Steamers Blackout.
Steamers v Griffith Murrayfield 10 July 2021
An Opportunity for a home win and march up the table slips away at Murrayfield
The sun returned and there was a good crowd on hand on a fine sunny winter’s afternoon when the Steamers took to the field in their Indigenous Round jumpers to do battle with the Griffith Blacks for the third time this season. Both earlier games had been away from the Steamer’s home at Murrayfield. Hopes were high in the Steamer’s camp as a good win would see them draw away from Griffith on the competition table.
Slow starts had not been a feature of the Steamer’s play this year but for some reason their minds were not on the job today. Early mistakes from the kick off allowed the Blacks to have possession deep in the Steamer’s territory and when a kickable penalty was received the visitors opted for the sideling looking for the 7 points rather than 3. They couldn’t convert from the lineout but the reprieve was momentary as a minute later another error by the locals allowed Griffith to regain possession and a bustling 30 metre run from their loosehead prop set up the Black’s first try.
Conversion unsuccessful but the Blacks lead 5 – 0.
At the 16th minute the Blacks were in again. Working off the back of their dominant scrum their forwards eventually wore down the Steamer’s defence barging over wide out.
A good conversion pushed the Griffith boys to a useful early 12 – 0 lead.
The Steamers were looking promising but whenever they got momentum they made an error giving possession back to their opposition. Their scrum was under pressure and their lineout could still not be relied upon to consistently provide quality ball.
However, with a quarter of the game gone the Steamers got a scrum feed in an attacking position and the scrum held long enough to get the ball to the backs where a clever kick in behind the Griffith defence saw the Steamer’s 12 cross for an easy try.
Blake Le Cornu knocked over the conversion and the Steamers were on the scoreboard.
Griffith 12 Steamers 7.
A penalty to the Blacks in the 29th minute pushed their lead out to a useful 8 points. Griffith 15 Steamers 7.
Soon after the Steamers got a penalty and again opted for the sideline. Again their lineout failed to deliver good ball allowing the Blacks to diffuse their attack and mount an attack of their own. In the shadows of half time the Blacks outflank the Steamer’s defence and score wide out.
Conversion was unsuccessful but the Griffith side took a handy 20 to 7 lead into the break.
The Steamers started the second half in much the same way as they started the first. Getting into good position and then making errors that turned the ball over. However, 9 minutes into the half they held the ball for long enough to wear down the Black’s defence and the Steamer’s energetic 8 crashed over near the posts.
A successful conversion narrowed the visitors lead to 6 points.
Griffith 20 Steamers 14.
The Steamers could not keep the Blacks out of their red zone and with their strong scrum and big forward pack crashing against the locals defensive line the inevitable try came in the 58th minute. Although they could not convert from wide out the 25 to 14 score line left the Steamers with a lot to do in the last 20 minutes.
The locals responded immediately and when the Blacks failed to secure the restart the Steamers got possession and took advantage of the Griffith lads’ failure to adjust to defence mode quickly enough. The Steamers Five-eight found space and made short work of the cover defences efforts crossing beside the posts.
A successful conversion put the Steamers within 4 points of the visitors.
Griffith 25 – Steamers 21.
This was the point where the Steamers failed to press their emerging advantage and turn up the pressure on the tiring Blacks. The Steamers have a fit and mobile pack and they failed to take advantage of this. They needed to wind up the pace of the game and make sure they maintained possession. On an occasion late in the game where the Blacks lost possession and the Steamers kicked to touch in Black’s territory it to took a full 40 seconds for the Black’s forwards to get back in position for the ensuing lineout. They were in no hurry and the Steamers play accommodated their sloth.
The Steamers needed to accelerate the pace of the game and mix up their attacking options to get the ball in behind the tiring Griffith forwards. They did neither. When they kicked it was too deep and although they were able to hold the ball for extended periods the attack was one dimensional.
Griffith on the other hand took their opportunities and when a simple defensive error opened a yawning gap in the Steamers line the Black’s 12 walked through to score the last try of the game and snuff out the Steamers dwindling hopes of a home victory.
The conversion was successful. Griffith 32 Steamers 21 was the final score.
