Grand Final - 12 Sky v CGS - 4 September 2016
Photos courtesy of Guy Davies
Match Report
The 2016 Grand Final was played against CGS at Viking Park. Grammar kicked off, starting what promised to be a very even game as both teams traded possession of the ball. Marist missed some early opportunities to score as a lot of sideways ground was covered. About 15 minutes in, Grammar found its form when the first try was scored directly between the posts. It proved an easy kick to make the conversion.
The first try by Grammar appeared to knock some of the intensity from our boys, as 3 minutes later the same Grammar player scored again - bettering his position for the conversion by manoeuvring under the posts after Marist missed some tackles. The half-time score was Grammar 14, Marist 0.
After words of inspiration from the Coaches, Marist stepped up its game for the second half. Kodi scored Marist’s try within the first 4 minutes. Unluckily, a good attempt by Dylan to convert the try hit the middle bar.
A break away run by the same Grammar try-scorer pushed the opposition further ahead at the 10th minute, but a missed conversion left the score at 19-5. The Grammar player scored his fourth and final try in the 18th minute after he slipped off a number of Marist tackles.
At the 22nd minute, Curtis’s tackling skills saved a certain try. However, Marist’s reprise was short lived as Grammar again crossed the line for its fifth try with only a few minutes to go, followed up by a successful conversion.
The final score was Grammar 31, Marist 5. Despite the loss, our boys showed great school spirit to finish the season with a rousing Marist war-cry.
The set of silver Runners-Up Medals was presented to Declan by Aidan Toua, outside back for the Brumbies, as officials praised the rugby skills shown by both teams on the day. Coaches Ben, Luke and Tim then awarded each of the Marist players their own medal.
Well done boys for a great season, and for making it to the Grand Final. We are all very proud of you.
The 2016 Grand Final was played against CGS at Viking Park. Grammar kicked off, starting what promised to be a very even game as both teams traded possession of the ball. Marist missed some early opportunities to score as a lot of sideways ground was covered. About 15 minutes in, Grammar found its form when the first try was scored directly between the posts. It proved an easy kick to make the conversion.
The first try by Grammar appeared to knock some of the intensity from our boys, as 3 minutes later the same Grammar player scored again - bettering his position for the conversion by manoeuvring under the posts after Marist missed some tackles. The half-time score was Grammar 14, Marist 0.
After words of inspiration from the Coaches, Marist stepped up its game for the second half. Kodi scored Marist’s try within the first 4 minutes. Unluckily, a good attempt by Dylan to convert the try hit the middle bar.
A break away run by the same Grammar try-scorer pushed the opposition further ahead at the 10th minute, but a missed conversion left the score at 19-5. The Grammar player scored his fourth and final try in the 18th minute after he slipped off a number of Marist tackles.
At the 22nd minute, Curtis’s tackling skills saved a certain try. However, Marist’s reprise was short lived as Grammar again crossed the line for its fifth try with only a few minutes to go, followed up by a successful conversion.
The final score was Grammar 31, Marist 5. Despite the loss, our boys showed great school spirit to finish the season with a rousing Marist war-cry.
The set of silver Runners-Up Medals was presented to Declan by Aidan Toua, outside back for the Brumbies, as officials praised the rugby skills shown by both teams on the day. Coaches Ben, Luke and Tim then awarded each of the Marist players their own medal.
Well done boys for a great season, and for making it to the Grand Final. We are all very proud of you.
Video - Marist War Cry
12 Marist Sky v Cooma - 27 August 2016
Photo's courtesy of Andrew Wilsmore
Match Report
As the boys opened their eyes and looked outside on waking, they may have felt a moment of trepidation as the conditions were miserable - cold, windy, overcast, and gray - or an otherwise perfect day in Cooma.
Fortune shone and so did the sun which burnt off the weather the Cooma locals brought with them and allowed Queanbeyan to be graced for a period with not just the weather, but the boys from Marist looking to book a berth in the grand final.
Cooma were hungry and sat waiting Marist's pleasure to start the game. Cooma kicked off into the waiting hands of Marist who successfully drove ball up to within five of the Cooma tryline and looked for all money to be in for first points, but an unfortunate handover gave a scum feed to Cooma. So close to a golden start for the Marist boys.
Good defensive tackling from all Marist players soon returned the ball to Marist, but it was tightly fought with both teams making handling errors, making breaks and running the ball up.
Cooma claimed first points with a super speedy run along the sideline which simply outpaced the sliding Marist defence with their tryscorer putting them into the corner. Conversion was not successful.
Marist were often over-eager to reclaim the ball, and took a while to learn the referees displeasure with them for falling over the ball.
The Marist forwards did a mountain of work, well fed by Jack at scrumhalf who kept niggling Cooma himself of occasion until Marist had the ball on the 15.
Jack saw the opportunity along the backline and after drawing several Cooma players, the Marist backline worked as a well oiled machine passing it through two sets of hands to Henry Wilsmore who was nearly over the line when tackled, but managed to successfully ground the ball for a Marist equalising try. Celebrations included Henry getting celebrated-tackled to the ground. Conversion unsuccessful.
The Marist tackling has significantly improved through the season and they showed no fear in bringing down some of the bigger Cooma boys who would otherwise have trampled over the boys earlier in the season.
