Suburbs Scorpions

Photos by Kirsten Weir on Nikon D300 70-200mm

Photos from todays game- Good win guys!

The boys stepped up as was needed from the previous week. The team put together a strong display in many aspects of the game with tonnes of heart against a good Pakuranga team that pushed the onside laws at each breakdown. Without space to pass and several green shirts climbing all over the backs it was near impossible to move the ball wide especially in the first half of the game. The forwards held there own and even dominated the opposition scrums until we were again reverted to static scrums because of our dominance in pushing the opposition off the ball. A good set phase late in the first half where Flynn drew two of the defence on a dummy cut from second five allowing William to run on from fullback feeding Nico to run from half way to sore almost under the posts. This gave the boys confidence and at half time the score was 12 to 7 to Pakuranga. With the strong wind in our faces and the lack of reserves not to mention the constant infringement by the opposition around the rucks the boys began to wain after about 10 minutes in the second half. Pakuranga ran in some nice tries mostly generated from counter attack where we had passed the ball wide but had failed to retain the ball from the breakdown. When we stuck to our game plan we played well and scored with several good pick and goes. Good to see several boys running freely with the ball including Ronnie and Daniel. A strong defensive game with some strong running from Findlay running from lock this week. A courageous display from Ezi after being blind punched by an opposition player to leave the field with blood poring from his nose to request to come back on at half time. A strong all round game from Josh including top line out throwing, hard tackling and rampaging runs. Hopefully our injured players can make a return to the team next week to provide some respite in this brutal grade. Well done on the step up this week and the good fight. Were still improving in so many aspects of our game. The boys need to continue to work on more urgency to the ball and stringing together more consistent phases of play. Forwards need to get to breakdowns quicker and improve their body position and work rate at breakdowns. They also need to stick to the game and keep recycling the ball to create greater opportunities in the later phases of the game plan. Backs need to provide quicker better quality ball for our centres and outside backs. Not to mention looking to improve on off loading when tackled. Well done on your performance this week boys. Good job. Final score 38-12 to Pakuranga Green. Andrew