Men’s Weekend Rugby Games Results

February 19, 2014

On Sunday [Feb 16] under an azure sky, the balmy weather belied the passion and intensity of the men’s rugby games. In the first game of the day, the Renegades were looking to get back into the title race with a game against the Teachers, who have title aspirations of their own.

Both teams had everything to play for and the game started off with all the promise of an excellent encounter. The early exchanges set the tone for a physical battle, with the Teachers drawing first blood with a solid push over by their versatile forward Tashon Desilva; the conversion was missed by Shauntino Simons.

The Teachers kept the pressure up and a cynical killing of the ball in an attacking ruck saw Simons extend the Reds lead with a well struck penalty in blustery conditions.

The Teachers continued to play the conditions well and a speculative long kick and chase by their speedy winger David “Kwame” McHugh saw the ball take an awkward bounce, leaving the Renegades winger flat footed. McHugh could barely contain his surprise as he placed the ball over the line for a gift of a try.

Simons form continued and he knocked over the conversion for a 15-0 lead. The Renegades forwards endeavored to make inroads against their fired up opposite numbers, but were repeatedly repelled with gusto.

Tempers began to fray as the stalemate continued with referee Ben Jewitt having to sin bin Connor McGlynn for repeated infringements at the breakdown.

Teachers veteran Bobby Hurdle was also given 10 minutes on the side lines to reflect on an ill-advised punch on the McGlynn. Instead of calming the waters, the game disintegrated into a morass of bickering at the referee and a thankful gallery of spectators welcomed the half time whistle.

Unfortunately, neither team could find any rhythm or consistency in their play in the second half and both were guilty of excessive back chat to the beleaguered referee. Breakdowns became fraught with infringements and the game stuttered and started.

Simons extended the Reds’ lead to 18-0 with another well struck penalty. Tempers flared again and Tashon Desilva was caught swinging a flagrant punch in apparent retaliation for an unseen indiscretion. Referee Jewit sent Desilva to the side lines with a lenient yellow card.

The Renegades could not take capitalize on the one man advantage. Teachers scored the last try of the game with a surging run out wide by Patrick Richardson; Simons missed the conversion. The last five minutes were played at a frenetic pace, with the Teachers searching for the crucial bonus point with a fourth try, however the Renegades showed some pride and fought to the final whistle.

The Teachers ran out deserved 23-0 winners in an ugly display marred by questionable sportsmanship and indiscipline. The win placed the Teachers at the top of the league.

The second game saw the much improving Mariners take on a pressured Police team needing to keep pace with the Teachers. Referee John Weale commenced proceedings, and early on the crowd were treated to a proper game of rugby played in good spirits. The greens have been improving steadily and the young cadre of under 19 players are gelling well with their seasoned pack of forwards.

The combination of experience and pace was evident with their first try. Quick ball from a set piece saw standoff Kamel Easton draw in the defense before releasing his outside center with a lovely missed pass.

The surging attack was recycled and a bulldozing run by Ed Barnes saw the big man offload nicely to veteran Keith Hodgkins, who drove over to open the Greens tally 5-0. U19 star Rory Dublin narrowly missed the difficult conversion and the Police were served an early wake up call.

The Police showed their poise and weathered the storm up front. They began to find their rhythm and methodically went through their phases, working their way deep into the Mariner’s territory. Adam Richards scored a fine captain’s try by finishing off several recycles with strong drive from seven meters out.

Tommy Edwards missed the conversion but things were tied up at 5-5. The game began to flow freely and with both teams looking to play positive rugby- the on lookers were treated to end to end action.

The try of the game came from a clinical counter attack off a pressurized clearance kick that failed to make touch. Ronan Kane and Paull Davis combined nicely to release Patrick Graham, who expertly finished off the move with a fine try in honor of his recently departed father.

Mike Kane missed the conversion, but the police had a 10-5 lead. The open play continued and in the 26 minute , the Police backs once again showcased their talent with a beautifully executed back line move which allowed Dan Cole to dance in from 20 yards out. This time Ronan Kane missed the conversion in difficult conditions.

With Police leading 15-5, they took their foot off the accelerator. A dangerous move with a Mariner’s team growing in self-confidence.

Young rookie sensation Chakote Wainwright epitomized this new belief with a scintillating riposte. Collecting the ball off a lazy clearance, he backed himself with a great individual run down the blind side. Wainwright outpaced the Police back line before cutting back inside to leave the Police full back stranded.

The startling move was finished off between the sticks. Dublin knocked over the easy conversion and the Mariners were back in the game 15-12. The half time whistle saw both teams regrouping, but it was the green machine who continued their momentum. Some dogged work upfront by Dustin Archibald, and towering David Rorke saw the ball slipped out to Jonny Peacock. His neat off load to a supporting Wainwright saw the speedster put into acres of space.

The attack was finished off with a great team try. Dublin’s conversion saw the Mariners regain the lead at 19-15. The Police showed their composure and stuck to their game plan. Some controlled play saw them impose their structured play and they dominated the rest of the game. After some sustained pressure. they finally had the Mariners give up a kickable penalty and Mike Kane closed the gap to 19-18 with a fine long range effort.

The Police continued to pile on the pressure and regained the lead 23-19 with a strong run from Ronan Kane. The conversion was missed but the important forth try insured a bonus point.

Shortly after, Police center Cobus Vermaak scored a try under the poles by weaving through a flagging Greens defence. Mike Kane converted to take the score to 30 – 19. The Police scored their sixth try of the game in the dying seconds with a great 60 yard run by winger Guerhardt Lamprecht to finish well.

Mike Kane again made no mistake with the conversion. The 37-19 score line flattered the Police as the game was there for either team to win. The Mariners fielded no less than five U19 players who gamely stepped up against one of the league leaders and put on an extremely competitive and highly entertaining spectacle.

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  1. Bermuda Tartan says:

    Excellent entertainment from all clubs this weekend. All sides on view would probably beat Scotland at the moment.
    Indiscipline in the Renegades v Teachers game was sickening. Patrick Richardson and Shauntino Simons should be farmed off to the UK to look at professional contracts. They will learn so much a la Nahki Wells. I remain.