SIC v S.C.E.G.S,
Let's not Jynx it but the superb footy weather we've had for the start of the GPS season has really let some fantastic Rugby be played and I believe allowed the dominant side to break away late in most games. We haven't seen anything be spoiled and dragged down.
The first 10 minutes felt as though View picked up where they left off. Direct, sharp and some resilient defence. Osbournes try from a quick tap showed the power of lad and something I think Shore will look back on and rue. They knew it was coming, the ref called him back to do it again and they stood on their heels instead of meeting him in the middle. Looked a representation of one side high on confidence and the other a bit down on themselves.
From this point View decided to emulate their 2nd XV counterparts and turn the ball over after a promising 2,3 phases. As View couldn't get the scoreboard ticking you could see Shore build into it and think this may be the form turnaround everyone has been waiting for. Shore went on to have the momentum for the back end of the half and pounced for a pair of nice tries but couldn't get enough on the board to pressure View I believe. 12/7 HT
View needed HT as a reset and get back to basics which is through the guts. When the scrum has that much dominance the boys with single digits on their backs have to be hungry for more and that's what seemed to happen. Non stop hard runs from the pack seemed to really tire out Shore and force some questionable choices when they finally got ball in hand.
We've witnessed this v Oakhill, Kings and Scots now. The game can feel in the balance at HT but the Iggies side have a motor on them that challenges the opposition to go with them if you can, but it seems most cant and they break you late. Credit to their fitness over the last few years that has clearly improved. View use to fade or get the wobbles in this type of game but it takes some character to be a man down for basically the entire 2nd half and gap your opponent who are clearly chomping for a win.
View took there opportunities in the last 20 mins and put on the points to seal it. Whilst the game felt closer than the score showed, it overall was a fair reflection of a game which was dominated by one at both set pieces and the majority of play. If Shore can play like the good middle 40 mins of that match they will get a couple wins before the end of the year.
FT 32/12
Hats off to the Shore 10. Best player on the field and didn't stop trying.
1. Shore 10
2. View tight 5
3. View Wingers - Very busy and good under the high ball.