Curtis did an impressive job in chasing down a Cooma kick and bustled beautifully through the field. Unfortunately Cooma successfully ripped the ball when the maul formed around the tackle and Marist were left flat-footedly not realising Cooma had the ball and were charging to score their second under the posts. Conversion not successful.
Declan and Olly led the rebound for Marist and drove the ball up strongly and without fail burst through the first line of tacklers and delivered good metres to Marist.
Jack continued to weave between Cooma defenders. Then the forwards worked hard to gain metres. A penalty tap within metres of the Cooma try line had Harrison Locke given battering ram duties before finally being brought down over the line and managing to successful ground it. Conversion by Dylan Kisten put Marist into the lead just ahead of halftime whistle, much to the jubilation of the boys but not so to the waiting oranges who knew they only had a short time to live.
This was a different Marist than the one that journeyed only weeks ago to play Cooma in the round match. The boys were playing with much greater confidence and truly believed a win was achievable.
So did the coaches, who were so confident in their charges that a round of KFC nuggets was on the line. What greater motivator was truly needed to get a bunch of Marist rugby kids ready to deliver a win?
The coaches reinforced the need for the boys to stay switched on and not repeat past mistakes that cost the game when the brain turned off. It was imperative that not one boy was allowed to switch off if they wanted to make the grand final.
The second half started in Cooma's favour and soon Marist parents had hands to mouth, but fortunately the boys brought down a fast line charge by Cooma's attacking line. The relief was short lived as the line out went Cooma's way and they found a gap and crashed over the corner. Conversion was once again unsuccessful for Cooma.
Marist piled on the pressure. And several penalties allowed them the chance to bust the ball up and through the defensive line but they kept getting repelled the closer they got to the tryline. Something different was needed. Finally the boys moved it wide and Kodi Muscat finished a nice bit of teamwork by planting the ball over the line. The jubilation was as intense as the parents enjoyment of a Muscat from Rutherglen. Conversion was unsuccessful, so it was just the two points in it with plenty of time left on the clock.
The Marist teamwork continued. Nick pushed and nearly found a gap over the line but was brought up tantalisingly short, despite the fact that Marist players had clearly thought it to be a legitimate try and the game! Marist were within centimetres according to the referee and Henry quickly tried to plant the ball over the intervening gap, but to no avail.
Marist remained threatening every time they spread it. Probably because it was a bit of a surprise to the Cooma team who got use to it just going straight up the guts. Will in particular made some threatening runs an really put his body on the line.
Another Marist try seemed in the offering but didn't eventuate. The boys probably had a a bit of white-line fever which took over their instincts for a team game.
Cooma recovered and soon pushed the Marist defensive line. Several penalties and scrums in a row really tested the Marist defence. But they held strong!
The forwards started their work and Marist ground the ball forward out of their 22 once again much to the chagrin of Cooma parents who thought they might have had the game so close and so much pressure they applied.
Brilliant work once again by the Marist forwards who managed to bring the ball out of danger zone before being held up for a penalty.
Cooma returned fire and were suddenly within five metres of the the Marist tryline. Marist won the scrum and it was nail biting stuff as the ball turned over several times. Marist boys knew the whistle was not far away and kept digging deeper and deeper.
Everyone worked so hard right to the last second and the roar of pure joy from the win was enormous when the final whistle went. The Marist parents could finally breathe again after having held their breathe for the last couple of minutes of the game.
The Marist war cry rang out loud and proud and the coaches pockets promising to be a little lighter at training when they bring the KFC nuggets. Not quite what the sports physicians would recommend, but it seemed to energise the Marist boys.
Curtis took three points for his work as a tackling demon.
Cody was rewarded with two points for running hard all game and really piling the pressure on.
The rest of the team all got one point for the awesome team work which delivered the win.
As the boys opened their eyes and looked outside on waking, they may have felt a moment of trepidation as the conditions were miserable - cold, windy, overcast, and gray - or an otherwise perfect day in Cooma.
Fortune shone and so did the sun which burnt off the weather the Cooma locals brought with them and allowed Queanbeyan to be graced for a period with not just the weather, but the boys from Marist looking to book a berth in the grand final.
Cooma were hungry and sat waiting Marist's pleasure to start the game. Cooma kicked off into the waiting hands of Marist who successfully drove ball up to within five of the Cooma tryline and looked for all money to be in for first points, but an unfortunate handover gave a scum feed to Cooma. So close to a golden start for the Marist boys.
Good defensive tackling from all Marist players soon returned the ball to Marist, but it was tightly fought with both teams making handling errors, making breaks and running the ball up.
Cooma claimed first points with a super speedy run along the sideline which simply outpaced the sliding Marist defence with their tryscorer putting them into the corner. Conversion was not successful.
Marist were often over-eager to reclaim the ball, and took a while to learn the referees displeasure with them for falling over the ball.
The Marist forwards did a mountain of work, well fed by Jack at scrumhalf who kept niggling Cooma himself of occasion until Marist had the ball on the 15.
Jack saw the opportunity along the backline and after drawing several Cooma players, the Marist backline worked as a well oiled machine passing it through two sets of hands to Henry Wilsmore who was nearly over the line when tackled, but managed to successfully ground the ball for a Marist equalising try. Celebrations included Henry getting celebrated-tackled to the ground. Conversion unsuccessful.
