11 Royal v Vikings - 20 August 2016
Match report by Stewart Thomas
Photos courtesy of Matt O'Brien
This Saturday saw an early start against a very committed Tuggeranong outfit at a windswept Gowrie oval.
Tuggeranong’s tactics were clear from the start, to use their big forward pack to apply pressure at the breakdown and disrupt Marist ball. The boys seemed to handle the spoiling tactics well and threw the ball from side to side to put the early pressure onto Tuggeranong. Will Johnston showed great strength and determination close to the line to step through a number of would be tacklers to post first points.
Marist went back on the attack from the kick off and with the scrum holding its own, a run down the touch line by Joey Henry put Marist in good field position. Hugo Lester carried the ball forward from a couple of penalties and when Marist got a further penalty 5 meters out, Tuggeranong set themselves for another charge. However, from the tap, the ball was quickly swung wide and Kyan Ellis dived over in the corner. Lachie Campbell converted and the half-time lead of 12 – nil was well deserved.
Marist started the second half with the ball in hand and quickly found themselves in good field position. A line out in the Tuggeranong 22 looked like the perfect opportunity to launch an attack, but a loose ball and an open blind was all Tuggers needed to turn defence into attack. From that point on, Marist found themselves trapped in their quarter and struggling to get out. The boys tackled for all their worth and the scrum managed to hang on time and time again, but the pressure took its toll. Tuggeranong were finally able to push the Marist scrum off its ball and their half back dived over. A conversion into the swirling Gowrie wind ended the scoring for a 12 all draw.
Tuggeranong’s tactics were clear from the start, to use their big forward pack to apply pressure at the breakdown and disrupt Marist ball. The boys seemed to handle the spoiling tactics well and threw the ball from side to side to put the early pressure onto Tuggeranong. Will Johnston showed great strength and determination close to the line to step through a number of would be tacklers to post first points.
Marist went back on the attack from the kick off and with the scrum holding its own, a run down the touch line by Joey Henry put Marist in good field position. Hugo Lester carried the ball forward from a couple of penalties and when Marist got a further penalty 5 meters out, Tuggeranong set themselves for another charge. However, from the tap, the ball was quickly swung wide and Kyan Ellis dived over in the corner. Lachie Campbell converted and the half-time lead of 12 – nil was well deserved.
Marist started the second half with the ball in hand and quickly found themselves in good field position. A line out in the Tuggeranong 22 looked like the perfect opportunity to launch an attack, but a loose ball and an open blind was all Tuggers needed to turn defence into attack. From that point on, Marist found themselves trapped in their quarter and struggling to get out. The boys tackled for all their worth and the scrum managed to hang on time and time again, but the pressure took its toll. Tuggeranong were finally able to push the Marist scrum off its ball and their half back dived over. A conversion into the swirling Gowrie wind ended the scoring for a 12 all draw.
11 Royal v Uni Norths - 13 August 2016
Match report by Stewart Thomas
Photos courtesy of Matt O'Brien
It was always going to be a tough affair playing Uni-Norths on their home ground, and having a number of the team out with illness meant everyone who ran on to the paddock had to stand up.
Joey Henry threw himself into it early, making a great covering tackle and then going on the attack with an incisive 50 meter run. With Marist in the Uni-Norths half, Bryce Ryan was able to steal the ball and scoot away to open the scoring. From the kick off, Marist secured the ball and when Tommy Beesley spotted some space on the left he was able to off load to a flying Will Johnston who ran 60 meters to score under the posts.
Up 14 – nil, Uni-North came back hard, and with their big forwards running strongly, they were able to apply some sustained pressure and eventually got a try of their own to make it 14 – 7. A come back looked on the cards as Uni-North went on the attack from the kick off, only for a Will Johnston intercept try to give Marist some breathing space. Right on half-time Kieran Comerford was able to step through some tiring defence to send Marist to the break, up 28 – 7.
