Mali was the game breaker. He provided a powerful running game that at times split the Oakhill defence, giving Auggies alot of go forward. He was also ruthless in defence, and with the inside centre Purcell laid some huge hits into the Oakhill attack. At times Oakhill seemed a bit nervous running around this section of the field. Loseli also proved to be a potent attacking weapon using his size and speed to cause all kinds of trouble for the Oakhill defence, scoring what proved to be the match winning try just before half time after pushing off several Oakhill players. 5/8 Brisby had a good game, splitting the defensive line several times early within the game. Although his passing was at times a bit off target, he played a solid game and directed the team well, allowing for Mali and Loseli to run in space.
When it comes to the forward pack, Oakhill seemed to dominate in the scrums and provided a safe lineout. Injuries to Kauffman and Mokofisi in the front row for Augustines almost proved costly with the replacement hooker throwing sometimes wayward throws and the front row being smashed in the scrums. During general play, the forward packs were fairly even, with not much progression through either pack.
Keary and Tamone from Oakhill were their best. Faced with his first real test during this ISA season, Keary was able to control the backline well enough to throw some great attacking under a load of pressure. Outside centre Smith from Oakhill did not play one of his best games which is rare for the potent ball runner. It could've been the wet ball, or the fact that he was facing up to arguably one of the best centres in schoolboy rugby, but Smith dropped a lot of ball compared to his normally error free games. It was expected that the game would be won and lost within the centres, and this was proven with Mali playing the more outstanding game.
After being camped inside their own 22 in the first half, Oakhill were very unlucky not to take the game. They controlled most of the possession and almost all the territory within the second half, but blew their chances. The injury of regular goal kicker Graham from the Oakhill may have proved to be a big loss, with Oakhill choosing to go for touch rather than taking the 3-points on several occasions.
Oakhill must be commended for their efforts after coming the closest to beating Auggies this season. Well done to both teams.
