Despite all the best intentions of picking the team that trained together on Thursday, a number of overnight injuries on Friday night meant there were five changes to the team on the morning of the game. Despite this, there was a great feeling within the team and we had all confidence in the team to knock off the second placed team.

St Pats really took it to us early and were able to make metres due to a few missed tackles, eventually scoring in the corner. Scrum half Gavin Taylor got the scoreboard ticking over with a penalty goal after a sustained attacking period. A poor kick off receipt let to another try to St Pats followed shortly after to make it 12-3. A penalty goal from Taylor took the score to 12-6 at half time in St Pats’ favour.
St Pats started strongly and battered our line for multiple phase before a penalty and yellow card was awarded on our line, but the line held and no try was scored. A contentious yellow card from an offsite penalty 40 meters from our line gave St Pats a 2 player advantage, which they capitalised on to score a try to take a 19-6 lead.

The player’s heads play lifted in the last quarter as they finally got more possession and St Pats were given 2 yellow cards for foul play. Replacement fullback Zach Guilfoyle finished off a great try, which was converted by Taylor to bring the team within 6 points.

Unfortunately the team couldn’t score another try to give them an opportunity to win, but still came away with a bonus point, with St Pats winning 19-13.

Individually, Gavin Taylor was everywhere. His running, passing and kicking were high class. Rabeeh Karaali had his best game of the season, putting hits on and making the advantage line every time he hit the ball up. Benn Sykes, Terry Langi and Dave Shaw were also strong in both attack and defence.

We have a make-up game against Knox this Wednesday night, which will be critical in our climb up the ladder.

Best & Fairest

3 – Gavin Taylor #9

2 – Rabeeh Karaali #7

1 – Benn Sykes #3, Terry Langi #8, Dave Shaw #6