SKC Fluffy Bunnies vs. Xavier College:
Final Score: SKC - 44 defeated XC - 24 Tries: N. Hutchison – 3, E. McNally – 2, L. Sist, D. Fitzgerald, J. Udall – 1 each. Conversions: E. McNally – 2.
The SKC Fluffy Bunnies were well prepared for a very tough match against XC. The game was played on home soil and commenced at 8.15 on the Saturday morning. Yet again players from the other SKC team (the Bush Babies) had to play twice due to many injuries. SKC started very well and with a lot of energy, which resulted in 4 early tries. The quick ball from rucks created space for the backs to get the ball wide. The support play was exceptional; tries scored after many players handling the ball. There were periods of play that lasted for several minutes, with recycled ball ensuring Xavier were continually on the back foot. Louis Alexopoulos, in only his third game of Rugby, has quickly adapted to the pick and drive and was well supported by Nick Cowen and Liam Curran. Hayden Hutching continues to show his value to the team with many powerful runs off the ruck, creating opportunities for his backrow team of Chris Wright and Luke Sist. Elliot McNally continued to orchestrate play with sharp passing and good defence while Felix Mason made his usual incisive runs to straighten the attack and create space for his outside backs.
Xavier, to their credit, fought back in the second half and finally won some ball for their fast backs. They began to contest the contact with more vigour, resulting in a number of turnover balls; our ball retention in the tackle requires more work. Two tries for Xavier put them back in the contest. SKC, however, continued to attack at every opportunity and was rewarded with tries from, John Udall and Dom Fitzgerald; thus putting the game out of reach for Xavier. The players from both teams continued to move the ball at each opportunity and Tom Scott, along with his second row partner, Palinda Perera enjoyed the opportunity to run with the ball and stop the Xavier forwards in their tracks. Steven Piva and Michael Leahy continued to provide excellent service from the scrum base and Nathan Mitchener is a player with time and space every time he handles the ball.
A great team effort and a very enjoyable game.
