The 13s continued their rivalry with St. Ives. These contests are always friendly before and after the game but intense in between with both teams fiercely competitive on the field. The first 15 were selected to set the tone early and intimidate the fast starting St Ives. Unfortunately St Ives had more than their share of the early ball and ran straight through plenty of would-be tacklers to convert and lead 7-0. The Bluetongues regrouped and monstered their way back down field to score through Ewan Rogers but couldnt convert with the score at 7-5. The celebrations were short lived as St Ives again responded with an unconverted try. An arm wrestle developed and with the St Ives defence was sent scrambling. Rory Fletcher kicked the ball cross field to three unmarked Blue Tongues where Malachi Rauhina gathered and scored. At half time it was 12 all and Coach Apps wanted more of the same and to keep play simple and not look for the miracle game breaker that was causing some loss in structure and players dropping off in support. The Blueys boys began the second half strongly returning to supported running in pods. Malachi Rauhina scored his 2nd to break the deadlock, racing from midfield, tip toeing down the sideline to beat all the cover defence and doing his best to race in under the posts but credit to the entire St Ives side who covered to ensure at best he grounded 10m in. Again the kickers struggled to launch the off the tee falling just short, up 17-12. Controversially in the break leading to the try Blue Mtns substituted Props at the line-out on the far side but the St Ives AR on the near side and Referee resumed the game before the change was completed and St Ives were awarded a penalty on at the resumption of play for having 16 on the field. On the back foot, and with some interesting interpretations of the laws St Ives were again directed to the tryline despite some incredible defence, scoring and converting St Ives lifted to hit the front 19-17. Fired up after feeling St Ives had a 16th man the boys rallied and dominated. Every player set on not letting the match slip away. Parked inside the the St Ives half, momentum swung and the referee was taken out of the game as the Blueys blew St Ives off the ball. Rhys Barksby went on a barnstorming run to cross in the line out channel, but again just too far for the kickers, still taking the lead 22-19. From the ensuing kick the 13s returned the ball back up inside the St Ives 22 through fantastic scrummaging and rucking. From penalties, Rory Fletcher and Dylan Lumsden were both denied tries with St Ives able to sell their version of events to the referee with the St Ives AR assisting. Unrewarded and retreating fast the disappointed Blueys were on the wrong side of the ref. St Ives worked their way downfield and earned a penalty directly in front of the sticks on the 22. With 3 minutes remaining St Ives converted and levelled it at 22 all . Minor Premiers St Ives drawing meant they went through to the Grand Final. Despite the end to the season, Coach Apps responded to the St Ives victory song by sounding out the Blueys chant with the boys in close proximity. Desperately unlucky having outscored St Ives, the 13s can walk away knowing they outplayed their opposition. The boys should be congratulated on their sportsmanship at the end of the game given the circumstances. We wished them a harder game against the other frontrunner Forest next week after having just played a match that deserved to be the Grand Final. Well done to the 19 guys we fielded today who all played out of their skins. Thanks to all the 13s players and parents for their tremendous support this year. It was definitely a rewarding year for the coaches with some many new players coming on in leaps and bounds. Lets do it all again in 2015!
Posted on: Sun, 31 Aug 2014 11:12:00 +0000
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