Marist started the second half strongly with the forwards doing a good job clearing out. Just when more Marist points looked on offer, Uni-North got an intercept try of their own. Running uphill and into a brisk wind, the Marist boys knuckled down again and from a tight head, the scheming Tommy Beesley got the ball away to Kieran Comerford who stepped from left to right to go over in the corner. And just as he had all game, Joey Henry nailed the conversion to give Marist maximum points every time they crossed the line.
The boys tackled out the half for a hard fought 35 – 12 victory.
Joey Henry threw himself into it early, making a great covering tackle and then going on the attack with an incisive 50 meter run. With Marist in the Uni-Norths half, Bryce Ryan was able to steal the ball and scoot away to open the scoring. From the kick off, Marist secured the ball and when Tommy Beesley spotted some space on the left he was able to off load to a flying Will Johnston who ran 60 meters to score under the posts.
Up 14 – nil, Uni-North came back hard, and with their big forwards running strongly, they were able to apply some sustained pressure and eventually got a try of their own to make it 14 – 7. A come back looked on the cards as Uni-North went on the attack from the kick off, only for a Will Johnston intercept try to give Marist some breathing space. Right on half-time Kieran Comerford was able to step through some tiring defence to send Marist to the break, up 28 – 7.
Marist started the second half strongly with the forwards doing a good job clearing out. Just when more Marist points looked on offer, Uni-North got an intercept try of their own. Running uphill and into a brisk wind, the Marist boys knuckled down again and from a tight head, the scheming Tommy Beesley got the ball away to Kieran Comerford who stepped from left to right to go over in the corner. And just as he had all game, Joey Henry nailed the conversion to give Marist maximum points every time they crossed the line.
The boys tackled out the half for a hard fought 35 – 12 victory.
11 Royal v Broulee - 6 August 2016
Match report by Stewart Thomas
Photos courtesy of Matt O'Brien
In a hard fought and close match against a tough and physical Broulee, Marist ran out winners 26 to 21 to get their finals aspirations back on track, after the disappointment of last week’s loss to Eddies.
The game was a see sawing affair, in which the lead changed hands a number of times. Marist showed great spirit to come from behind and were only able to grab the win in the dying seconds of the game when Keiran Comerford scored in the corner following some smart scrum half play from Tommy Beasley. Lachie Campbell put the icing on the cake with the conversion.
Broulee were always going to be a tough opponent and running downhill they jumped out of the blocks to lead 14 to nil mid-way through the first half. At that stage the big Broulee forwards were proving hard to handle, but a steal and off load by Zac Bulters was enough to put Will Johnson away to outflank the Broulee defence for Marist to get on the board. Marist had found their rhythm and with the forwards driving over the ball, Joey Henry found some space about 20 out to cut back in through traffic to score next to the posts. He converted his own try and Marist went to the break down 12 to 14.
The second half was an arm wrestle as both sides fought to get on top. The Marist forwards were holding their own, and when finally the backs had some space they spun it wide to Bryce Ryan, who put on the jet shoes to run 50 meters to plant the ball under the posts. Lachie Campbell converted and Marist was finally in front, 19 to 14.
Broulee weren’t done with and came back hard, once again through their big forwards. After a sustained period in the Marist 22, they crashed over from a maul to take back the lead. At 19 to 21, time was against Marist, but they rallied and drove to the Broulee line. And from a scrum 5 meters out, the Marist pack held firm, Tommy Beasley went the blind after the scrum screwed, drew the winger and passed to Keiran Comerford and Marist had the win – much to the relief of the parents and class mates on the sideline!
The game was a see sawing affair, in which the lead changed hands a number of times. Marist showed great spirit to come from behind and were only able to grab the win in the dying seconds of the game when Keiran Comerford scored in the corner following some smart scrum half play from Tommy Beasley. Lachie Campbell put the icing on the cake with the conversion.
