26-14 to the "Red" team

Red team coach James Burnside: There was much excitement amongst the St Bede’s U75kg teams in the build up to the Derby game being played on Field 1.

The game started at a fast pace and after some sustained aggressive ball carrying the Red team were able to force their way over for the opening try. The Red team were in the ascendency for large parts of the first half and built a healthy 21-0 with two further tries. This, however, proved to be the catalyst for the Black team who were roared on by some enthusiastic Year 11 support on the touch line. After some strong ball carrying from the Black team forwards, who began picking some excellent lines, they scored a well-taken try, making it 21-7 at half time.

The Red team tried to begin the second half in the way they had started the first and looked to have scored in the corner for a try, but Caleb Dudfield was penalised for a double movement. The Black team then ran the ball from deep and after an excellent chip and regather, the centre raced away to score a converted try under the posts to bring the score to 21-14. After this the Red team discipline looked to completely desert them and the Black team looked to capitalise and held onto the ball for long periods. The Black team were held up on the line twice and were very unlucky not to bring the game level. The Red team defence managed to just hold the line and towards the end of the game Harvey Scott was able to gather a loose ball and score the try that made the game safe for them.

The final score of 26-14 doesn’t reflect quite how close the game was; either side could have won and both Bede’s teams are hoping to meet again in the play-off stage of the season.  

Year 11 Dean Mr. Liam Foley commented: "It was great to see the two St. Bede's teams playing today. The Bedean ticker was on display with some good rugby played. Well done men!"

Black team manager Mr. Paul Brown: On a perfect afternoon for the “Derby” match against the U75kg St Bede's Red team on the No 1 field the scene was set for a great game of rugby. Both teams were up for the game and put everything into it.

We started slowly and were soon on the back foot by some determined running and crisp passing from the Red team and they were able to swing onto attack. While we defended well they were able to cross over for an early try and conversion.

Continued pressure from the Black team and a few missed tackles by us let them in for a further two well worked tries that were all converted and put them out to a 21 – nil lead closing in on half time.

We managed to work our way onto attack with some good build up by both backs and forwards and with a few close efforts to the line by our forwards Josh Fraher was able to crash over from a strong run. With this half time came and we were down 21 – 7.

A good half time discussion led to a stronger defensive effort in the second half and we came out with a renewed energy with the forwards leading the way with some strong running and gaining vital turnovers at critical times.

With a well worked chip kick by Seth Matheson he was able to fantastically regain the ball and run over half the field to score under the posts cutting the lead to 21 – 14. The balance of the second half proved a close tussle and we were unlucky not to get over for another try with some continued strong defence by the Black team keeping us out. A late try to the Black team finished the score at 26 – 14.

Overall a great game by both teams, played with plenty of energy and vigour with some fantastic skills on display by both teams. Looking forward to the next “Derby” game.