On a day better suited to fish then rugby, the U11 Marist Royal team showed to all why they have been undefeated all year.  In a display of skill and commitment the boys ran out convincing winners - 4 tries to 1.  As all coaches say defence wins the big games and this was no exception. 

Royals started the game full of confidence and on the back of a mountain of possession and field position they pressured the Marist line for the first 5 minutes.  During this time the boys continually knocked over the Royals ball runners but finally their pressure paid off and they scored an unconverted try.  This was the last time Royals got near our try line.

In a show of great character the boys were not fazed by this start and they hit straight back.  After probing runs by forwards and backs, Seamus Smith spotted a weak Royals blind side and with great hands the Marist team outflanked Royals and Will crashed over in the corner for the equaliser.  The ever impressive boot of Robbo made it 7 - 5.  In an almost identical performance several minutes later Will crashed over for his second after quick hands in extremely wet conditions.  

12 - 5 up at half time Marist turned to run uphill.  The coaches instructed the boys to keep low and strong at the breakdown, to stand a little closer in attack and to keep up the great team work and spirit.  The coaches and supporters were not let down.  Two more tries were scored and we went terribly close on several more occasions.  If it would have been a dry pitch I believe a few more of our adventurous plays would have resulted in tries.  (They had in previous games and it was only the conditions that made cut out passes, backline moves and cross kicks a little difficult.) 

The first try after the break was scored after continual pressure of the Royals line.  The ever alert Seamus took a quick tap and found Tom Iles lurking in the centres.  A magnificent cut out pass found the hard and straight running Daine who went over next to the uprights. Mr Reliable converted and the boys confidence was up.

The second try allowed the spectators to see the wonderful footwork of Ruairi Housego for the last time this season.  After several raids by the Marist forwards the ball found its way to Ruairi who danced his way through the Royals defence to score under the posts.  Robbo added the extras and Marist were 21 points in front and had the game won.

All boys contributed greatly today as they have for the entire season. Pearso, Jack and Aiden out scrummed and out muscled their large opponents.  I am sure the big Royals front row were sick of you boys getting under them and driving them backwards. Tom, Riley and Mark cleaned out with enthusiasm and all had telling touches of the ball.  The backrow of Connor, Josh and Xavier were magnificent. They were everywhere in both attack (linking with the backs and great pick and drives) and defence (I was happy that Royals kept running the blind from scrums as they often ended back behind the advantage line).  As predicted Royals relied heavily on their big forwards to take it to us but time after time they were cut down and driven backwards.  In the end they were walking around the pitch.

The skills displayed by the backs were first rate, especially when you take the conditions into account.  All 4 tries were scored by the backs.  Seamus was superb and really took control of the game.  By being ever alert he created three of our four tries with his vision and quick thinking.  Cushy was solid and reliable - have you dropped the ball at all this year?  Rauri and Robbo were a handful and both made telling runs and with Robbo kicking 3 from 4 nearly every try is a 7 pointer.  Ben and Tyler made the most of limited opportunities and their chase enthusiasm kept Royals under constant pressure. Daine ran straight and hard - I am glad that he is on our side and Will at the back had an excellent Captains game, scoring two tries and covering up Royals kicking game.     

You are a champion team that relies on all players to perform and week after week you have done this.  You have been a pleasure to be involved with and you all should be proud of what you have achieved this year. You have scored 507 points and only had 12 scored against you.  We all look forward to watching you improve over the coming years.

Well done - UNDEFEATED CHAMPIONS.    

Bernie, John and Smithy

UNDER 14 BLUES - WINNERS ARE GRINNERS!! ...GO, YOU GOOD THINGS!!

Courtesy of Tamara Webber

 

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - 16 SEPTEMBER - COLLEGE PAVILION

 

PHOENIX BECOMES A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH..

(SAFE TO SAY WE'RE PROUD OF OUR MAN)