U16 Rugby Win Secures Playoff Spot (U16 Rugby)
Posted: May 11, 2012
SAC hosted St. Mike's in an important league game this week. After Monday's loss to Crescent we needed to start well, but came out a little tentatively and St. Mike's used the trail ball to good effect. We were found guilty of frequent offsides, or failing to roll away from the tackle at the breakdown and within 5 minutes they had crossed our line to go up 7-0.
This pattern continued for most of the half, with poor tackling technique not helping the cause. The Saints went down to 14 men with a yellow card, which added to the pressure. Still, St. Mike's could not capitalize. It was only in the last eight minutes of the half that the forwards started to get some momentum, and better continuity put more pressure on St. Mike's.
After narrowly missing a penalty from 35 yards, Juan Sucunza slotted an easier one from in front of the post to narrow the score to 7-3. The forwards then exerted better control of the ball, and St. Mike's conceded a penalty. Edward Essue took a quick tap and crashed over from 15 metres out. Juan converted to put the Saints ahead 10-7 at the half.
For most of the second half the story was the same, with St. Mike's applying pressure at our 22 metre, often within 10 metres of our line. Although we were down to 13 players after another yellow card for persistent offside, only better tackling, lead by Edward Essue and Santi Rodriguez, and outstanding team goal-line defence, prevented a score. With five minutes to go we escaped our 22 and ended the game firmly in their half and away from danger. Final score: 10-7 SAC.
With this win, U16 Rugby secures a playoff spot and Monday’s game at Appleby College will determine our semifinal opponent.
Story by Stuart Swan, Coach