The Marist tackling has significantly improved through the season and they showed no fear in bringing down some of the bigger Cooma boys who would otherwise have trampled over the boys earlier in the season.
Curtis did an impressive job in chasing down a Cooma kick and bustled beautifully through the field. Unfortunately Cooma successfully ripped the ball when the maul formed around the tackle and Marist were left flat-footedly not realising Cooma had the ball and were charging to score their second under the posts. Conversion not successful.
Declan and Olly led the rebound for Marist and drove the ball up strongly and without fail burst through the first line of tacklers and delivered good metres to Marist.
Jack continued to weave between Cooma defenders. Then the forwards worked hard to gain metres. A penalty tap within metres of the Cooma try line had Harrison Locke given battering ram duties before finally being brought down over the line and managing to successful ground it. Conversion by Dylan Kisten put Marist into the lead just ahead of halftime whistle, much to the jubilation of the boys but not so to the waiting oranges who knew they only had a short time to live.
This was a different Marist than the one that journeyed only weeks ago to play Cooma in the round match. The boys were playing with much greater confidence and truly believed a win was achievable.
So did the coaches, who were so confident in their charges that a round of KFC nuggets was on the line. What greater motivator was truly needed to get a bunch of Marist rugby kids ready to deliver a win?
The coaches reinforced the need for the boys to stay switched on and not repeat past mistakes that cost the game when the brain turned off. It was imperative that not one boy was allowed to switch off if they wanted to make the grand final.
The second half started in Cooma's favour and soon Marist parents had hands to mouth, but fortunately the boys brought down a fast line charge by Cooma's attacking line. The relief was short lived as the line out went Cooma's way and they found a gap and crashed over the corner. Conversion was once again unsuccessful for Cooma.
Marist piled on the pressure. And several penalties allowed them the chance to bust the ball up and through the defensive line but they kept getting repelled the closer they got to the tryline. Something different was needed. Finally the boys moved it wide and Kodi Muscat finished a nice bit of teamwork by planting the ball over the line. The jubilation was as intense as the parents enjoyment of a Muscat from Rutherglen. Conversion was unsuccessful, so it was just the two points in it with plenty of time left on the clock.
The Marist teamwork continued. Nick pushed and nearly found a gap over the line but was brought up tantalisingly short, despite the fact that Marist players had clearly thought it to be a legitimate try and the game! Marist were within centimetres according to the referee and Henry quickly tried to plant the ball over the intervening gap, but to no avail.
Marist remained threatening every time they spread it. Probably because it was a bit of a surprise to the Cooma team who got use to it just going straight up the guts. Will in particular made some threatening runs an really put his body on the line.
Another Marist try seemed in the offering but didn't eventuate. The boys probably had a a bit of white-line fever which took over their instincts for a team game.
Cooma recovered and soon pushed the Marist defensive line. Several penalties and scrums in a row really tested the Marist defence. But they held strong!
The forwards started their work and Marist ground the ball forward out of their 22 once again much to the chagrin of Cooma parents who thought they might have had the game so close and so much pressure they applied.
Brilliant work once again by the Marist forwards who managed to bring the ball out of danger zone before being held up for a penalty.
Cooma returned fire and were suddenly within five metres of the the Marist tryline. Marist won the scrum and it was nail biting stuff as the ball turned over several times. Marist boys knew the whistle was not far away and kept digging deeper and deeper.
Everyone worked so hard right to the last second and the roar of pure joy from the win was enormous when the final whistle went. The Marist parents could finally breathe again after having held their breathe for the last couple of minutes of the game.
The Marist war cry rang out loud and proud and the coaches pockets promising to be a little lighter at training when they bring the KFC nuggets. Not quite what the sports physicians would recommend, but it seemed to energise the Marist boys.
Curtis took three points for his work as a tackling demon.
Cody was rewarded with two points for running hard all game and really piling the pressure on.
The rest of the team all got one point for the awesome team work which delivered the win.
12 Sky v Tuggeranong Vikings - 20 August 2016
Photos courtesy of Peter McBride
Match Report
Under a leaden sky on a windswept field deep in the bleak heart of opposition territory, Marist 12 Sky stood and roared a clarion call of warning to the rest of the ACT Junior Rugby competition ahead of the finals. In a five star performance characterised by brutal, uncompromising defence and creative, dazzling attack; Marist absorbed the very best that Vikings could muster and repaid tenfold to run out convincing winners 26 to 19.
12 Sky led all morning and the final score line flattered the hosts. For the first ten minutes after kick-off the Sky and Vikings forwards tested each other’s resolve, whilst the Marist backs probed for weak spots in the adversary’s lines. The period was characterised by slapdash ball handling from both teams, though Marist was cleaner and had the majority of scrum feeds. The Marist scrum held rigid against a larger Vikings forward pack, and 12 Sky began to dominate possession.
A jinking 40 metre run by Dylan left Vikings in disarray, paving the way for Ollie to bullock over the line for the first try of the game. Dylan converted a difficult shot in the swirling winds and Marist was up seven to nil. With confidence sky-high Marist broke through again just a couple of plays after the restart. Now it was Jack’s turn to shatter the Viking defensive structure with a coruscating 30 metre run, before Dylan sailed over thanks to his clever back up running. Dylan converted his own try and it was Marist 14 Vikings nothing.
