3rd XV Round 3 Report
An exciting round of rugby that has consolidated positions for the leading teams on the competition ladder. Grammar and Scots remain undefeated while Kings and Riverview maintain their positions one loss back. They are certainly close enough if good enough to retain the shield. For Joeys, Shore, TAS and High the task becomes extremely difficult with two losses or more.
Scots 31 d Joeys 24
Scots came to Hunters Hill undefeated and left that way after an impressive victory over the home side. It was a very close match throughout as expected, but Scots prevailed in the end. Scots established a 12-7 lead in the first half but a late Joeys try just before half time saw the teams tied 12-12 at the break. Scots scored first after the break to go up 17-12 but Joeys responded immediately to lead for the first time in the match 19-17. A converted try to Scots regained the lead 24-19 and then with only a couple of minutes remaining, Joeys tied the match 24-24. The conversion was unsuccessful and it looked like it could be a draw, but a late surge by Scots gave them the match winning try on full time. This was a thoroughly deserved win to Scots whose willingness to spread the ball paid dividends and ensured that they remain undefeated on top of the 3rd XV competition table. They will be very hard to beat in the remainder of the season.
Kings 15 d Shore 7
Another close match at Northbridge that really could have gone either way. Kings scored first with a clever blind side play in the 8th minute resulting in a converted try. Shore were extremely unlucky to have a try held up in the 15th minute and the teams went to the break without further change to the scoreboard, Kings leading 7-0. A loose Kings lineout throw in the 35th minute resulted in a Shore try and a great conversion tied the match 7-7. Kings worked their way into Shore territory and regained the lead with a penalty. Then with only a few minutes remaining, a perfectly executed backline move off a scrum gave Kings the deciding try to win the match. What a quality play it was! This result means that Kings are still very much in premiership contention with key games against Riverview and Grammar still to come. For Shore it's a tough road home.
Grammar 33 d TAS 7
Grammar remain undefeated sharing the lead with Scots at the top of the table after this convincing win over TAS in Armidale. Unfortunately no match video for this game but Grammar have continued on as expected, maintaining their unbeaten run in the first three rounds. They play Shore at home next round and will be wanting to continue without a loss in their quest to regain the shield. TAS have been on the receiving end of some big scores recently and travel to Kings next round.
Riverview 46 d High 5
Riverview delivered a comprehensive victory over High at Centennial Park today and served notice that they are still very much in this competition. I hoped that High would get closer to View in this match, but it's a big ask playing against a team in such good form. Riverview move on now to play Scots in match of the round next time out. That will be the true indication of how they are travelling, and potentially a must win game if they are to win or share the 2023 premiership.
Well done to all - a great round of rugby before the holidays. See you all for the next round on 22 July.
INP