SMSS 25 SDAR 24: Match Report SMSS persevered through a last minute try to earn a well-deserved 25-24 win over the visiting SDAR in the first match of the inaugural Malaysian Super Six Schools Rugby Championship. SDAR was desperately defending its try line for the last five minutes of the match resolutely breaking down every pickup and drive by the SMSS forwards before an offside infringement awarded SMSS a penalty about a metre away from the try line. The resulting tap and run was quickly charged over the goal line for a thrilling game winning score that edged SMSS by only a single point. The SMSS standoff continued his poor kicking game by failing to convert on the hooter. SMSS started strongly from the 5pm kickoff, with their forwards barraging SDAR and were encamped for a long spell in the 22 meter area. The visitor’s backline was stoic in defense and it wasn’t until the 20th minute before SMSS was able to bound over the goal line for an opening score. A similar move 10 minutes later allowed SMSS to take a two try lead over SDAR, leading 10-0, with the SMSS standoff miss kicking both extras which was attempted from an acute angle. The deficit seemed to awaken the SDAR’s players which were on the ascendancy for the rest of the half, mostly through a running game by the backline, with the ball passing through their hands. It made for a thrilling game and it was through such a marauding move that the SDAR centre was able to break a tackle and shimmy over the SMSS goal line. With the successful conversion, the teams went into the break at 10-7. The second half started with much of the same from SDAR whose backs were always dangerous when running with ball in hand. With the SMSS defense spread thinly SDAR back’s easily scored another try and with the conversion the scoreline was 10-17. In orchestrating the come-from-behind SDAR seemed to have shifted to a lower gear to recover which allowed the SMSS forwards to play their typical pick-and-go thrust towards the SDAR end, eventually culminating in a well taken forwards try. However, the SMSS standoff again frustrated the home supporters by failing a very simple conversion which would have drawn them level with SDAR on 17 points. With the 2 point lead, SDAR took back the initiative and its backs were again harassing the SMSS boys inevitably scoring under the posts. With a simple kick between the sticks, SDAR was on top 24-15. That was the last of SDAR’s initiative. SMSS was composed and maintained its forward play and in typical fashion scored another try which was unconverted to trail by 4 points. If the SMSS standoff was on his game, SMSS could have been leading 28-24 instead of trailing. Many were wondering why kicking duties were still left to him. However, it was again the SMSS forwards that had the final word, powering the tap and go penalty right up to the touchline to dive in for the decisive try. The SMSS standoff suffered the indignity of slipping when attempting the final conversion attempt. A combined total of 8 tries were scored making for a very rewarding match for the spectators. The contrast in playing styles and the shifts in domination between the two teams provided such entertainment which augurs well for Malaysian schools rugby.
Posted on: Fri, 23 Aug 2013 21:18:12 +0000
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