Tuggeranong Vikings have a fearsome reputation as one of the toughest crews in the competition and they were certainly not going down without a fight. Their intensity ratcheted up a couple of notches and they hammered the Marist lines. Sky’s compact goal line defence was eventually breached in the shadows of halftime, with the Vikings’ winger scrambling over in the corner and their kicker amazingly slotting the difficult sideline conversion. At halftime it was Marist 14 Vikings 7.
The talk over orange wedges focused on the need to get into the ruck contests faster and lower, and to maintain the tenacious and implacable defensive posture. Sky certainly did this, and while the Vikings brought their A game to the second half almost all attacks were successfully repelled. Tries to Hugh and Declan on either side of a lucky Vikings try put the result beyond doubt and Marist ran out 26 to 19 winners.
With the knowledge that finals football is now just around the corner, the boys delighted in the moment yet remained gracious in victory, acknowledging the valiant efforts of their opponents. On the strength of today’s performance we can rightly conclude that the 12 Sky boys enter the semis full of running and with a deep well of resolve to draw from. The one thing we can say for certain is that the wild ride that has been the Sky 12 2016 season has some more surprises in store!
B&F votes:
One point – Tobias, for indefatigable ruckwork and sparkling running
Two points – Nic, for ferocious tackling
Three points – Dylan, for unsparing backline defence and pinpoint conversions
Under a leaden sky on a windswept field deep in the bleak heart of opposition territory, Marist 12 Sky stood and roared a clarion call of warning to the rest of the ACT Junior Rugby competition ahead of the finals. In a five star performance characterised by brutal, uncompromising defence and creative, dazzling attack; Marist absorbed the very best that Vikings could muster and repaid tenfold to run out convincing winners 26 to 19.
12 Sky led all morning and the final score line flattered the hosts. For the first ten minutes after kick-off the Sky and Vikings forwards tested each other’s resolve, whilst the Marist backs probed for weak spots in the adversary’s lines. The period was characterised by slapdash ball handling from both teams, though Marist was cleaner and had the majority of scrum feeds. The Marist scrum held rigid against a larger Vikings forward pack, and 12 Sky began to dominate possession.
A jinking 40 metre run by Dylan left Vikings in disarray, paving the way for Ollie to bullock over the line for the first try of the game. Dylan converted a difficult shot in the swirling winds and Marist was up seven to nil. With confidence sky-high Marist broke through again just a couple of plays after the restart. Now it was Jack’s turn to shatter the Viking defensive structure with a coruscating 30 metre run, before Dylan sailed over thanks to his clever back up running. Dylan converted his own try and it was Marist 14 Vikings nothing.
Tuggeranong Vikings have a fearsome reputation as one of the toughest crews in the competition and they were certainly not going down without a fight. Their intensity ratcheted up a couple of notches and they hammered the Marist lines. Sky’s compact goal line defence was eventually breached in the shadows of halftime, with the Vikings’ winger scrambling over in the corner and their kicker amazingly slotting the difficult sideline conversion. At halftime it was Marist 14 Vikings 7.
The talk over orange wedges focused on the need to get into the ruck contests faster and lower, and to maintain the tenacious and implacable defensive posture. Sky certainly did this, and while the Vikings brought their A game to the second half almost all attacks were successfully repelled. Tries to Hugh and Declan on either side of a lucky Vikings try put the result beyond doubt and Marist ran out 26 to 19 winners.
With the knowledge that finals football is now just around the corner, the boys delighted in the moment yet remained gracious in victory, acknowledging the valiant efforts of their opponents. On the strength of today’s performance we can rightly conclude that the 12 Sky boys enter the semis full of running and with a deep well of resolve to draw from. The one thing we can say for certain is that the wild ride that has been the Sky 12 2016 season has some more surprises in store!
B&F votes:
One point – Tobias, for indefatigable ruckwork and sparkling running
Two points – Nic, for ferocious tackling
Three points – Dylan, for unsparing backline defence and pinpoint conversions
12 Sky v Cooma - 13 August 2016
Photos courtesy of Guy Davies
Match Report
Marist U12 Sky travelled to Cooma with a reduced team of sixteen boys. However, a smaller Cooma team of fourteen boys meant that we played with a full forward pack, a reduced back line and two reserves.
Cooma kicked off and was surprised by the strong Marist response. Kodi scored the first try after some great teamwork moved the ball down the field.
Marist’s joy was short lived though as Cooma scored two tries and converted one.
The boys showed their improved tackling skills on the day, and some great tackles were made by Ronin and Dylan. Declan scored Marist’s second try, following on from a Marist win of the scrum.
Unfortunately, Marist was unable to grow their score for the rest of the game. Cooma scored a further try and conversion before the half time whistle. Half time scores were Cooma 19, Marist 10.
Josh kicked off the second half. After several scums were traded between the teams, Cooma scored a try when our tackles failed to stop their biggest player crossing the line. Cooma then made the conversion.
For the rest of the second half, Marist again pulled off some great tackles, particularly by Leon and Tobias. Henry stopped what looked certain to be another Cooma try with one well-timed tackle.
The full time score was Cooma 26 defeated Marist 10. Our boys played well, but in the end their tackling skills were no match for the biggest of the boys from Cooma.
