Juniors dominate HRC2
Match reporter: Neil Wallace
Saturday 3rd December saw BSN Juniors face HRC2 at their adopted home ground of WRC (Te Werve) and, as with every encounter with HRC, there was a special hint of rivalry in the air. It was another perfect rugby day, sunny, dry and the ground was soft.
BSN warm-up in preparation for clash with HRC2
A good turnout eased the Manager and Coach’s jobs as well as providing the luxury of a substitutes bench with genuine flair. Keiran Stewart was welcomed to active service with the forwards from the outset of the game and a blast from the past, Vyvyan (the pocket rocket) Lomax made a welcome return to the backs in the second half. BSN supplied the referee and side-line duties were shared by BSN and HRC.
The Coach informs BSN forwards who will be lifted at lineouts (left) and Sandy being consoled by Elliot with a brotherly hug shortly afterwards
The match kicked-off a few minutes late and was initially closely balanced. At 8mins the deadlock was broken when BSN scored close to the HRC2 left corner flag following powerful rucking and driving by the BSN forwards.
BSN kick forward proving the old adage – attack is the best form of defence
The conversion was successfully slotted from an angle that would have been considered inconceivable only a year ago and Stuart must be congratulated on his superb kicking performance throughout the match.
Stuart – mentioned in dispatches for his kicking performance
From this point forward BSN dominated the half scoring a further 3 tries, all of which where successfully converted. There was the occasional HRC2 breakout, one reaching as far as the BSN 22m line, but on the whole these were calmly dealt with; on one occasion with an adrenaline fuelled tackle by the BSN full-back that was greeted with an appreciative nod from nearby teammates, and a not so appreciative nod from the referee for a slightly high finish to the tackle. No harm was done however and the half-time whistle blew with the score line at BSN 28 : 0 HRC2.
BSN full-back stalks HRC2 winger
The second half started as the first had ended with BSN dominating the opposition, settling in to a repetitive story. HRC2 restart with a kick, BSN catch and the forwards build a strong position from which the backs are launched, the ball being spun along the line until Williams powers to near or across the HRC2 try-line.
BSN forwards launch another backs attack in a dominant 2nd half
On the few occasions he was halted short of the line, backup was available to complete the score, including 2 instances when forwards (Sandy and Hector) where there to finish the move. A testament to the team overall effort.
Another BSN attack down the wing to the HRC2 line
Special mention goes to the HRC2 winger who managed a spectacular last gasp tap tackle preventing a fourth Williams try centimetres from the score-line. At this point Williams was taken off for a rest and a formation change ensued with Vyvyan coming on from the bench. The final whistle eventually blew, ending the match with a score of BSN 78 : 0 HRC2.
Bring on Hookers!
Game stats (courtesy Neville (stato) Conway:
Half time score: 28 BSN – 0 HRC2
Full time score 78 BSN – 0 HRC2
12 Tries (4 first half, 8 second half)
9 Conversions
Players:
Backs – Jay (Captain), Safwan, Arthur, Stuart, Williams, William, Eduardo, Sam, Seb C, Seb CL, Vyvyan;
Forwards: Mika, Kieran, Alex, Elliot, Hector, Sandy, Dennis