4th Grade Match Report

The Old Ignatians 4th grade Juddernaughts kicked off their season with a convincing bonus point 27-0 victory over Drummoyne at Ryde Oval.

Fielding a blend of familiar players with new players to the club and 3 colts, the Juddernaughts dominated territory and with superior fitness, speed and skills ran in 5 unanswered tries.

Being the first game of the season, the team took a while for attacking combinations to gel but the set plays of the scrum and line-out worked well from the start along with excellent work at the breakdown/tackle. The defensive work was also excellent, quickly getting in to a straight line and covering the pillar and post. Communication was the key. Drummoyne had some big men as usual and did manage to get a couple of drives on but they only ever went close to scoring just once. Denying them on the line was a massive effort even if a penalty was conceded. Anyway, the shot missed.

The Juddernaughts quickly went back upfield and into enemy territory, maintaining possession through several pick and drives before unleashing to the backs. Nick Jackson (12) made one telling bust up the middle, the ball went wide, another forward drive at the line and then colt and No. 8 Zak McLean stormed through a big gap off the edge of the ruck and plunge over for the first try. The score at half time was 5-0.

At half-time Nick Jackson replaced Sam Jauncey, who had a solid game for his first run at No. 6, Jacko also being a back looking to move to the forwards. Newcomer Sam Julian came on at inside centre and was soon in the game. Mike Bailey (10) was playing the backline general with command and put Sam Julian through a gap. Sam raced upfield leaving defenders in his wake, passed out wide to Tim Fitzgerald who passed infield but the ball was spilled as the line loomed. Soon after though, after some quick recycled ball, Sam Julian sliced through for his first try for the club.

By now the Juddernaughts were well on top, dominating possession and territory, and the backs and forwards combining so well that man-of-the-match Chris Pascoe (5) was on the end of a sweeping , multi-phased movement to score untouched. Crossing over out wide, Chris’ excellent presence of mind saw him bring the ball round closer to the posts for front-rower Greg Quinn to score the only conversion.

Some changes during the 2nd half saw colt Tim Fitzgerald move from wing, where he had a good game, to his preferred half-back position. Pat Brennan came on to the wing and Matt Conlon came on for the ever dangerous Morgan Sparkes at full-back. This did not affect the team’s momentum – and the Juddernaughts weren’t finished yet. Tim Fitzgerald took advantage of some tired legs and made several penetrative darts from the ruck area and linked with his support men to keep the Redmen on the front foot and the team was again rewarded with a powerful try to Nick Jackson. Then within a couple of minutes Pat Brennan was sent flying in to score in the corner and finish the game and the score at 27-0!

In the forwards, the old front row guard of Quinn, Docherty, O'Brien, Adorini and Gelo all did their job against the Drummoyne big men, colts Zac McLean(8) and Sam Cordony (4)contributed strongly while newcomer worked hard the whole game. In the backs, Naughto (9) and Bailey (10) directed the play and dominated their opponents. Sam Julian is a dangerous attacking player and Doug Frewin was sturdy and capable at outside centre.

Al in all, an outstanding effort for our first game of the season. With training, we can only get better! Points went to: Chris Pascoe – 3, Zak McLean – 2, and Sam Cordony and Bart Oswald (7) – 1 each.

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