Thank you to the fathers of Jack, Declan and James who stood in for the coaches on the day and warmed up the boys with pre-match drills.
Marist U12 Sky travelled to Cooma with a reduced team of sixteen boys. However, a smaller Cooma team of fourteen boys meant that we played with a full forward pack, a reduced back line and two reserves.
Cooma kicked off and was surprised by the strong Marist response. Kodi scored the first try after some great teamwork moved the ball down the field.
Marist’s joy was short lived though as Cooma scored two tries and converted one.
The boys showed their improved tackling skills on the day, and some great tackles were made by Ronin and Dylan. Declan scored Marist’s second try, following on from a Marist win of the scrum.
Unfortunately, Marist was unable to grow their score for the rest of the game. Cooma scored a further try and conversion before the half time whistle. Half time scores were Cooma 19, Marist 10.
Josh kicked off the second half. After several scums were traded between the teams, Cooma scored a try when our tackles failed to stop their biggest player crossing the line. Cooma then made the conversion.
For the rest of the second half, Marist again pulled off some great tackles, particularly by Leon and Tobias. Henry stopped what looked certain to be another Cooma try with one well-timed tackle.
The full time score was Cooma 26 defeated Marist 10. Our boys played well, but in the end their tackling skills were no match for the biggest of the boys from Cooma.
Thank you to the fathers of Jack, Declan and James who stood in for the coaches on the day and warmed up the boys with pre-match drills.
12 Sky v St Edmunds - 31 July 2016
Photos courtesy of Andrew Wilsmore
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Match Report
St Edmunds (St Eddies) kicked off deep into to Marist half, from which Marist made a couple good runs up field until St Eddies forced a turnover. Wayward form soon resulted in a penalty that allowed the ball to be returned to Marist via a scrum feed win. Marist soon delivered a penalty in reply and St Eddies drove the ball up and after four phases and some hang-off tackling by Marist successfully pushed over the line for a try. Following the restart Marist couldn't land a tackle and St Eddies ran the ball uncontested to the Marist 22. Luck favoured Marist and they benefited from three penalties in a row thanks to St Eddies hands in the ruck. After three phases, the Marist boys drove to within five meters of try and line Nick T. seized the opportunity with a neat step against the play to crash over the line for Marist's first try. Scored were levelled as neither team converted. St Eddies worked the ball up the blind side and with brute force pushed through tacklers and after several phases were over the line again. Half time finished with Marist putting a lot of pressure on St Eddies defence and Marist were unlucky to not score another try before the whistle. Marist coaches confirmed the need to cleaner ball and for the forwards to open up space early. The second half started with both Marist and St Eddies fairly even matched with both sides working hard at stripping each other of the ball to disrupt play. St Eddies capitalised on their strip, and opened up a massive gap which they cruised through to score a uncontested try. Oliver was a stalwart in taking the ball up and gained important metres for Marist with many charges and busting runs up centre of field. A fortuitous penalty and a 20m breakthrough run from Leon put the ball within metres of the tryline and a quick feed out put Jack M. over the line Both sided lifted the tempo and passion to try and secure the win, and none moreso than the local St Eddies home crowd whose voices were probably heard back at Marist HQ. After a wonky scrum and much perseverance, St Eddies scored a try near posts which they successfully converted to give the game and the win. Player points are to be handed out at training. |
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12 Sky v Cooma - 25 June 2016
Photos courtesy of Peter McBride
Match Report
The boys set off for their second road trip of the year with just a little trepidation. They were headed into the Snowy Mountains again, with the horrors of Jindabyne perhaps still lurking at back of some minds. But in a measure of just how far the Marist 12 Sky team has come along in recent weeks, the boys acquitted themselves superbly against another strong country team at home and were unlucky to have a very close loss.
The match kicked off in freezing conditions and both teams played hard in a tight first half to keep warm. With fierce tackling and fearless running Marist had the better of the ball, but did not share it around enough to convert their dominance on the scoreboard. A bullocking 70-metre run by Leon close to half time ended in a Jonah Lomu-esque try that was the highlight of the half and tied the scores up at 5-5.
Early in the second half Marist pressed their advantage and improved passing put Curtis and Declan over the line in quick succession. With a 17-5 lead just 5 minutes in, Marist were on track to a high-country boil-over. However as the match wore on the chilly weather didn't let up, and handling errors from both teams saw scrum after scrum. While the valiant Marist pack more than held their own against their sturdy opponents, the constant stop/start on top of an early start & a long drive saw fatigue set in, and Sky missed a couple of important tackles. This helped Cooma to run in three late tries to pip the visitors at the post for a final scoreline of 24-17.
The hospitable locals treated the boys to a sausage sandwich to ease the disappointment, and Sky enters the holidays well placed for a strong run to the finals next term.
B&F votes:
One point - Tobias
Two points - Jack
Three points - Nic
The boys set off for their second road trip of the year with just a little trepidation. They were headed into the Snowy Mountains again, with the horrors of Jindabyne perhaps still lurking at back of some minds. But in a measure of just how far the Marist 12 Sky team has come along in recent weeks, the boys acquitted themselves superbly against another strong country team at home and were unlucky to have a very close loss.
