A beautiful sunny day greeted the team as they arrived at Drummoyne Oval and there was a great feeling within the team as everyone arrived early, and watched 3rd Grade put on a strong performance in their win.

The match started well with the team regaining the kick off and spreading the ball wide. The play eventually broke down but showed our intent early. Fullback Pat Long and winger Andy Summerton continued to find holes in the defence on the left wing, and put a lot of pressure on the opposition.

Some great counter attack from Long and Summerton culminated in centre Ratu Tokatokavanua scoring a try next to the posts.

The team continued to pressure the opposition and gain field position, but kept making mistakes in when attacking the opposition line. Centre Phil Loyden eventually converted the pressure into points as he ran a great angle to break the line and score a try, which was converted, taking the score to 12-0, where it would stay at half time.

The team’s discipline throughout the first half was fantastic with only one penalty conceded throughout the entire half. Many line breaks were made but we kept letting the opposition off the hook with simple mistakes close to their line. Ball security was also very good, where every ball was recycled.

The second half was very scrappy as we defended in our own 22 for long periods of the half. We were successful in forcing a number of penalties, but didn’t capitalise on them as a number of kicks did not find touch, and allowed the opposition to counter attack. The defence held throughout the second half, but there were very few scoring opportunities throughout.

The final score of 12-0 was a reflection on the game, with neither team holding onto the ball for long enough to threaten the scoreboard.

Fullback Pat Long was a standout throughout the match, with incisive running and the right options taken in counter attack. Hooker Tyler Harrhy was everywhere around the park, both in attack and particularly in defence. Ratu Tokatokavanua was strong throughout the match, particularly in the first half where he regularly broke through the first line of defenders and setup the next ruck.

There are plenty of things to work on before our next match against Petersham, however the way the team is coming together at such an early stage of the season is really encouraging.

Best & Fairest

3 – Patrick Long #15

2 – Tyler Harrhy #2

1 – Ratu Tokatokavanua #13