The Blacks were ahead throughout the game and deserved to win. The win pushes them ahead of the Steamers on the competition ladder.
Some aspects of the Steamers’ game has improved. There is more variety in their lineout and it delivered good ball on occasions. Too often, however, good attacking opportunities were foiled by a failure in this important aspect of the game. Their scrums looked shaky but held on most of the time. They will struggle against the top sides.
Their attack needs to have more variety and, if they are going to work from the platform of a fit mobile pack, the recycle needs to be quicker. More importantly they need to play smart and to their strengths if they are going to be competitive at the sharp end of the competition.
PS Whoever was responsible for the pumpkin soup sold at the canteen
"ought to be congratulated".Best pumpkin soup I've had for a long time.
Slow starts had not been a feature of the Steamer’s play this year but for some reason their minds were not on the job today. Early mistakes from the kick off allowed the Blacks to have possession deep in the Steamer’s territory and when a kickable penalty was received the visitors opted for the sideling looking for the 7 points rather than 3. They couldn’t convert from the lineout but the reprieve was momentary as a minute later another error by the locals allowed Griffith to regain possession and a bustling 30 metre run from their loosehead prop set up the Black’s first try.
Conversion unsuccessful but the Blacks lead 5 – 0.
At the 16th minute the Blacks were in again. Working off the back of their dominant scrum their forwards eventually wore down the Steamer’s defence barging over wide out.
A good conversion pushed the Griffith boys to a useful early 12 – 0 lead.
The Steamers were looking promising but whenever they got momentum they made an error giving possession back to their opposition. Their scrum was under pressure and their lineout could still not be relied upon to consistently provide quality ball.
However, with a quarter of the game gone the Steamers got a scrum feed in an attacking position and the scrum held long enough to get the ball to the backs where a clever kick in behind the Griffith defence saw the Steamer’s 12 cross for an easy try.
Blake Le Cornu knocked over the conversion and the Steamers were on the scoreboard.
Griffith 12 Steamers 7.
A penalty to the Blacks in the 29th minute pushed their lead out to a useful 8 points. Griffith 15 Steamers 7.
Soon after the Steamers got a penalty and again opted for the sideline. Again their lineout failed to deliver good ball allowing the Blacks to diffuse their attack and mount an attack of their own. In the shadows of half time the Blacks outflank the Steamer’s defence and score wide out.
Conversion was unsuccessful but the Griffith side took a handy 20 to 7 lead into the break.
The Steamers started the second half in much the same way as they started the first. Getting into good position and then making errors that turned the ball over. However, 9 minutes into the half they held the ball for long enough to wear down the Black’s defence and the Steamer’s energetic 8 crashed over near the posts.
A successful conversion narrowed the visitors lead to 6 points.
Griffith 20 Steamers 14.
The Steamers could not keep the Blacks out of their red zone and with their strong scrum and big forward pack crashing against the locals defensive line the inevitable try came in the 58th minute. Although they could not convert from wide out the 25 to 14 score line left the Steamers with a lot to do in the last 20 minutes.
The locals responded immediately and when the Blacks failed to secure the restart the Steamers got possession and took advantage of the Griffith lads’ failure to adjust to defence mode quickly enough. The Steamers Five-eight found space and made short work of the cover defences efforts crossing beside the posts.
A successful conversion put the Steamers within 4 points of the visitors.
Griffith 25 – Steamers 21.
This was the point where the Steamers failed to press their emerging advantage and turn up the pressure on the tiring Blacks. The Steamers have a fit and mobile pack and they failed to take advantage of this. They needed to wind up the pace of the game and make sure they maintained possession. On an occasion late in the game where the Blacks lost possession and the Steamers kicked to touch in Black’s territory it to took a full 40 seconds for the Black’s forwards to get back in position for the ensuing lineout. They were in no hurry and the Steamers play accommodated their sloth.
The Steamers needed to accelerate the pace of the game and mix up their attacking options to get the ball in behind the tiring Griffith forwards. They did neither. When they kicked it was too deep and although they were able to hold the ball for extended periods the attack was one dimensional.
Griffith on the other hand took their opportunities and when a simple defensive error opened a yawning gap in the Steamers line the Black’s 12 walked through to score the last try of the game and snuff out the Steamers dwindling hopes of a home victory.