The match kicked off in freezing conditions and both teams played hard in a tight first half to keep warm. With fierce tackling and fearless running Marist had the better of the ball, but did not share it around enough to convert their dominance on the scoreboard. A bullocking 70-metre run by Leon close to half time ended in a Jonah Lomu-esque try that was the highlight of the half and tied the scores up at 5-5.
Early in the second half Marist pressed their advantage and improved passing put Curtis and Declan over the line in quick succession. With a 17-5 lead just 5 minutes in, Marist were on track to a high-country boil-over. However as the match wore on the chilly weather didn't let up, and handling errors from both teams saw scrum after scrum. While the valiant Marist pack more than held their own against their sturdy opponents, the constant stop/start on top of an early start & a long drive saw fatigue set in, and Sky missed a couple of important tackles. This helped Cooma to run in three late tries to pip the visitors at the post for a final scoreline of 24-17.
The hospitable locals treated the boys to a sausage sandwich to ease the disappointment, and Sky enters the holidays well placed for a strong run to the finals next term.
B&F votes:
One point - Tobias
Two points - Jack
Three points - Nic
12 Sky v CGS - 18 June 2016
Photos courtesy of G Davies
Match Report
After a damp and muddy warmup, the boys took to the field with 11 players to match Grammar's reduced numbers.
Grammar scored first, with a break-away try in the opening minutes. An excellent try from Curtis followed later in the half.
Unfortunately the reduced numbers in each scrum favoured Grammar, as many of the set plays Marist practised at training could not be used, our forwards could not be brought in to contest the scrums and some boys played away from their normal positions.
Still, our boys made some of the best tackles of the season so far. Nic stopped a Grammar try through a strong tackle just before half time. However, this defence was short lived with Grammar scoring a try just on half time.
Jack and Declan seized opportunities to each score a try in the second half, with Dylan making a conversion.
With Grammar scoring two more tries before the whistle, final scores were: Marist (17) defeated by Grammar (28).
Points were awarded to:
One point for Curtis.
Two points for Harrison.
Three points for Nic (for great tackling)
(Special thanks to the coaches and other Marist Seniors who helped push the cars of several spectators out of the boggy Grammar carpark. Well done!)
After a damp and muddy warmup, the boys took to the field with 11 players to match Grammar's reduced numbers.
Grammar scored first, with a break-away try in the opening minutes. An excellent try from Curtis followed later in the half.
Unfortunately the reduced numbers in each scrum favoured Grammar, as many of the set plays Marist practised at training could not be used, our forwards could not be brought in to contest the scrums and some boys played away from their normal positions.
Still, our boys made some of the best tackles of the season so far. Nic stopped a Grammar try through a strong tackle just before half time. However, this defence was short lived with Grammar scoring a try just on half time.
Jack and Declan seized opportunities to each score a try in the second half, with Dylan making a conversion.
With Grammar scoring two more tries before the whistle, final scores were: Marist (17) defeated by Grammar (28).
Points were awarded to:
One point for Curtis.
Two points for Harrison.
Three points for Nic (for great tackling)
(Special thanks to the coaches and other Marist Seniors who helped push the cars of several spectators out of the boggy Grammar carpark. Well done!)
12 Sky v Tuggeranong Vikings - 4 June 2016
Photos courtesy of Andrew Wilsmore
A few minutes from kickoff and Marist drove ball deep into Vikings territory. Weak tackling slowed the attack but not enough to stop Marist ball runners from busting through. With good leg drive between players Declan Kain opened up towards the try line and trotted the ball in under the posts
Vikings bad start continued as they kicked the ball out on restart allowing Marist the feed into a scrum on halfway. Good passing along back line and a cracking run by the winger down his side line got the ball very close to the try line. A few push and passes and Marist was again over in the corner thanks to Declan.
From a scrum feed Marist moved the ball quickly and Josh Wilson found a slot in their line and charged through. Almost surprised at seeing the try line, Josh casually placed the ball right under the uprights.
Scrappy play allowed Declan to once again push hard and fall over the line. Marist were making a habit of placing it under the posts to make the kickers life an easy one.
Tuggeranong finally looked like making headway and really pushed hard using their big forwards to take the ball up.
To no avail as Marist defence held strong. A real testament to the Marist boys that they started making their tackles this week and weren’t afraid of bringing the bigger kids down.
Jack took the ball from a scrum nearly halfway down the field after beating their blind side defence. Getting caught just short Marist soon arrived in support and eventually the power of Declan got the ball over once more just before half time.
Marist attacked from the second half kick off down the left hand side. Declan once again proved to powerful and crashed through over the line for his fifth try
From a scrum, Marist spun the ball through two sets of hands until Ronin Lindenmayer held off two tacklers and landed over the tryline under the posts.
Vikings finally pieced a few moves together and their wily and sizeable number 11 managed to spot a gap and charged through despite desperate attempts to tackle and was over the line.
Gaining confidence, Vikings once again moved the ball relentlessly forward after a Marist turnover. From a scrum they moved it across field into hands of their big attacker who palmed our defence aside and crashed over in corner
Just before full time Marist through the side step and speed of Kodi Muscat pushed through and over the line.
With so many tries, the goal kickers also turned in a good day. Dylan Kirsten slotted three goals. And Tobias Van Kleef one.
The final score was 48 to 10. The Marist war cry rang out proudly and strong in the rain after such a convincing win.
