The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
Nice write up.Barker were without their first choice no 8 and 9 today apparently. Their substitutes played well. From View's perspective their 7 was very strong over the ball drawing a number of penalties while the View 10 had a strong game. Good kick and has no fear taking on the advantage line. Both hookers did very well at lineout time considering the shite conditions. Both sides struggled with getting their lifts right despite throws that looked good. I thought Barker played into Views hand a bit given they spread the ball wide at every opportunity when playing tight and using their bigger forwards may have been a better pay. Bottom line is both of these sides are very competitive and will be a handful for the best sides in both competitions.
I thought Barkers 3,5,8,12,15 all had a strong impact on the game. For View 7 and 15 were my best. Bet the 10 wishes he could get the first 2 kickoffs back. Set Barker up for a fast start. As a View supporter I was happy to see them stay in it through to the end when after that beast of a maul try it looked like it could have been one way traffic.
Also have to say I though the Refs in 1sts, 2nds & 3rds did a good job which can often be a blight