There was much anticipation before our 1st XV match against Shore. Co-Vice-Captain, Oscar Jorgensen unfortunately joined Eamon Doyle on the sidelines after ankle surgery during the week.
Different from last week, three penalties conceded gave Shore early field position and they were able to capitalise, scoring first in the opening 3 minutes. Our boys eventually settled and were able to show some of their attacking class, moving the ball between the backs and forwards and through the Shore defence. When we lost our other co-Vice-Captain, Patrick Young early the match, to a pec injury, we needed some of our younger players to step up. Ethan Tombs ran an excellent line off the hip of Jonty Fowler and set up Captain, Hwi Sharples, who scored under the post to give us the lead late in the first half.
To Shore’s credit they stuck with us, and the match was level for a tense 20-minute period in the second half. A strong carry from Justice Taumoepeau and flick pass to Joseph Manglesdorf set up our fourth try to break the deadlock. And after another sideline conversion from Hwi, we led 28-21. Shore again came back in the final moments and levelled the score – for a second heartbreaking week in a row. Final score 28-all.
A draw in the GPS 1st XV competition is rare. Two draws in the opening two weeks, is extraordinary. Our boys again showed why they are genuine premiership contenders in 2023, whilst also showing some inexperience at key times. They will still gain plenty of confidence from the last two weeks and are looking forward to playing at home for the first time this year.
Photos courtesy of Mr John Flitcroft.