The conversion was successful. Griffith 32 Steamers 21 was the final score.
The Blacks were ahead throughout the game and deserved to win. The win pushes them ahead of the Steamers on the competition ladder.
Some aspects of the Steamers’ game has improved. There is more variety in their lineout and it delivered good ball on occasions. Too often, however, good attacking opportunities were foiled by a failure in this important aspect of the game. Their scrums looked shaky but held on most of the time. They will struggle against the top sides.
Their attack needs to have more variety and, if they are going to work from the platform of a fit mobile pack, the recycle needs to be quicker. More importantly they need to play smart and to their strengths if they are going to be competitive at the sharp end of the competition.
PS Whoever was responsible for the pumpkin soup sold at the canteen
"ought to be congratulated".Best pumpkin soup I've had for a long time.
Wounded Steamers Have Tough Afternoon Against Tumut
The House was none to happy with some aspects of the Steamers Game
The Albury Steamers took to Murrayfield on a glorious Autumn afternoon full of optimism despite their loss to Griffith last weekend and at least 3 top players unavailable due to injuries. Their opponents, the Tumut Bulls, sat just 3 points below them on the SIRU Ladder and were keen to win and jump ahead of the Steamers.
The opening exchanges were torrid but the Steamers were quickly into their work making inroads into the Bulls' defence. At the 5 minute mark their spirited start paid off when Benn Reid made the most of his opportunity in the top grade by crossing for a try in the left corner.
No conversion Steamers 5 - Bulls 0.
The first Steamer's scrum feed came in the 8th minute and foreshadowed an ominous portend for the locals. Under heavy pressure from the big Bulls' pack the Steamer’s scrum collapsed and the Bulls got a penalty within kicking distance. The kick went wide but it looked like the Steamer's forwards were in a tough afternoon at scrum time.
The Bulls were getting the best of the penalties and it was hurting the Steamers. In the 21st minute, on the back of several penalties, the Steamers were again under the pump and eventually the Bulls outflanked the local’s defence to score out wide.
No conversion so the score was 5 all.
In the 34th minute the Steamers were again pressing hard and the visitors were forced to infringe. Twice the Steamers kicked to the sideline but their shaky lineout could not deliver. Still they managed to keep the pressure on the Bull's line and eventually that pressure again resulted in a try wide out when Steamer's 8, Aiden Wood-Smith (from now on Sunshine), backed up inside Benn Reid.
Again unconverted but Steamers now had a 10 – 5 lead.
As the first half drew to a close the Bulls were again under pressure. An attempt to clear their line was charged down by Sunshine and the Steamers had a scrum feed 5 metres out. The scrum held on just long enough for the Steamers to clear the ball and,soon after, their inspirational captain Ryan O’Sullivan barged over next to the posts.
The opening exchanges were torrid but the Steamers were quickly into their work making inroads into the Bulls' defence. At the 5 minute mark their spirited start paid off when Benn Reid made the most of his opportunity in the top grade by crossing for a try in the left corner.
No conversion Steamers 5 - Bulls 0.
The first Steamer's scrum feed came in the 8th minute and foreshadowed an ominous portend for the locals. Under heavy pressure from the big Bulls' pack the Steamer’s scrum collapsed and the Bulls got a penalty within kicking distance. The kick went wide but it looked like the Steamer's forwards were in a tough afternoon at scrum time.
The Bulls were getting the best of the penalties and it was hurting the Steamers. In the 21st minute, on the back of several penalties, the Steamers were again under the pump and eventually the Bulls outflanked the local’s defence to score out wide.
No conversion so the score was 5 all.
In the 34th minute the Steamers were again pressing hard and the visitors were forced to infringe. Twice the Steamers kicked to the sideline but their shaky lineout could not deliver. Still they managed to keep the pressure on the Bull's line and eventually that pressure again resulted in a try wide out when Steamer's 8, Aiden Wood-Smith (from now on Sunshine), backed up inside Benn Reid.
Again unconverted but Steamers now had a 10 – 5 lead.
