Closer than everyone would have thought .
Congrat's to Newington on this years premiership . Beat Riverview and they won't have to share it.
Great game of schoolboy rugby and the ref (Nigel Owens) gave us a lesson on how you can be the 31st person on the paddock (even in a orange IRB outfit) stayed away from the action and barley blowing his whistle for much of the game!
Following some great individual brilliance resulting in tries to each team the score was locked at crucial stages of the game. After trading tries and kicks Newington went to the lead with 3 minutes remaining after a PK following a senseless shoulder charge on the 10m line. Shore never gave up applying pressure on New's back three from clever kicks resulting in an attacking scrum on the 10m line with 2 min remaining. When the full time whistle blew Newington were defending their line having repelled Shore and their desperate attacks to score a try for a win rather than a draw. Full time Newington 27 Shore 24 a fitting result of the game and congratulations to both teams wonderful efforts.
If you have to single out MVPs:
Newington
No. 15 Matthew Hood (3 pts) - great footwork and turn of speed to score
No. 10 Joey Lussick (2pts) - directed play well, set up crucial try
No 1. Oscar Pryor Lees (1pt) - provided good base for scrum until went off
Shore
No. 2. Jackson Fitzpatrick (3pts) - best around ruck/mauls, 2 tight heads, great captains role
No. 7 Jum Woodhill (2pts) - won many crucial ball and caused numerous turnovers
No. 10 Jack Clancy (1pt) - good mix of pass and kick, often turned opp around