Broulee were always going to be a tough opponent and running downhill they jumped out of the blocks to lead 14 to nil mid-way through the first half. At that stage the big Broulee forwards were proving hard to handle, but a steal and off load by Zac Bulters was enough to put Will Johnson away to outflank the Broulee defence for Marist to get on the board. Marist had found their rhythm and with the forwards driving over the ball, Joey Henry found some space about 20 out to cut back in through traffic to score next to the posts. He converted his own try and Marist went to the break down 12 to 14.
The second half was an arm wrestle as both sides fought to get on top. The Marist forwards were holding their own, and when finally the backs had some space they spun it wide to Bryce Ryan, who put on the jet shoes to run 50 meters to plant the ball under the posts. Lachie Campbell converted and Marist was finally in front, 19 to 14.
Broulee weren’t done with and came back hard, once again through their big forwards. After a sustained period in the Marist 22, they crashed over from a maul to take back the lead. At 19 to 21, time was against Marist, but they rallied and drove to the Broulee line. And from a scrum 5 meters out, the Marist pack held firm, Tommy Beasley went the blind after the scrum screwed, drew the winger and passed to Keiran Comerford and Marist had the win – much to the relief of the parents and class mates on the sideline!
11 Royal v Eddies Blue - 30 July 2016
Photos courtesy of Matt O'Brien
Match report to follow
11 Royal v Wests - 25 June 2016
Match report by Stewart Thomas
Photos courtesy of Matt O'Brien
Marist took on Wests at Wests this weekend and opened the game as cool and as crisp as the morning’s conditions. After kicking off the boys showed their intentions early, with the forwards driving their Wests opponents off the ball, for it to be spun across the back line. The game was only minutes old before Bryce Ryan was on the end of such a play, which saw him outpace the cover to score. Joey Henry converted and Marist was away! The forwards were playing strong and after a tight head in Wests 22, Kieran Comerford at half-back scooted down the short side for Marist’s second try.
The boys were on a roll and from the kick off Jack O’Mara stepped and weaved for a fine solo try. Further tries to Angus Wheadon, Lachlan Ryan, converted by Joey Henry, and another to Kieran Comerford, employing his trademark dummy and step, saw Marist go to oranges, up 34 to nil.
The second half started as a bit of an arm wrestle with Marist trying to get back on the front foot, only for a number of handling errors to hold them back. After soaking up some pressure, Marist finally broke into the Wests half through a determined run from Zac Bulters. From the ensuing ruck, Tom Beasley showed great vision to pick the ball up and run 30 metres down an undefended blind, to dive over in the corner.
A bit of possession to Wests saw the boys having to defend in their own quarter but it didn’t last long, as Bryce Ryan swooped on a clearing kick to toe the ball down field and set up a foot race that eventually saw Joey Henry scoop up the ball to dive over. Marist started to dominate again and from another tight head, Lachie Campbell at fly half took the defence on and barged over from 20 out. Lachie converted his own try to make it three from three conversions in the second half.
A final flurry from Wests was denied allowing the boys to finish with a clean sheet.
Final score: Marist 55 to Wests nil.
The boys were on a roll and from the kick off Jack O’Mara stepped and weaved for a fine solo try. Further tries to Angus Wheadon, Lachlan Ryan, converted by Joey Henry, and another to Kieran Comerford, employing his trademark dummy and step, saw Marist go to oranges, up 34 to nil.
The second half started as a bit of an arm wrestle with Marist trying to get back on the front foot, only for a number of handling errors to hold them back. After soaking up some pressure, Marist finally broke into the Wests half through a determined run from Zac Bulters. From the ensuing ruck, Tom Beasley showed great vision to pick the ball up and run 30 metres down an undefended blind, to dive over in the corner.
A bit of possession to Wests saw the boys having to defend in their own quarter but it didn’t last long, as Bryce Ryan swooped on a clearing kick to toe the ball down field and set up a foot race that eventually saw Joey Henry scoop up the ball to dive over. Marist started to dominate again and from another tight head, Lachie Campbell at fly half took the defence on and barged over from 20 out. Lachie converted his own try to make it three from three conversions in the second half.
A final flurry from Wests was denied allowing the boys to finish with a clean sheet.
