Just back from watching the opposed trial Barker v Newington at Hornsby. Apologies to the Newington readers but no programs were supplied so names are missing. The opposed run was pretty standard, with coaches and refs keeping things structured in terms of drills. Sizing both teams up, Newington were 8kg per man bigger in the forwards and probably 4kg per man bigger in the backs. How this imbalance played out was going to be interesting.
When drills finished and the last 30 min of proper rugby got under way it became very clear the Reds pack were very dominant. In the set piece, Barker was monstering the Newington pack, so much so that the ref went to uncontested scrums on Newington’s feed, just so their backs got clean ball. On Barker feeds, it was contested. Also the New lineout needs work, with throws finding the Red jumper more often than not.
Newingtons backs were better. The 9/10 combo worked better than the Reds and their 15 and left wing are dangerous. The New tries came from an uncontested scrum win 10m out and getting clean ball wide quickly.
Barker though, still looked pretty good. Barker is fortunate to have 4, 1st XV quality front rowers while there 2nd row is very dogged. Both Green (4) and Hooper(5), were doing plenty in defence and Green was noticeable with the ball with several great carries. Ben Randal(8) and Mitch Wheels(7) played really well. These guys are very prominent at the breakdown and Wheels takes 3 guys to stop him with ball in hand. When Dan Stovold (6 Capt,rested) returns, the Barker back row is looking good.
In the backs, Ben Graham at 10, centres Joe Kennedy and Liam Jones are developing into a sound defensive unit, while on attack, they really test the line. Conditions for the back three made it harder, especially as the Barker ball came from a contested forwards situation. Our wingers never really found enough space with clean ball, because the wet greasy conditions hampering slick wide passes. Defensively though Kyle Bowen(15) is very robust, pulling off some try saving tackle including one where the Newington lad had crossed the chalk but had not grounded the ball.
All up if this was a proper 70 minute game, I reckon the fitness and structure in the Barker forwards would have given the Barker backs enough ball to score points and also disrupt enough of the ball going to better Newington backs to make up the difference. I think Barker was probably a 2 try better side than Newington based on what was on display at Hornsby.
I have not seen much of how the other CAS schools are faring, but Barker has a competitive side. The forwards are coming together nicely and will provide a platform for secure first phase ball for the backs.
The backs still need time to get the timing right, but from what I have seen not one player looks out of his depth as a 1st XV player, and given the 2nds and U16s played out draws today, the depth seems to be there so competition for Red jerseys for the season proper will be on.
