A TWENTY POINT BREEZE One of the icons of Vincentia Rugby, Herb Hewson asked a fellow spectator “How many points do think there are in this breeze”. “Twenty” came the knowledgeable reply. And so it proved. Engadine had first use of the strong breeze and came out at Vincentia Rugby Park to face the Shoalhaven Family Medical Centers Vincentia Van Goghs with determination and speed. Despite the bleak weather Vincentia hosted its biggest crowd of the season. Sponsors day combined with Ladies Day meant that the hospitality and the champagne flowed in abundance. As did the Engadine backline who in a tight game sniffed out a number of opportunities to fling the ball wide where they showed silky skills to cross early in the game for a converted try. The Engadine outside backs, particularly their fullback, were dangerous every time they handled and their mobile pack were giving them plenty of leather to work with. The Van Goghs were finding it almost impossible to maintain field position against the strong wind and despite the superb defensive efforts of fullback Eddie Braddick and wingers Corey James and Matty Young, Engadine crossed again for a second converted try and appeared to have control of the match. The Goghs went through a strong period with support from the rugged up home crowd and had a number of near misses with breaks from Tane Matson and Luke Griffis but the wind and the determined Lions kept them under pressure and the elusive Engadine fullback crossed again for a third converted try. Half time 21 to nil and the wise gentlemen on the sideline were nodding their heads thinking the Goghs are still in this. The Goghs came out in the second half with coach Shawn Bugg’s game plan firmly planted in their minds after the half time spray. Field position and patience were the key factors. As soon as the Goghs got into Engadine territory Tane Matson the skilful fly half broke the line and scored near the posts. He converted his own try and when inspirational captain John Walker scored from a fourteen phase rampage upfield it was game on. The wise heads on the sideline were nodding their appreciation and the Goghs continued to attack. It became an arm wrestle of the highest order with both sides keeping it tight. When coach Bugg was hit with an early and high tackle midway through the second half the intensity lifted markedly and referee Jim Scandarnis was called on to use all of his peacemaking skills, eventually having to use the sin bin to unsure rugby remained the focus. The final whistle saw the Engadine Lions run out winners 21 to 14 in a great contest. Engadine’s need for points as they close in in the top four was probably the factor that kept them ahead in the match. The Van Goghs are holding down fourth but cannot afford any slip ups from here, so next weeks bye followed by a crucial home game against Camden on the 2nd August will hopefully cement their place in the semi finals. Photo Matty Young’s move from half to the wing gave him plenty of opportunities to see some space and use his speed.
Posted on: Sun, 20 Jul 2014 06:01:43 +0000
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