Final score: Marist 55 to Wests nil.
11 Royal v Royals - 18 June 2016
Match report by Stewart Thomas
Photos courtesy of Matt O'Brien
A four try haul to flying winger Angus Weadon helped Marist to a solid 54 to 17 victory over Royals at Rivett Oval.
Marist started the game quickly and after the early exchanges swung the ball wide for Angus to score the first of his tries. It wasn’t long before Angus was again on the end of a string of passes to score his second try, which was converted by Joey Henry. Marist was on a roll and following some strong play from the kick off, Kyan Ellis was able to split the defence only to be held up over the line. From the ensuing scrum, Marist went to the wing again and Angus was over for a hat trick of tries in the first 10 minutes of the game!
Royals weren’t lying down though, and on the back of some possession they were able to mount some pressure of their own, which eventually saw them score after a dart down the blind side. It was a short-lived comeback as the Marist forwards knuckled down to the task with both props, Hugo Lester and Darcy Thomas, scoring tries in quick succession to put some space between the two teams on the scoreboard. However, in the shadow of half-time, another blind side lapse in defence saw Royals sneak over for a converted try, to make it Marist 27 to Royals 12 at the break.
Marist started the second half with a bang and a lovely little dummy and step back on the inside saw Keiran Comerford race away to score from 50 out, with the try converted by Lachlan Campbell. From the kick off Angus Weadon showed a clean pair of heels only to be pulled down short, but some quick thinking from Lachlan Campbell saw him pick the ball up and dive over in the corner. Marist was getting on top, and tries to Lachlan Ryan, a fourth to Angus Weadon and a second to Darcy Thomas, saw Marist pull away.
Royals scored a late consolation try to put some respectability into the score line, which could have been bigger had any of the six or so Marist goal kickers been on target!
Marist started the game quickly and after the early exchanges swung the ball wide for Angus to score the first of his tries. It wasn’t long before Angus was again on the end of a string of passes to score his second try, which was converted by Joey Henry. Marist was on a roll and following some strong play from the kick off, Kyan Ellis was able to split the defence only to be held up over the line. From the ensuing scrum, Marist went to the wing again and Angus was over for a hat trick of tries in the first 10 minutes of the game!
Royals weren’t lying down though, and on the back of some possession they were able to mount some pressure of their own, which eventually saw them score after a dart down the blind side. It was a short-lived comeback as the Marist forwards knuckled down to the task with both props, Hugo Lester and Darcy Thomas, scoring tries in quick succession to put some space between the two teams on the scoreboard. However, in the shadow of half-time, another blind side lapse in defence saw Royals sneak over for a converted try, to make it Marist 27 to Royals 12 at the break.
Marist started the second half with a bang and a lovely little dummy and step back on the inside saw Keiran Comerford race away to score from 50 out, with the try converted by Lachlan Campbell. From the kick off Angus Weadon showed a clean pair of heels only to be pulled down short, but some quick thinking from Lachlan Campbell saw him pick the ball up and dive over in the corner. Marist was getting on top, and tries to Lachlan Ryan, a fourth to Angus Weadon and a second to Darcy Thomas, saw Marist pull away.
Royals scored a late consolation try to put some respectability into the score line, which could have been bigger had any of the six or so Marist goal kickers been on target!
11 Royal v Gungahlin - 4 June 2016
Match report by Stewart Thomas
Photos courtesy of Matt O'Brien
On a wet and soggy Saturday morning, the Marist u/11 Royals took on the Gungahlin Eagles at Marist.
Gungahlin took it up to Marist at the outset and seemed to have the best of the early exchanges with plenty of good field position. When Marist did get their hands on the pill they were undeterred by the conditions and took every opportunity to throw the ball around. After a couple of strong runs, Marist eventually found themselves on the Eagles line. Darcy Thomas was able to pick the ball up off the deck and crash over from five meters out to open the Marist account. From the restart, Marist started to put a few plays together and after one sweeping back line move, Angus Wheadon found himself with some room and was able to outpace the cover to score in the corner.
