Riverview vs Scots
I did choose to go to this game over the New vs Joeys game merely to see a team with a dominant pack up against a team with a dominant backline. I think we all know which is which.
Scots 4 trys, 3 converted, 1 penelty. 29. Kellaway 4/5
Against
Riverview 3 tries, 3 converted, 1 penelty. 24. Freeman 4/4
Onto the game:
- Riverview forwards displaying there intentions very clear, taking it up continuously on the edge of the ruck, getting over the advantage line. It was working, I just think at the speed it was done was keeping the scots forwards in it. They would get 4 to 5 meters over the ad line and then for some reason wait a good 7-10 seconds some even longer to do it again, giving the scots forwards time to reline and match up.
- Scots, doing what they do best, played a very lateral game, going from one side of the field to another, moving the big riverview forwards around endlessly. Not a perfect performance from the boys in yellow, a few unforced errors, but still very dangerous when the ball was shifted.
As for the trys. Riverviews, one was from a set peace off a lineout putting the prop over in the corner. (probably try of the game). One from close to the line forward play. And the last from a quick tap close to the line.
Scots, cant remember there first one, pretty sure it was out wide. Second one was one halve time, with lose ball jumped on by the scots 12 running up the middle of the field, then across in the corner. Right on halve time, coach killer for riverview as it was right before riverview scored. Making it 2 trys each at the break, and one penalty to scots.
Then their two second halve trys, one down the sideline running about 50m then the other, just good ball movement with running decoys.
Some players I thought stood out
Scots:
- - 10, Horwitz, controlled the game very well keeping his composure and throwing nice passes all day. Could not have asked for much more from the flyhalf.
- - 8, Crighton, first time seeing him play, was informed he was a yr 10 student. Did play well. Played nice and tight, stood up to the big view boys that were charging at him. Look forward to seeing him in the future.
- - 15, kelloway. As expected, terrorizing the view defence all game. Scored a good try. Was the main strike force for scots continuously hitting the line at speed, view found him hard to defend. To ad to that the cohesion amongst the scots backs was something to admire, all the decoy runners and ball carriers in position was good to watch.
- -- The scots pack as a whole, don’t know individuals. But there ball retention is to be commended. In my eyes it was ultimately what one them the game continually giving there backs good ball to play off. Did tremendously against a much bigger more physical pack.
- - The scots 9, did a good job always getting the quick ball, clearing it with real urgency. Quite the opposite to the Riverview 9 who did a hell of a lot of ball watching.
Riverview:
- - Rorke, second row. Would not mind seeing his stats. A mountain of work in attack and defence. Would often take 3 sometimes ever for scots boys to get him down.
- - Whiteley (at 12!!), had a slow start with a few loose carries. Scored a good quick tap try late in the game to give view a chance. I think it was defense that he earnt his write up today. As Jim stewart was held off quite well.
- - Dempsey, a good game. Making a few linebreaks, breaking tackles proved hard to be contained.
- - The prop that scored the first try in the corner. After watching this spectacle I made a note to keep an eye out for him. He tackled all game and ran the ball very well. Would love some more info on him? Name? did he play reps? Good player!
Riverview under a large injury cloud. The second halve they lost there hooker and one prop, one of there second rowers. This effecting their lineout. Then in the backs, Mete the new winger, and the fullback with the a shoulder injury I believe. Oh and the reserve hooker in replacement also came off with a shoulder problem. Having halve of the seconds team to finish the game off I guess earns them a share of gratitude. Hope none of them serious injuries or the riverview boys will find themselves stretched for depth I think.
To sum it up I would say scots did enough to won, however it was taken down to the wire with Riverview almost going over in the last play.
So view, kings and joeys all losing their last 2 matches. Unexpected. Will report back later in the week for round 4 predictions
Thanks for Reading
John Dale