As the first half drew to a close the Bulls were again under pressure. An attempt to clear their line was charged down by Sunshine and the Steamers had a scrum feed 5 metres out. The scrum held on just long enough for the Steamers to clear the ball and,soon after, their inspirational captain Ryan O’Sullivan barged over next to the posts.
This one was converted and at half time the Steamers led 17 – 5.
At the 42 minute Benn Reid turned a difficult situation into a break, down the left wing and as the cover defence closed, a long pass inside found the dependable Sunshine backing up to cross next to the post.
An easy conversion and the Steamers were out to a 24 – 5 lead.
The Steamers were really starting to fire now. When they avoided the set pieces they looked dangerous. Three minute after their last try, Benn Reid again made a good break down the left wing and when the ball was quickly recycled it traveled the width of the field and the Steamers scored wide out on the right hand side.
Though not converted this gave them a handy lead 29 to 5.
The 10 minutes either side of the half time break were the Steamer's best. In that time they were able to avoid set pieces and penalties and apply pressure with their running game. In that quarter they scored 24 unanswered points that were crucial in the final result.
By midway through the Second half the Bull's scrum was completely dominating. A Bull's feed 5 metres from the Steamer's line saw the Steamer's scrum fold and the Bulls get a penalty try under the posts.
With the score now 29 – 12 the Bulls starting to gain momentum.
When they got an opportunity to string some phases together the Albury side looked dangerous. They managed to do this in the 53rd minute and big replacement frontrower Koresi Waqanivalu forced his way over next to the posts.
The score was now 36 -12. But would this be enough? With over a quarter still to play and Tumut coming home stronger, a repeat of the Griffith loss was a possibility.
In the 60th minute Tumut’s scrum managed another pushover try.
The conversion was wide and the score was 36 – 17.
The Steamers were still defending strongly as they had in Griffith last week and the Bulls did not seem to have enough fuel in the tank to push home their set piece superiority. Still the last 10 minutes were a nervous time for the Albury supporters.
As the fat lady was warming her tonsils the Bulls got an opportunity with a lineout throw close to the Steamer's line. From the ensuing maul they forced their way over.
The conversion attempt sailed wide and the referee blew full time. The Steamer's home record was intact.
Final score Steamers 36 –Tumut Bulls 24.
The Bulls were a tough outfit but they only occasionally troubled the Steamer's defence and mostly from a scrum or lineout near the Albury tryline.
Head Coach James Kora was not impressed with capitulation of the Steamer's scrum and with games against the top sides coming up he has called for big effort at training this week to fix the problem.
Certainly better application of technique would help but the Steamers could also do with some extra personnel in the front row department. Send out the SOS as there will be no grand final this year if the scrum and lineout can’t be relied upon to deliver quality possession. In addition it means that even when the Steamer's defence forces an error, as they did often in this game, the opposition just gets the ball back from the resulting set piece.
The Steamers benefited from Liam Krautz’s return and as usual he had a strong game. Aiden (Sunshine) Woodford-Smith was prominent all afternoon and was rewarded with 2 tries. Benn Reid also got his chance to start and made the most of it with a strong showing. Ryan O’Sullivan was good in both attack and defence and is mading good decisions at 10.
Next week the Steamers clash with their traditional rivals Wagga Waratahs at Murrayfield. This is the clash of the round as competition leaders Wagga City have the bye. Tahs are sitting 4th on the table but irrespective of where either side is this clash is always very competitive so get along to Murrayfield next Saturday for another great afternoon of rugby.
At the 42 minute Benn Reid turned a difficult situation into a break, down the left wing and as the cover defence closed, a long pass inside found the dependable Sunshine backing up to cross next to the post.
An easy conversion and the Steamers were out to a 24 – 5 lead.
The Steamers were really starting to fire now. When they avoided the set pieces they looked dangerous. Three minute after their last try, Benn Reid again made a good break down the left wing and when the ball was quickly recycled it traveled the width of the field and the Steamers scored wide out on the right hand side.
Though not converted this gave them a handy lead 29 to 5.
The 10 minutes either side of the half time break were the Steamer's best. In that time they were able to avoid set pieces and penalties and apply pressure with their running game. In that quarter they scored 24 unanswered points that were crucial in the final result.