A Marist error from the kick off saw Gungahlin go the blind from the ensuing scrum and score out wide. At only 10 to 5 Marist’s way, things were looking tight in the lead up to half time, but some late Marist pressure saw Callum O’Brien burrow over from close range. Joey Henry converted and Marist went to the break with a bit of breathing space, leading 17 to 5.
The second half started scrappily as both sides tried to deal with the wet ball. However, it was the Marist boys who were able to get their game together first, and from there it was no looking back as they poured on the tries. Hugo Lester was first to score after a barnstorming run from 40 metres out, and he was quickly followed by long range efforts from Bryce Ryan, Keiran Comerford and Joey Henry, who scored his try from the kick off. Bryce Ryan put the icing on the cake with his second try, after ducking under a number of would be tacklers and sprinting away to score under the posts, which was converted by Joey Henry.
To their credit, Gungahlin never give up, but in the end it was strong display from Marist who won the match 44 points to 5.
Gungahlin took it up to Marist at the outset and seemed to have the best of the early exchanges with plenty of good field position. When Marist did get their hands on the pill they were undeterred by the conditions and took every opportunity to throw the ball around. After a couple of strong runs, Marist eventually found themselves on the Eagles line. Darcy Thomas was able to pick the ball up off the deck and crash over from five meters out to open the Marist account. From the restart, Marist started to put a few plays together and after one sweeping back line move, Angus Wheadon found himself with some room and was able to outpace the cover to score in the corner.
A Marist error from the kick off saw Gungahlin go the blind from the ensuing scrum and score out wide. At only 10 to 5 Marist’s way, things were looking tight in the lead up to half time, but some late Marist pressure saw Callum O’Brien burrow over from close range. Joey Henry converted and Marist went to the break with a bit of breathing space, leading 17 to 5.
The second half started scrappily as both sides tried to deal with the wet ball. However, it was the Marist boys who were able to get their game together first, and from there it was no looking back as they poured on the tries. Hugo Lester was first to score after a barnstorming run from 40 metres out, and he was quickly followed by long range efforts from Bryce Ryan, Keiran Comerford and Joey Henry, who scored his try from the kick off. Bryce Ryan put the icing on the cake with his second try, after ducking under a number of would be tacklers and sprinting away to score under the posts, which was converted by Joey Henry.
To their credit, Gungahlin never give up, but in the end it was strong display from Marist who won the match 44 points to 5.
11 Royal v Grammar - 28 May 2016
Photos courtesy of ....
Match report by Stewart Thomas
The Marist u/11 Royals returned to the winning circle this weekend with a comprehensive 73 to 5 victory over Grammar, who were at home on their main oval.
The boys played a great style of running rugby with the backs and forwards combining to put on an 11 tries to one lesson. A feature of the Marist attack was the number of long range tries that were scored where the boys ran strongly in traffic and kept the Grammar defence guessing by running with the ball in two hands. Unselfish play and good team work saw a total of nine individual try scorers.
It wasn’t always Marist’s way though, but when defence was needed the boys knuckled down and played tough to deny Grammar a number of opportunities. With a clean sheet on offer, the Marist defence did eventually open up late in the game following a penalty at close range, which saw Grammar score their lone try.
The pleasing aspect for the coaches was the way the boys stuck to the game plan, kept their structure and ran in support of each other whenever a break was made.
The final result provided a welcomed boost to the team’s for and against, with a special mention for Lachlan Campbell who ended the game with a personal tally of 21 points from a try and 8 conversions from 10 attempts.
Tries: Will Johnston 2, Angus Wheadon 2, Darcy Thomas, Joey Henry, Lachlan Campbell, Nick Kent, Lachlan Ryan, Lucas O’Dea-Anderson, Jack O’Mara
Conversions: Lachlan Campbell 8/10, Zac Bulters 1/1
The boys played a great style of running rugby with the backs and forwards combining to put on an 11 tries to one lesson. A feature of the Marist attack was the number of long range tries that were scored where the boys ran strongly in traffic and kept the Grammar defence guessing by running with the ball in two hands. Unselfish play and good team work saw a total of nine individual try scorers.
