39-10 to 3rd XV

Great game played in good spirits between two well motivated teams. The 3rd XV were able to gain early dominance with an increased presence at the breakdown. Several key turnovers enabled the team to move down into the 4th XV 22 and control the flow of the game. The pressure lead to three first half tries but only one was converted by Matt Hill. The half time score of 17 – 0 was a solid start and the 3rd XV came out to continue the pressure in the second scoring another 4 tries to both forwards and backs from both close range and wide out in the backs. Two late tries to the 4th XV through good pressure lead to a final score of 39 – 10. The game was controlled well by Luke Higginbottom at 1st 5 and Ed O’Brien at halfback and Ed was named man of the match for the 3rd XV. A refreshed forward pack led by the senior players help set the platform we needed to build into our game which did allow the backs a lot more freedom than we have had in the recent weeks. This hopefully will continue into the next game. 

Richard Freeman (3rd XV coach)

Final score 39-10 to the 3rd XV After coming off two straight wins in the new competition, the 4th XV looked to continue their great form against a strong 3rd XV. It truly lived up to the brother vs brother rivalry as on a slippery number 2 field the teams were able to put in some great physical battles in the ruck and off the kick-off despite the not ideal conditions. Early tries from the 3rds gave them the early lead, but the 4th XV showed their resilience they’ve showed all season and kept in the game through some great defensive plays and attack where we were unlucky to score. The 3rds set-piece and defence proved too strong and they pulled away with a couple more tries, but tries from Mitchell Langley and Silas Hayman ensured that the 4ths amazing effort on the field showed on the scoreboard. We also welcomed Ayumu Mizoguchi to the side and are looking forward to playing with him for the rest of the season. Thanks to all the boys for putting a good effort in and especially big thanks to Marist Albion for providing a well-deserved feed after the game. This game showed the physicality of this rivalry and will be good in lead up to the semi-finals for both squads.
Shaun Rooney (4th XV captain)

Was another hard fought game amongst mates. A strong defensive effort from the lads through the midfield was countered from some inventive wide attacking options from the 3rds which kept their scoreboard ticking over!
Some great heart from the lads to push back late in the game to put some points on the board! Big thanks to Ayumu Mizoguchi who met the team 20 minutes before game time and played a strong 60 minutes in the front row. Of note was some really good one on one cover defence by Harry Finch.
Patrick Connell (4th XV coach)

Thank you to Marist Albion RFC (RDO Strahan McIntosh) for lending alternative jerseys to the 3rd XV and for providing some light food after the game. 

”Marist Albion are proud to have a strong association with St. Bede's College and the willingness in the game today epitomises what the game of rugby is all about. We were more than happy to help 'refuel' the players and look forward to seeing them in the green black and white in the near future." Strahan McIntosh