MATCH REPORT - WHALES FIRST HIT OUT A SUCCESS

14th March 2009

Batemans Bay Invitation Knock Out

The Whales had their first run of the season last Saturday when they competed in the Batemans Bay Invitational Knockout. This is a tough competition as teams from the Illawarra, Monaro and Canberra also compete with South Coast teams. On a hot and humid day all players’ had their level of fitness tested.

The first game was an eye opener for those playing their first game of rugby as a well organised and experienced Cooma side showed good technique in rucking and mauling to control the game. The Whales contested well and had several chances to score but weight of possession eventually told as Cooma won convincingly 20- 0. In some respects this could be seen as a positive. Cooma dominated possession and territory but the tackling by the Whales was ferocious and scrambling defence continued to the final whistle.

The second game saw the Whales take on board the lessons of the previous match. The forwards were much more effective at the breakdown and the backs much sharper in attack as Narooma beat Shoalhaven 10-5 in a close contest. The lineout was much better and the Whales had the greater share of the ball in the first half. With scores by Max Taleo and Brendan Navara the Whales led 10-0 at half time. The Shoalhaven team was fitter, however, and in the second half began to get their hands on the ball much more. A try mid way through the half brought Shoalhaven back into the contest but some sterling defence kept them out and the Whales went into the repechage final.

The final of the repechage was to be an interesting contest. Avondale, who had accounted for Batemans Bay and Gungahlin, had some very large players.  They had dominated in their previous two matches with the opposing defences smashed by a powerful centre combination.   An Avondale try scored off the back of the scrum in the first minute did not augur well for the Narooma team.

Never say die, the Whales hit back. Contesting every breakdown with spirit and tackling low they came back into the game and it was no surprise when Tyrone Thomas was able to pounce on a loose ball and sprint to the line to equalise. Just as the Whales were getting back in to the game the Illawarra based side scored again off a scrum as the defence again went too high on the Avondale number 8. At half time the score was 14-7 to Avondale.

In the second half the Whales dominated the early stages but were unable to score. As Narooma tired Avondale gradually gained more possession and scored two unanswered tries to give them an insurmountable lead. Fighting to the end the Whales scored last through Raymond Parsons. Tyrone kicked a field goal conversion from the sideline and the final score was a respectable 28-14.

The trip home in the green machine bus was upbeat. The boys know they have to work on their fitness and the new arrivals now have an idea of how to play the game.