All Saints’ Rugby Report

Games v St Paul’s Grammar School

ISA Round 7

Under 13s

Well we knew the Under 13s were improving but you would have thought that this team was on top of the table. They drove the ball forward, supported each other and dominated the play by controlling the recycled ball. The coaches, Mr Eliot Sanger and Mr Stewart Ross, were thrilled with this inspirational performance. The engine room of Michael Harris, Angus McCulloch, Hugh Elbourne and Tom Morris were firing on all eight cylinders as they cleaned out St Paul’s players using their shoulders and legs to good effect. Angus McCulloch drove the ball into enemy territory many times and was justly rewarded with his first try of the season. Tom Morris ably supported Angus having a strong game in the tight. Eric Leung displayed courage and hunger for possession in diving on loose ball and penetrated through the defence to disrupt the St Paul’s attack. Alex Mitton, Ben Bayliss and James Keech applied the thumbscrews, hunting for ball and then using it to power the team forward. Ben’s try, running from the back of the scrum and sidestepping his way through several players displayed confidence and determination. Angus McClelland, always the steadying influence, serviced his backline and cover defended well. Michael Waldren, again the General, directed play and used his kicking skills to great advantage. Miles Douglas and George Storrier enjoyed the opportunities they had to run the ball showing their combination and skill. Jacob Thompson and Adam Brew continue to gain in confidence. Adam made an excellent run and recycled the ball back when tackled in a most professional manner. Adam Plummer was outstanding - darting left and right to leave a trail of would-be tacklers in his wake. Every member of the team played his part and is to be congratulated. Well done on an outstanding victory! The team would like to thank Liam Berry for refereeing the match in a professional manner, communicating to all players clearly throughout the game.

WON: 45-7

Try Scorers: James Keech 3, Michael Waldren, Ben Bayliss, George Storrier and Angus McCulloch. Conversions: Michael Waldren 5.

Under 14s

The Under 14s played well for short periods of time in each half. While they started well, their dominance fell away in the first half to allow St Paul’s opportunities to score. The back row was again in the thick of the action with Jack Ison and Joel Kilburn leading the way. Jack was fearless in the face of much bigger players while Joel was ever present stifling the opposition’s attacking options. Anthony Cozens supported and cleaned up loose ball well. David Barron was Man-of-the-Match for his tenacious and aggressive defence while also darting from rucks to probe the defence for weaknesses. Max Hope played a strong game and his excellent conversions attempts from the sideline, while not successful, were excellent kicks. Carnaby Gilany, Ben Peterson and Harry Bland were solid in defence and are starting to work together as a team. Mackinley Wass secured a couple of difficult high kicks, which could have been very dangerous if allowed to bounce. While the team played some great rugby, they also let themselves down by allowing St Paul’s to come back. They must learn to ‘take no prisoners’ and play to their ability for fifty minutes, not twenty. The team would like to thank Michael Waldren, Ben Bayliss, Angus McCulloch and Adam Plumber for being enthusiastic reserves. Thanks must also go to Kyle D’Adam for refereeing the match in a clear and concise manner.

LOST: 20-26

Try Scorers: Jack Ison 2, Michael Clarke, Nelson Parker.

Under 15s

This was going to be a tough match with the St Paul’s team having beaten CCGS and Redlands convincingly. With their flanker, Jock Suttor injured and their coach, Mr Peter O’Neill, in hospital having a knee operation, it was left to the other members of the team to stand up and show what they were made of. Fortunately, all players were focused and clinical during the first-half, producing some of the best recycled possession ever witnessed on Watson Oval. This continuity allowed the All Saints’ team to apply enormous pressure to St Paul’s and produced three excellent team tries. The pressure that is created when a team works together cannot be under estimated and this team knows how to create such pressure. Led by their Vice-Captain, Harry ‘Buzz’ Webber, to the break down, the forwards gained their ascendancy over their opponent. Supported by Taylor Radinoff, James Elias and Josh Porter, recycled ball was presented well for Matthew Hibberson to use effectively. Chris Edwards (before leaving the field injured) and Julian Gaal had outstanding games, mobilising themselves effectively around the paddock and driving solidly into rucks giving vital forward momentum. Liam Berry again stood up and led the way through the toughest traffic zones while Brenton Hall found himself in the thick of the action fighting for ball as second man to the breakdown. He received a beautiful ‘shiner’, which the girls will adore on Monday. The forwards were fantastic for 25 minutes. The inside backs naturally enjoyed this possession which they delivered unselfishly to their outside backs to attack in open space. Will McAloney, Liam Veigel, Sam Armitage and Bill Hurley ran strongly with the ball to draw and pass to the player in the best position. Going to the half-time break 17-0 was well deserved.

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the team could not sustain this dominance in the second half and were lucky to secure any possession at all. With little possession to play with, they gave St Paul’s every chance to attack - ruck after ruck, runner after runner. The All Saints’ crowd feared the worst as the team was pinned in their own ‘red zone’. However, to the team’s credit, their defence held strong for most of the second-half. While allowing St Paul’s to score two tries, they were able to hang on and secure a victory, 20-12. It was a nailbiting finish but one in which they will need to learn, develop or find the motivation to continue their performance for the full fifty minutes if they intend to win the competition next term.

Our thanks must also go to Charlie Clifton for refereeing the game extremely well while under the audible scrutiny of some visiting parents.

WON: 20-12

Try Scorers: Will McAloney, Liam Berry, Matt Elias. Conversion: Bill Hurley 1. Penalty Goal: Bill Hurley 1.

Under 16s

No Game Played

1st XV

No Game Played

Term 3 Games

The next game will be against Chevalier in Bowral on the August 1st. Details will be posted on the College website early next term. Thank you for your support and fellowship around the barbecue or along the sideline during Term 2. We will have one more Home Game on the August 8th before the finals begin.

May I wish all players an enjoyable winter break, remembering to structure in some time to stay fit by running, playing touch footy or simply completing physical jobs around the house for Mum or Dad.

Website: (Go to - then to - Co-Curricular / Rugby / Upcoming Games)

G.S.Thornton (MIC Rugby)