RAMS Return to Rugby Park
RAMS TO PLAY SEASIDERS IN HAWKINS TROPHY FINAL ON SUNDAY AT RUGBY PARK, 3PM
GRACE ON THE GO
Not bad for a young man fresh out of Timaru Boys’ High School. Cullen Grace, who started at No.6 and shifted to No.8 in the third quarter, scored a crucial try on the hour after Sydenham had drawn level with the Rams at 17-17.
Grace took the ball off the back of a 5m scrum and was going to score by the posts, or die in the attempt. He was brought down just short of the line but stretched out a big right hand and planted the ball exactly where he’d planned.
That was the spark Lincoln needed. A couple of minutes later, hooker Nic Souchon was across after sweeping lead-up play. Before long Caleb Makene was the beneficiary of a tackle-busting surge down the right by Connor Garden-Bachop.
Sydenham had a consolation try close to full-time when slippery fullback Dan Fransen speared through after the forwards had done the hard work.
There was much more to Grace’s play than his try. The youngster put a lot of work in around the park and won a good deal of lineout ball, especially in the first half.
Connor Gordon, back after an injury break, was as busy as a one-armed taxi driver with an itch as he ranged off the open side of the scrum. His pace gave Lincoln another early try. Hamish Dalzell broke, then deftly slipped the ball to the flying Gordon.
Five minutes later, Ben Morris, with a clever run and draw, and Sam Gilbert, who flipped a pop-up pass on the line, had Jesse Houston across.
The imposing Dalzell was replaced by Mitch Dunshea early in the second half. Dunshea was explosive with ball in hand.
Troy Hallett had a big game at tighthead prop. He pulled off a crunching head-on tackle early, continued to defend powerfully, and made several strong carries.
Joe Meek had a top game at halfback, making a startling break in the first half that seemed destined to end in a try. The Rams should have been further ahead at the break but were twice pulled back for questionable forward passes with tries looming.
Sydenham weren’t as dangerous in the backs as the previous week. Their first try came from a forward siege, the second when Lincoln failed to control tapped ball from a lineout close to their own line. The third try was also forward-dominant.
Sydenham lock Kalave Auali’itia was sure in his lineout jumping and delivery and he showed up around the field as well. No.8 Matt James had a strong game, showing turnover skills as part of his repertoire.
MVP: Connor Gordon 3, Mitch Dunshea 2, Cullen Grace 1.
LU Rugby would like to reiterate their thanks to our major sponsors for the year and to all the supporters and family that come out each week and get in behind the RAMS. We would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you to come down to the Elmwood Bowling Club at the conclusion of the Hawkins Metro Premier Trophy Final on Sunday.