By midway through the Second half the Bull's scrum was completely dominating. A Bull's feed 5 metres from the Steamer's line saw the Steamer's scrum fold and the Bulls get a penalty try under the posts.
With the score now 29 – 12 the Bulls starting to gain momentum.
When they got an opportunity to string some phases together the Albury side looked dangerous. They managed to do this in the 53rd minute and big replacement frontrower Koresi Waqanivalu forced his way over next to the posts.
The score was now 36 -12. But would this be enough? With over a quarter still to play and Tumut coming home stronger, a repeat of the Griffith loss was a possibility.
In the 60th minute Tumut’s scrum managed another pushover try.
The conversion was wide and the score was 36 – 17.
The Steamers were still defending strongly as they had in Griffith last week and the Bulls did not seem to have enough fuel in the tank to push home their set piece superiority. Still the last 10 minutes were a nervous time for the Albury supporters.
As the fat lady was warming her tonsils the Bulls got an opportunity with a lineout throw close to the Steamer's line. From the ensuing maul they forced their way over.
The conversion attempt sailed wide and the referee blew full time. The Steamer's home record was intact.
Final score Steamers 36 –Tumut Bulls 24.
The Bulls were a tough outfit but they only occasionally troubled the Steamer's defence and mostly from a scrum or lineout near the Albury tryline.
Head Coach James Kora was not impressed with capitulation of the Steamer's scrum and with games against the top sides coming up he has called for big effort at training this week to fix the problem.
Certainly better application of technique would help but the Steamers could also do with some extra personnel in the front row department. Send out the SOS as there will be no grand final this year if the scrum and lineout can’t be relied upon to deliver quality possession. In addition it means that even when the Steamer's defence forces an error, as they did often in this game, the opposition just gets the ball back from the resulting set piece.
The Steamers benefited from Liam Krautz’s return and as usual he had a strong game. Aiden (Sunshine) Woodford-Smith was prominent all afternoon and was rewarded with 2 tries. Benn Reid also got his chance to start and made the most of it with a strong showing. Ryan O’Sullivan was good in both attack and defence and is mading good decisions at 10.
Next week the Steamers clash with their traditional rivals Wagga Waratahs at Murrayfield. This is the clash of the round as competition leaders Wagga City have the bye. Tahs are sitting 4th on the table but irrespective of where either side is this clash is always very competitive so get along to Murrayfield next Saturday for another great afternoon of rugby.
The tale of the afternoon
Steamers Stumble at Griffith
On the ground where their last Senior 1st XV Season ended the Steamers again found a way to turn victory into defeat
The Steamers Brain Trust
The Steamers game started 23 minutes late due to an injury in the women’s game which required an ambulance attendance. Alice Driver was taken to hospital but I am advised that scans revealed no broken bones but further tests were being undertaken. I am sure the whole Steamers’ family wish Alice a speedy recovery.
When the game got underway the visitors went straight into their work and had by far had the best of the early exchanges. In the 4tth minute a clever kick through from Ryan O’Sullivan caught out the Griffith defence but the ball was knocked on in the in goal and Griffith got an early reprieve.
A minute later the Steamers were again over the Griffith line and again disallowed. No cigar. Nine minutes in Albury got an opportunity due to a Griffith infringement within kicking distance. Moses struck it well but it hit the upright and rebounded into the field of play. Griffith had some anxious moments but the Steamers could not post points from their early territorial dominance.
When Griffith finally got going they managed to advance up the field on the back consecutive penalties and in the 25th minute they outflanked the usually reliable Steamers defence and scrambled over in the corner.
Griffith 5 – Steamers 0.
A couple of minutes later the Steamers got a penalty in front of the Griffith’s posts but again the kick went wide.
When Griffith kicked the ball back into play from their 22 the Steamers made a bit of a mess of fielding it but after a couple of fumbling attempts to pick up the rolling ball it landed in the hands of the Steamers 15 Mosese Baleidrokandroka (Moses) and the Griffith defence charging forward were caught flat footed by the flying Albury 15 who found his way to the tryline for a great solo try.
Again the Steamers failed to add the extras and the scores were locked.
Steamer 5 –Griffith 5.
