Washington Pirates Vs Jarrovians RFC IIs Match Report

Weather Conditions: Dry, warm evening.

Noteworthy Information: Match played over 4 quarters, with a half time break after 40 minutes. Multiple substitutions will be carried out throughout the game.

Game Summary: With this being a pre-season friendly match. Players will be substituted throughout the game. Giving everyone a chance to have game time minutes, and the chance for the coaching team to evaluate players in a match situation. Shirt numbers on the player list may not reflect the number shirt on the field.

First Half:

1st Quarter: Washington kicked off, and pressured the Jarrovian defence well for the first 5 minutes. First try of the game was scored by Ben Emmerson and the conversion good from Matt Clark. Not 10 from the Jarrovian restart resulted in a scrum for Washington on half way. A high tackle by Washington resulted in a penalty for Jarrovians, the kick failed to reach touch and was caught well by Josh Carter. Washington gave away a number of penalties late on for obstruction and hanging onto the ball on the ground. Quarter ended on a penalty for Jarrovians in there 22, score 0 – 7. Washington where slow to the breakdown at times which resulted in counter ruck and quick possession for Jarrovians.

2nd Quarter: Game restarted with Jarrovian penalty in there 22. Failed to reach touch and was ran back into Jarrovian half. After 3 minutes Washington was awarded a scrum penalty, this was taken quickly with a tap-and-go. The ball was kicked over the Jarrovian defence, unfortunately the kick was long and went dead in the in-goal area. The referee had to speak to Jarrovians captain regarding back-chat to the ref. This resulted in penalties awarded to Washington. On 6 minutes Washington won a scrum penalty, tapand-go resulted in a 25-metre drive by the forwards. Another penalty to Washington for back-chat to the referee from Jarrovians. Kick to touch was good, but the line-out was won by Jarrovians. A try by James Ross and conversion good from Matt Clark. End of 2nd quarter Score 0 – 14. The quarter ended with Washington quicker to the breakdown, and making good ground beyond the gain line. Good passing and support from all players. Jarrovians providing good defence against Washington attacks.

Second Half:

3rd Quarter: Jarrovians kicked off to start 2nd half. Great pressure from Washington saw the team make good ground. Washington scrum resulted in good possession and ball was released to the backs who made good ground passing. Penalty to Washington, Jarrovians not rolling away, saw a penalty kick to touch 10 metres from the try line. Good catch in the lineout resulted in a forward drive to Jarrovians try line. scored by Dave Fisher, conversion was not successful. Jarrovians scrum on 10 minutes saw a great push by the Washington pack that resulted in won ball. Great phase work by Washington resulted in gained ground and good possession. Try by Ollie Lines on 15 minutes, with good conversion by Jay Cunningham. This was quickly followed up by another Washington try [ on 18 minutes], scored by Ian Veti Brookes and conversion by Matt Clark. Washington stepped up a couple of gears in this quarter, quicker to breakdown and good counter rucking. Good tackling in defence [mentions to John Cocker and Dom Ryan] Backs making good penetration of Jarrovian defence. Great effort by all. Yellow card for Steve Talbot, for killing the ball from an off-side position on 8 minutes.

4th Quarter: Jarrovians restarted game. After 2 minutes Dom Ryan took possession of the ball after a scrappy 30 seconds and ran over half the length of the field to score a try. Conversion good by Matt Clark. Jarrovians made a quick reply with a try of their own on 5 minutes, conversion missed. Washington showed power and strength in the backs when Josh Carter scored on 10 minutes. Conversion missed. It must be noted that Josh received a well-deserved hug from his mom for the try. The last 10 minutes of the game was dominated by tired legs and fading light. With much to-and-fro with possession. 

Notes: Washington played well all game, improving as the game progressed. Lineouts and scrums much improved from last game. Cohesion in possession and in defence was a key aspect of Washingtons game. Supporting the runner and carrying the ball well. Defence was another key factor, keeping Jarrovians to a single try. Many good things for the coaching team to look at. A well-rounded performance from all players, shows exactly what the team is capable of.

Comment from Dave Addison [Director of Rugby]: “I was really pleased with the effort from the boys... it bodes well that we had a squad of 30 with another 36 not available for one reason or another... of the 30 on the paddock everyone got a decent run and impressed.. competition for a shirt is massive and more importantly everyone is playing with a smile on their face. Thought we played some good stuff today, but credit to Jarrovians who were fair game and made us work really hard for every try.”

Well done lads it was a great game to watch.

Yours Statler and Waldorf.