My thoughts on the Knox and Shore game.
Shore looks to have a very consistent Rugby program. In two ways. All the teams I saw, admittedly the 1st to 3rds, played a similar style of Rugby. The school looks to have a set philosophy of play across its sides. The teams were also quite consistent in that the difference between the sides is not large. Though the teams obviously improved up the grades I don't think the margin is as great as in other sides. Whereas some schools would a 1st XV that are world beaters, but the 3rds would struggle to work out how to run onto a field to play. If the Shore 1sts played their 3rds it would be a good hard game.
Shore also looked to be tenacious. I think they will evolve into a team that is hard to beat. They are not necessarily flashy, but will hang in and will threaten those who take them for granted. At this stage the 1sts still look to be developing, and I couldn't say whether the strength is in their forwards or backs. Perhaps the forwards. They were also quite clinical - they seemed to get points when in their opponents 22.
Knox needed to concentrate more. Across the three sides they let themselves down with lack of concentration. They could get in front and then ease off. (But in some cases it could have been the pressure put on them by the opposition.) They could be flashy, but a drop in application would let themselves down. The 2nds butchered a few tries if they toned it down a bit. They had done most of the hard work and let it go. I also think some players were a bit casual - especially in the seconds. In defence or chasing a kick you should at least look like running and not having an ethereal stroll.
It is trials so both teams are developing, but if Knox could sustain the intensity they displayed in the first past of the 1sts game they could be quite formidable.
The game was played on Knox's Gala Day. The day where the school community gets out and does things they would normally not do. It was also time for some of the other areas of the school get to show their stuff. Like the music department; which unleashed the majesty of 'rock bands' and musical groups. I must be getting old but when it comes to 'Rock Bands' screaming is not singing. And when the screaming is accompanied by fervorous drummer who appeared to have been feed on only red frogs for the last week it is not pleasant. I have hit more musical notes and tunes lawn-mowing gravel. It says something that the most pleasant musical sojourn of the afternoon, at least to me, was the pipe band.
And to the guy on the PA, yes, the day was about you. It was set up solely for you to display your vocal talents reminding people of the wonderous 'Is it shit or is it for sale' bazaar store evet few minutes. Or trying to get us to sample the delights of such culinary excesses like deep fried road kill smothered in brown (and I mean proper brown) gravy. These things are probably needed at events such as these so one shouldn't be too harsh. But I found it a little tedious. And when the announcement extolling the virtues of the 82nd prize in the raffle came over when the Shore kicker was going for a shot at goal the timing was a little unfortunate.
(However despite my comments, congratulations and a well done for those who did volunteer for the day. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and it was a good thing for community).