It wasn’t always Marist’s way though, but when defence was needed the boys knuckled down and played tough to deny Grammar a number of opportunities. With a clean sheet on offer, the Marist defence did eventually open up late in the game following a penalty at close range, which saw Grammar score their lone try.
The pleasing aspect for the coaches was the way the boys stuck to the game plan, kept their structure and ran in support of each other whenever a break was made.
The final result provided a welcomed boost to the team’s for and against, with a special mention for Lachlan Campbell who ended the game with a personal tally of 21 points from a try and 8 conversions from 10 attempts.
Tries: Will Johnston 2, Angus Wheadon 2, Darcy Thomas, Joey Henry, Lachlan Campbell, Nick Kent, Lachlan Ryan, Lucas O’Dea-Anderson, Jack O’Mara
Conversions: Lachlan Campbell 8/10, Zac Bulters 1/1
11 Royal v St Edmunds Blue - 21 May 2016
Photos courtesy of Jane Ryan
Match report by Stewart Thomas
This weekend saw the u/11 Marist Royals take on St Eddies Blue, at home, in a top of the table clash.
Eddies kicked off and following a knock on they were on the attack straight away. Eddies went to their backline and with a swerve or two, and a fair bit of speed, they managed to out flank Marist to score and take an early 5 to nil lead.
From the restart Eddies went back on the attack quickly and as a result of successive penalties, Marist found themselves pinned in their quarter. The boys defended with great spirit and it was only from a well fielded 22 drop out that the Eddies backs saw a bit of space and again used their speed to score out wide. At 10 to nil things looked grim but the boys didn’t drop their heads and finally on the back of a little bit of possession they found themselves in the Eddies’ quarter. One of the Eddies’ boys was sin binned for a shoulder charge and from the ensuing penalty Hugo Lester was able to storm over. Marist was back and went to the break 5 to 10.
The early part of the second half saw the game develop into a bit of an arm wrestle. No side looked dominant until Eddies were able to launch a long range attack and even with some great scrambling defence, the Eddies’ support went over in the corner. The try was converted and Eddies had extended their lead to 17 to 5.
The Marist boys played out the game but in the end Eddies were the victors, 22 to Marist 5.
All things considered it was not the result the Marist boys were after, but it did provide an opportunity for them to get a feel for the level of skill and determination that will be required to beat Eddies Blue the next time they meet.
Eddies kicked off and following a knock on they were on the attack straight away. Eddies went to their backline and with a swerve or two, and a fair bit of speed, they managed to out flank Marist to score and take an early 5 to nil lead.
From the restart Eddies went back on the attack quickly and as a result of successive penalties, Marist found themselves pinned in their quarter. The boys defended with great spirit and it was only from a well fielded 22 drop out that the Eddies backs saw a bit of space and again used their speed to score out wide. At 10 to nil things looked grim but the boys didn’t drop their heads and finally on the back of a little bit of possession they found themselves in the Eddies’ quarter. One of the Eddies’ boys was sin binned for a shoulder charge and from the ensuing penalty Hugo Lester was able to storm over. Marist was back and went to the break 5 to 10.
The early part of the second half saw the game develop into a bit of an arm wrestle. No side looked dominant until Eddies were able to launch a long range attack and even with some great scrambling defence, the Eddies’ support went over in the corner. The try was converted and Eddies had extended their lead to 17 to 5.
The Marist boys played out the game but in the end Eddies were the victors, 22 to Marist 5.
All things considered it was not the result the Marist boys were after, but it did provide an opportunity for them to get a feel for the level of skill and determination that will be required to beat Eddies Blue the next time they meet.