Jack – everywhere man – Catanzaritti was awarded one point.
Tobias Van Kleef, who was selfless in how he supported the team through the day was awarded two points.
And Declan Kain, the unstoppable try scoring machine was awarded three points.
Vikings bad start continued as they kicked the ball out on restart allowing Marist the feed into a scrum on halfway. Good passing along back line and a cracking run by the winger down his side line got the ball very close to the try line. A few push and passes and Marist was again over in the corner thanks to Declan.
From a scrum feed Marist moved the ball quickly and Josh Wilson found a slot in their line and charged through. Almost surprised at seeing the try line, Josh casually placed the ball right under the uprights.
Scrappy play allowed Declan to once again push hard and fall over the line. Marist were making a habit of placing it under the posts to make the kickers life an easy one.
Tuggeranong finally looked like making headway and really pushed hard using their big forwards to take the ball up.
To no avail as Marist defence held strong. A real testament to the Marist boys that they started making their tackles this week and weren’t afraid of bringing the bigger kids down.
Jack took the ball from a scrum nearly halfway down the field after beating their blind side defence. Getting caught just short Marist soon arrived in support and eventually the power of Declan got the ball over once more just before half time.
Marist attacked from the second half kick off down the left hand side. Declan once again proved to powerful and crashed through over the line for his fifth try
From a scrum, Marist spun the ball through two sets of hands until Ronin Lindenmayer held off two tacklers and landed over the tryline under the posts.
Vikings finally pieced a few moves together and their wily and sizeable number 11 managed to spot a gap and charged through despite desperate attempts to tackle and was over the line.
Gaining confidence, Vikings once again moved the ball relentlessly forward after a Marist turnover. From a scrum they moved it across field into hands of their big attacker who palmed our defence aside and crashed over in corner
Just before full time Marist through the side step and speed of Kodi Muscat pushed through and over the line.
With so many tries, the goal kickers also turned in a good day. Dylan Kirsten slotted three goals. And Tobias Van Kleef one.
The final score was 48 to 10. The Marist war cry rang out proudly and strong in the rain after such a convincing win.
Jack – everywhere man – Catanzaritti was awarded one point.
Tobias Van Kleef, who was selfless in how he supported the team through the day was awarded two points.
And Declan Kain, the unstoppable try scoring machine was awarded three points.
12 Sky v St Edmunds - 21 May 2016
Photos courtesy of Peter McBride
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Match Report
In the best possible rebound from a very challenging road trip to Jindabyne last week, the Marist Sky U12s broke through at home today for their first win of the season. On a brilliantly clear and crisp Canberra autumn morning everything finally clicked into place as the boys ran out a strong win over arch rivals St Edmunds. The boys had a spring in their step from the outset. Thanks to some tough and determined ruck work by the forwards – and some high tackles from the opposition – Marist dominated possession in the first half. Despite the St Edmunds forward pack having a clear advantage in size, the well-drilled Marist scrum repeatedly won the ball. However St Edmunds was able to take advantage of a rare lapse in Marist concentration midway through the term, and scored the first try against the run of play. Rather than give in to disappointment the boys stayed positive and focused, and their composure was rewarded right on halftime when Henry slipped though in the corner to level up the match. The coaches had a simple plan for the second half – keep up the pressure on the opposition, support our runners, mark up on the wings and tackle low – and the boys carried it out to perfection. St Edmunds edged in front with an early converted try, but the Marist forwards maintained their intensity in the ruck contests and discipline in the scrums to ensure the rest of the game was played out mostly in their attacking zone. Marist began to move the ball smoothly into the backline as the game opened up, and with 10 minutes to go Henry crossed for his second try. An eagle eyed conversion from Dylan evened the score and the stage was set for a thrilling finish. With the boys playing as a cohesive unit for the first time this season Marist U12 Sky was unstoppable! With five minutes left Jack’s scintillating running try secured a well-deserved victory, then just before the final whistle Curtis sealed it with a super try in the corner. Dylan’s conversions were spot on target for a final score line of Marist 26 defeated St Edmunds 12. An even team performance was reflected in the coaches’ B&F votes with Jack C earning the 3 votes for premium defensive and offensive work in the backline, 2 votes for dual try scorer Henry and 1 vote for … everyone !!! |
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12 Sky v Jindabyne - 14 May 2016
Photos courtesy of G Davies
Match Report
Marist Sky u/12s travelled to Jindabyne for their second game. Thanks to the efforts of our manager Rebecca and the Jindabyne officials, the game was brought forward to the morning to allow some Marist players time to get back to Canberra for afternoon sports events.
Arriving at the ground rugged up and expecting a very cold morning, the boys soon shed their track suits in the sunny weather. Some of the fathers prepared the team with warm-up drills, while the remaining parents admired the outstanding view of Lake Jindabyne offered by the sportsground.
Marist kicked off, with Jindabyne providing a strong return that scored Jindabyne its first try within a few minutes. This opening set the pace for the rest of the half, with Jindabyne scoring eight tries before the whistle.
Refreshed by orange wedges, Marist took the field for the second half set to better the score. Alas, despite Marist gaining more of the ball and stopping many of Jindabyne's runs with some very good tackles, Jindabyne continued to score with seven more tries.
