and Angus Hamilton).
On the other hand, SKC also look strong this year, with three representatives in the State U18 (Dave Hardisty, Jack de Guingand, and Will Chalmers) and one in the U/16 state team (Mitch James). So the match was shaping up to be a great clash. There was some good news on the sidelines at the start, with Jack coming back from a Groin strain injury. So we were getting closer to our full strength team.
The result? A hard fought battle going to SKC, that could have gone either way right until the end. A game of SKC dominating territory in the first half, piling on the pressure, resulting in Dave Hardisty scoring the points from 3 penalty goals. In the second half, Scotch returned the pressure and slipped in for one converted try.
Particularly notable were the outstanding ability of the forward pack to neutralise the strengths in the set pieces. It is clear to see from the sidelines that the 1st and 2nds have great depth of talent. The squad is clearly powerful with great competition for every position on the field, and losing little on the substitutes bench.
The depth of our senior squad was also demonstrated in the earlier match, where the 2nd XV defeated Scotch 2nds. Another tight and tough match that we were excited to see reverse the Grand Final result from last year.
Further details in the match reports will follow shortly, once reports are received. Photos also soon to be up on the web.
(All budding journalists please note - I am happy to add your comments on the games you saw. Easy to load, easy to write. Please feel free to contact me. Paul de Guingand - 0417 058 569)