11 Royal v Vikings - 14 May 2016
Photos courtesy of Paul Ryan
Match report by George Bailey
A beautiful morning for rugby on the Marist main oval which looked magnificent for a 09:30 kick off against Vikings. Marist received the kick off and after a couple of phases wasted no time in moving the ball wide through some slick backline passing to Bryce Ryan on the wing. He found some space on the outside of his opposite number and made a great 60m sprint down the touchline to score in the corner for Marist’s first try. Unfortunately Bryce sustained a fractured wrist on another strong run later in the first half and will be out for 4-6 weeks. Please get better soon Bryce and well done on a fantastic winger’s game on Saturday! The conversion on the left touchline was a tough one and a good effort by Joey Henry fell slightly short into a stiff breeze.
The Vikings pack included some rather hefty lads in the front row and after a knock-on by Vikings, the Marist coaches and supporters held their breath for the first scrum of the match. The Royals pack looked like miniature versions of their massive counterparts and with late changes to the front row things could have gone pear shaped for our boys. Luckily our last minute props Lachlan Ryan and Nick Kent stepped up to the task during the game and the scrum managed to clear the ball quickly for the backs and even took 2 tight heads off the big lads in red and black. A gutsy effort forwards and especially the front row well done!
Marist enjoyed some good possession and field position in the first half with solid work at the ruck contest by the forwards and ball in hand play by the backs. Our backline were running some nice lines and making a lot of ground through strong direct carries by Joey and Kyan in the centres, although some promising opportunities were snuffed out by poor handling in both the forwards and backs. The coaches are working hard on this with the boys, especially this year where opposition teams have learnt to fear our backline after last season and are really pushing up hard on us in defence. 5 minutes before half time a beautiful bit of footwork from Jack O’Mara at flyhalf opened up the Vikings defence and Jack finished off with a lovely try to the left of the posts. Conversion was a little wide and the boys went to oranges with a 10-0 lead.
Every week we need to shuffle the boys around so everyone gets a fair amount of game time. Sometimes this means backs play as forwards and this week was no different with Will Johnston and Angus Wheadon (our wingers) each playing half of the game as a forward. Not sure if we have convinced either to permanently play in the forwards but they did very well in both their roles!
The boys dropped off the intensity in the second half on attack with some sloppy passing but our tackling remained very committed and the boys did a fantastic job of shutting down the big Vikings ball runners and containing their dangerous No 12. Zac Bulters was making some lovely low tackles around the ruck as usual and Lucas O’Dea Anderson carried the ball well. Joey, Lachie Campbell and Jack also made their tackles really count in the mid-field throughout the game. Keiran Comerford was having a huge game as a scrum half and then as outside centre, showing great vision to make some excellent runs into space. He was rewarded with a strong dart through a hole in the Vikings defence from about 30m out to take our lead to 15 - nil after the unsuccessful conversion. The boys stood firm throughout a lengthy period of Vikings possession and penalties towards the end of the game and ran out worthy winners 15-0. Great job boys, thanks to all the parents who helped out on match day, and looking forward to a big test next game against the same Eddies team we played in the Grand Final last year.
The Vikings pack included some rather hefty lads in the front row and after a knock-on by Vikings, the Marist coaches and supporters held their breath for the first scrum of the match. The Royals pack looked like miniature versions of their massive counterparts and with late changes to the front row things could have gone pear shaped for our boys. Luckily our last minute props Lachlan Ryan and Nick Kent stepped up to the task during the game and the scrum managed to clear the ball quickly for the backs and even took 2 tight heads off the big lads in red and black. A gutsy effort forwards and especially the front row well done!
Marist enjoyed some good possession and field position in the first half with solid work at the ruck contest by the forwards and ball in hand play by the backs. Our backline were running some nice lines and making a lot of ground through strong direct carries by Joey and Kyan in the centres, although some promising opportunities were snuffed out by poor handling in both the forwards and backs. The coaches are working hard on this with the boys, especially this year where opposition teams have learnt to fear our backline after last season and are really pushing up hard on us in defence. 5 minutes before half time a beautiful bit of footwork from Jack O’Mara at flyhalf opened up the Vikings defence and Jack finished off with a lovely try to the left of the posts. Conversion was a little wide and the boys went to oranges with a 10-0 lead.
