The Old Ignatian Juddernaughts again displayed outstanding 15-man rugby skills and composure under pressure to convincingly outplay the higher placed Mosman for a 19-15 victory.
Old Iggies kicked off but were penalised at the contact area. In the first ten minutes the scrum was solid and the lineout was working well, whilst the forwards and backs were linking smoothly. But in attempting to get into the game and on to the front foot and dominate, Old Iggies conceded 5 penalties. Mosman initiated several raids but our defence was strong, particularly the midfield of Nick Jackson (12) and Olly Trusler (13). After 8 minutes, Mosman converted a penalty from right in front. 0-3.
But the Juddernaughts concentrated on their own game and soon began to progress. From a penalty we won an attacking line-out and rumbled towards the try line but were unfortunate to concede another penalty. A couple of minutes later Mosman again kicked out of trouble and into Old Iggies’ territory. Fullback Tim Naughton ran the ball back to the defence, and after a couple of thrusts and quick recycles, Mike Bailey (10) unleashed the backline who found Cal Docherty (3) seagulling on the left wing. Cal charged downfield 25 metres and drew the defence before delivering a perfect inside pass to Tim Naughton who swerved and raced through a gap to outpace the defenders and complete an exhilarating team try. Old iggies continued to exert themselves and play good rugby but Mosman were also playing well and close to half time had another shot at penalty but missed. 5-3 at the break.
Required for 3rd grade, second rower Gavin Akers, who had a very strong half, was replaced by Pete Godfrey, whilst prop Angelo Maiorana replaced Lincoln Aurisch who also played 3rds.
With both teams’ seasons on the line, the second half got under way. After about 5 minutes Mosman got possession and into the Old Ignatians half when Tom Droulers, who was again having a fine game cleaning up any loose ball, was yellow carded. Mosman kicked for touch, won the lineout and then broke away on the blind side to score a converted try. However the Juddernaughts maintained their composure and continued to compete strongly and threaten with the ball in hand. 5 minutes after the Mosman try and under great defensive pressure, the Mosman backs attempted to spin it wide but Nick Jackson swooped and intercepted to race 40 metres untouched to score under the posts. Steve Naughton (9) converted to put Old Ignatians in the lead again 12-10.
Even with Droulers in the sin bin, the Juddernaughts were starting to dominate their opponents and 6 minutes later were in again. From midfield just inside our own half Mike Bailey kicked high and deep over the Mosman defenders. The ball was bouncing around when Ben King (14) swooped only for the ball to bounce away from Kingy towards Tim Naughton who grabbed the pill and, eluding a couple of defenders, raced over in the corner to score his second try. Steve Naughton’s conversion from the sideline gave the Old Ignatians a 9 point buffer with 10 minutes to go.
Droulers came back on and the Juddernaughts continued their dominance of possession and territory. A couple of easily kickable penalties came our way, but skipper Naughto decided to go for the bonus point 4th try. Several times it looked like we would score but Mosman hung on and then the Juddernaughts unfortunately knocked on. With time almost up, Mosman rallied and made their way upfield before scoring out wide, and with the conversion missing, the score and game ended at 19-15 deservedly in favour of the Redmen.
There were many fine performances with the points going to Cal Docherty and Tim Naughton 1 point each, 2 points to second rower Hugh Dobell and 3 points to Mike Bailey, who skilfully steered the team around the park.
Next Saturday we have off, then 4 more games, including against 2 teams ahead of us on the table, to the semi-finals. A tough road but one we can traverse successfully with the right preparation.
See you at training,
Aspro
NSW Suburban Rugby Union
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Last Round Played: Round 14 - 16/07/2011
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