St Joseph's College v Waverley College @ Heavens Pasture
To begin, I am not going to give a straight match report. Mine are more of a narrative to enjoy.
The day began in bright sunshine with No. 1 looking like snooker table top as always. Earlier teams had pleasing results. I spoke to a Joeys 15A player who provided some insight into the mentality of the College teams. He said the key to their victory was "intensity" from the start. This sets the platform of what to come. Other year 10 lads who I had the pleasure of meeting echoed what I had heard earlier. Pleasing to note was the very firm handshakes from all three, the lad from bush almost crushed my hand. Their strength comes from that word, "intensity."
The 1st XV game kicked off in an unusual fashion with the Joeys boys singing "walk on." This war cry is normally used only for the competition rounds. This season it seems the Joeys lads have adopted a more intense style. Speaking to Justice, who looked exhausted after the game, he echoed observations of the others. This mind set helps overcome injuries and provides strength to players who have yet to fully bloom. This was on display as many players who had been moved up teams relished the opportunity and some were best on ground.
Many knew that Joeys were down players. Charlie Ghattas explained to me that due to many lads out the coaches simply chose the best 8 forwards. Ghattas, who is an acclaimed hooker was playing 7. Those who filled in did a remarkable job. The Joeys 6 had a very strong game. He carried the ball up, linked with backs and took high balls confidently. His "intensity" fired up the Joeys forwards . He was ably supported by Justice who again had an enormous work rate. He is unlike his father (2004) who was known as a hard running linking forward. Justice does his best work in the dark, dirty places many wont look at. His world is in the breakdown and defense. Meanwhile Charlie seemed to relish the chance to pilfering at the breakdown. While small in stature this lad is hard as a rock. Waverley were struggling at times to move him. He was stuck to the ball as a barnacle is stuck to a rock.
One of the best on ground was Joeys 9. He steered the team around the field with confidence and provided clean ball. Joeys 12 was a strong ball carrier. Built like a small Sherman Tank, he consistently broke the line and created chaos in the Waverley defense. Joeys 13 also played well, but it was his defense that caught my eye. His opposite number was like a small block of units with legs. He was their go to man in attack. On many occasions Waverley attached the 13 channel. The Joeys 13 kept bringing him down. If he hadn't, Waverley would has scored more,
The first half was dominated by kicking. Waverley were peppering the Joeys full back who kicked out and rarely put up a high ball. Waverley worked their way to inside the Joeys 10m and then used their bigger pack to score. This tactic was very successful and would have reaped more rewards except for some relieving penalties that rescued Joeys.
The second half. Joeys started to stretch the Waverly team with the balls spinning wide which saw two tries results. There was speed on the wing that hadn't been utilized before and the winger broke through his opposite number. Waverley were still in the game when the scored late in the game bring them withing striking distance. With two minutes to play Joeys once again ran the ball and found themselves 5m out. This time the small Joeys forwards used their lower body height to burrow through and score. The win was secure.
As trials go this would have pleased the Joeys team as a disjointed forward pack and a well directed back line kept a very good Waverley team at bay. The coaches now will have a selection issues but they now have confidence in their depth. The 2nds were dynamic with another Jorgensen
lurking. His time will come.
Final Note- The pies were excellent. New supplier. Good firm crust with delicious meat chunks and good gravy. Better than Shore?
