Rugby: 1st XV defeated by MGS

S. Patrick’s College 1st XV lost to- Melbourne Grammar (A) (03/06)

Full time: 31 -“ 25(HT 10-17)

Try scorers: Josh Cooper, Edwin Sauvao, Charlie Pollard

Conversions: Pou Siola’a (2/3)

Penalties: Pou Siola’a (2/2)

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5 -“ Josh Cooper 4 -“ Pou Siola’a 1 -“ Charlie Pollard 1 -“ Regan Champley 1 -“ Simon Porter 1 -“ Inoke Siola’a- 1 -“ Eddie Sauvao 1 -“ Chris Tuitea

We are not a playing group that will make excuses. Ultimately we once again came up short, in a game where we led for large parts of the game and had probably done enough to come away with the victory. There is though a significant difference between excuses and context. The context of this defeat is that we fielded a starting 15 that all bare one player is in Yr11 or below. This is hugely significant. In the end it was an inability to make -‘rugby smart’ decisions at key points in the game that cost us the win. I have said before, and shall say again, that there are no easy games in a state-wide competition that pits us against the best schools in Victoria. We are no less the side that held premiers St Kevin’s, however we must learn to make smart decisions to be rewarded for the possession we enjoyed.

Another slow, ill-disciplined start afforded Melbourne Grammar the first try of the game. Ultimately their try scorer, an incredible, state representative front row forward, would score four of his team’s tries and set up the other two. However, to say that we lost to an individual would do a disservice to our opponents. Melbourne Grammar orchestrated their game around this player, however their team execution was near perfection. This said the first half moved forward with us in the ascendency and after sustained pressure substitute hooker Josh Cooper crossed for an excellent team try. A tight head scrum lead to our second try, for halfback Eddie Sauvao, which was particularly pleasing given how dominant the Melbourne Grammar scrum was. At halftime we had a 10-17 lead.

The second half was a disappointment. Our scrum was obliterated, despite the very best efforts of those in the front row positions. We certainly missed key personnel, which was disappointing. Year 12 Charlie Pollard continued his fine form this season with a strong individual try, however Melbourne Grammar got too much front forward ball off the set piece and a one sided penalty count that saw them take the lead with just five minutes left on the clock. A yellow card just before this try to tenacious loose forward Simon Porter was harsh on Simon, however a result of a large number of team infringements. It did mean that a late minute -‘winner’ was that much harder.

To make Finals we must beat Geelong in Geelong in a fortnight’s time. That equation is now simple. Can we -“ absolutely. Will we -“ well that will depend on our attitude and application over the next fortnight.

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