It looked as though Marist would go home without crossing the try line - until the last five minutes of the game. All spectators, from Marist and Jindabyne, erupted with applause and shouts when Leon broke away from the Marist pack to score our only try.
Final scores were: Marist (5) defeated by Jindabyne (more than 5).
Points were awarded to:
One point for Tobias.
Two points for Jack C.
Three points for Tryscorer Leon!
Marist Sky u/12s travelled to Jindabyne for their second game. Thanks to the efforts of our manager Rebecca and the Jindabyne officials, the game was brought forward to the morning to allow some Marist players time to get back to Canberra for afternoon sports events.
Arriving at the ground rugged up and expecting a very cold morning, the boys soon shed their track suits in the sunny weather. Some of the fathers prepared the team with warm-up drills, while the remaining parents admired the outstanding view of Lake Jindabyne offered by the sportsground.
Marist kicked off, with Jindabyne providing a strong return that scored Jindabyne its first try within a few minutes. This opening set the pace for the rest of the half, with Jindabyne scoring eight tries before the whistle.
Refreshed by orange wedges, Marist took the field for the second half set to better the score. Alas, despite Marist gaining more of the ball and stopping many of Jindabyne's runs with some very good tackles, Jindabyne continued to score with seven more tries.
It looked as though Marist would go home without crossing the try line - until the last five minutes of the game. All spectators, from Marist and Jindabyne, erupted with applause and shouts when Leon broke away from the Marist pack to score our only try.
Final scores were: Marist (5) defeated by Jindabyne (more than 5).
Points were awarded to:
One point for Tobias.
Two points for Jack C.
Three points for Tryscorer Leon!
12 Sky v Yass - 7 May 2016
Photos courtesy of Andrew Wilsmore
Match Report
Marist Sky u/12s took on the boys from Yass on a glorious autumns day tailor made for a great game of rugby.
After constant attack from the kick off by Yass, Marist sent a lovely clearing over their heads to relieve pressure. Yass then took the ball quickly from the 22 through fleet footwork all the way to the try line after busting through Marist defence.
This was shortly followed by a charge for the line by a very large Yass front row forward who was brought up just short of the line by solid Marist defence. A quick cycling of the ball allowed their number 9 to dive over the line for Yass' second try.
Marist struggled to get any time with the ball. Despite good defence, Yass were soon over for their third and fourth tries.
Finally Marist secured the ball and slowly ground the ball forward. Using some nice passes to their back line and some great pic- and-goes by the forwards, Marist took the ball relentlessly forward. With a final powerful surge and a strong push over the line by Cody eventually sent the Marist crowd to cheering loudly for their first try of the match. An unsuccessful conversion attempt ushered in half time.
That shot of confidence stayed with Marist into the second half. With some fantastic pressure and good passing, Marist were over again in the corner thanks to the efforts of Josh Wilson.
Poor cover defence allowed Yass to respond in kind with a nice try after running round the last defender.
A further two pick-and-go Yass tries went unanswered with not being in the correct position to bind into our tackles being the key problem. While tackling improved since last season, too many tackles had one arm desperately trying to slow the attack rather than bringing the person down. Yass also had a couple of very large forwards that often required three players to bring down!
Yass moved the ball very well and some sharp passing allowed them to get past our sliding defence and in for another two tries.
The Yass kicker had a full day of it and managed to slot the majority of conversion opportunities.
The day finished with Yass winning 50 to ten.
Curtis received one point for his go forward attitude.
Cody ran all day and was rewarded with two points.
Three points went to Dillon who was a tackling machine all day
Marist Sky u/12s took on the boys from Yass on a glorious autumns day tailor made for a great game of rugby.
After constant attack from the kick off by Yass, Marist sent a lovely clearing over their heads to relieve pressure. Yass then took the ball quickly from the 22 through fleet footwork all the way to the try line after busting through Marist defence.
This was shortly followed by a charge for the line by a very large Yass front row forward who was brought up just short of the line by solid Marist defence. A quick cycling of the ball allowed their number 9 to dive over the line for Yass' second try.
Marist struggled to get any time with the ball. Despite good defence, Yass were soon over for their third and fourth tries.
Finally Marist secured the ball and slowly ground the ball forward. Using some nice passes to their back line and some great pic- and-goes by the forwards, Marist took the ball relentlessly forward. With a final powerful surge and a strong push over the line by Cody eventually sent the Marist crowd to cheering loudly for their first try of the match. An unsuccessful conversion attempt ushered in half time.
That shot of confidence stayed with Marist into the second half. With some fantastic pressure and good passing, Marist were over again in the corner thanks to the efforts of Josh Wilson.
Poor cover defence allowed Yass to respond in kind with a nice try after running round the last defender.
A further two pick-and-go Yass tries went unanswered with not being in the correct position to bind into our tackles being the key problem. While tackling improved since last season, too many tackles had one arm desperately trying to slow the attack rather than bringing the person down. Yass also had a couple of very large forwards that often required three players to bring down!
Yass moved the ball very well and some sharp passing allowed them to get past our sliding defence and in for another two tries.
The Yass kicker had a full day of it and managed to slot the majority of conversion opportunities.
The day finished with Yass winning 50 to ten.
Curtis received one point for his go forward attitude.
Cody ran all day and was rewarded with two points.
Three points went to Dillon who was a tackling machine all day