Every week we need to shuffle the boys around so everyone gets a fair amount of game time. Sometimes this means backs play as forwards and this week was no different with Will Johnston and Angus Wheadon (our wingers) each playing half of the game as a forward. Not sure if we have convinced either to permanently play in the forwards but they did very well in both their roles!
The boys dropped off the intensity in the second half on attack with some sloppy passing but our tackling remained very committed and the boys did a fantastic job of shutting down the big Vikings ball runners and containing their dangerous No 12. Zac Bulters was making some lovely low tackles around the ruck as usual and Lucas O’Dea Anderson carried the ball well. Joey, Lachie Campbell and Jack also made their tackles really count in the mid-field throughout the game. Keiran Comerford was having a huge game as a scrum half and then as outside centre, showing great vision to make some excellent runs into space. He was rewarded with a strong dart through a hole in the Vikings defence from about 30m out to take our lead to 15 - nil after the unsuccessful conversion. The boys stood firm throughout a lengthy period of Vikings possession and penalties towards the end of the game and ran out worthy winners 15-0. Great job boys, thanks to all the parents who helped out on match day, and looking forward to a big test next game against the same Eddies team we played in the Grand Final last year.
11 Royal v St Edmunds White - 7 May 2016
Photos courtesy of Angela Ryan
Match report by Stewart Thomas
On a beautiful Saturday morning, u/11 Marist Royal took on St Eddies White at Garran oval in the first match of the season.
After kicking off, Marist quickly had the ball in their hands and went on the attack. The Marist backline swung the ball from one side of the filed to the other, while the forwards dominated the Eddies scrum. Despite the pressure, Eddies refused to crack and off the back of Marist turnovers, Eddies were able to launch their own counter attacks, which were only stopped after some great covering tackles and scrambling defence.
And then, just before half time, when Eddies looked like holding Marist out, a tight head to Marist in the Eddie’s 22 saw Marist drive towards the line with Darcy Thomas crashing over from close range. Lachlan Campbell duly converted and Marist went to oranges up 7 to nil.
Marist started the second half where they left off the first, and on the back of a determined run by inspirational skipper Hugo Lester, Marist again found themselves deep in Eddies’ territory and on the attack. Once again though, Eddies found a way out and it was left to the Marist cover defence to clean up. On the back of successive penalties, Eddies were able to mount a period of concerted pressure in the Marist 22, but some strong Marist defence saw them hold Eddies out.
Marist finished the game on the attack, but could not add to the half-time score, running out winners 7 to nil.
For the first game of the season it was a great effort from backs and forwards and we are all looking forward to seeing the boys improve on their skills as the season progresses.
After kicking off, Marist quickly had the ball in their hands and went on the attack. The Marist backline swung the ball from one side of the filed to the other, while the forwards dominated the Eddies scrum. Despite the pressure, Eddies refused to crack and off the back of Marist turnovers, Eddies were able to launch their own counter attacks, which were only stopped after some great covering tackles and scrambling defence.
And then, just before half time, when Eddies looked like holding Marist out, a tight head to Marist in the Eddie’s 22 saw Marist drive towards the line with Darcy Thomas crashing over from close range. Lachlan Campbell duly converted and Marist went to oranges up 7 to nil.
Marist started the second half where they left off the first, and on the back of a determined run by inspirational skipper Hugo Lester, Marist again found themselves deep in Eddies’ territory and on the attack. Once again though, Eddies found a way out and it was left to the Marist cover defence to clean up. On the back of successive penalties, Eddies were able to mount a period of concerted pressure in the Marist 22, but some strong Marist defence saw them hold Eddies out.
Marist finished the game on the attack, but could not add to the half-time score, running out winners 7 to nil.
For the first game of the season it was a great effort from backs and forwards and we are all looking forward to seeing the boys improve on their skills as the season progresses.