At the 40th minute mark the Steamers were again on the attack but Griffith again working off consecutive Steamers indiscretions worked their way upfield and when the Steamers should have been having their oranges a long range penalty goal put Griffith in front.
Half time Griffith 8 Steamers 5.
The first half was really a tale of missed opportunities. With half an once of luck and a whole once of better concentration the Steamers could have been 20 points up at that juncture. They had had the best of both possession and territory and were winning everywhere but where it mattered. On the scoreboard.
There were however some ominous signs. The Steamers could not win a lineout and their scrum was just hanging on. Usually when this happens the team that has control of the set pieces will eventually get on top. The Steamers were hoping their better fitness and more mobile pack would pay dividends as the bigger Griffith forwards tired. A good strategy except Griffith were able to run on fresh players who were even bigger than those they replaced and it was the Blacks that were coming home stronger.
In the 48 minute Griffith kicked out of defence and Ryan O’Sullivan collected the kick in touch and took a quick throw halfway across the field to Moses who again made inroads into the scrambling defence . He got to within 10 metres of the line and when finally tackled flicked the ball up to the Albury 8 (Aiden Woodford-Smith) who was bought down by the last of the Blacks cover defence. As he fell he off loaded to….Ryan O’Sullivan who had followed from his original throw in 40 metres down field for a fine try. Again the Steamers failed to convert but at least they were back in front.
Steamers 10 –Griffith 8.
At the 52nd minute mark Captain Courageous (Ryan O’Sullivan) is again in the thick of it and he steals the ball from a loose Griffith carry. He then punts it downfield and it hits the Griffith crossbar and bounces back into the field . In the ensuing scramble a Griffith player was offside and the Steamers get an unmissable penalty in front.
Steamers 13 Griffith 8.
With 12 minutes left on the clock Griffith get a penalty and decide to take the kick obviously pushing for a win rather than a draw and when the kick was successful they edged closer.
Steamers 13 - Griffith 11.
With just 2 points in it and 10 minutes to go it was always going to be a test of the Steamers courage and resilience. The Steamers were tiring and they did not have the luxury of quality fresh replacements. On the other hand the Griffith replacements were not only well rested but keen to push for a starting role.
The Steamers spent a good 10 minutes defending their line from wave after wave of Griffith attacks until eventually the defensive effort was too much and a Griffith player crossed next to the posts. The try was converted and Griffith went to and 18 to 13 lead with 51 seconds to play.
There was one more bit of drama in the game. From the kick off the Griffith 10, relying upon the scoreboard showing that the game was over, carried the ball back into the 22 and kicked it into touch. The referee did not agree and the Steamers got a line out after full time in a good attacking position.
Five points behind so now was the time out for the lineout to deliver so the Steamers could unleash their lethal backline. The lineout delivered a Griffith ball and again it sailed into touch. Now it was fulltime.
Final score Griffith 18 – Steamers 13.
There were some positives for the Steamers in the loss. Their defence was organised and relentless especially when the locals pressed hard late in the game. Ryan O’Sullivan had a strong game playing in the pivot role for the first time for a good while. He was the best player on the field and an inspirational leader. However he did persist with going to the sideline from penalties when the lineout was not able to dominate. A change of tactics needed here.
Hopefully the Steamers can stiffen up their scrum and add variety to their lineout before they meet the better sides. It would be a pity to see this dynamic back division starved of opportunity.
An away loss at this stage of the season is not a catastrophe. If they learn and make the necessary adjustments to play to their strengths there is no reason why this team shouldn’t be there on Grand Final Day.
When the game got underway the visitors went straight into their work and had by far had the best of the early exchanges. In the 4tth minute a clever kick through from Ryan O’Sullivan caught out the Griffith defence but the ball was knocked on in the in goal and Griffith got an early reprieve.
A minute later the Steamers were again over the Griffith line and again disallowed. No cigar. Nine minutes in Albury got an opportunity due to a Griffith infringement within kicking distance. Moses struck it well but it hit the upright and rebounded into the field of play. Griffith had some anxious moments but the Steamers could not post points from their early territorial dominance.
When Griffith finally got going they managed to advance up the field on the back consecutive penalties and in the 25th minute they outflanked the usually reliable Steamers defence and scrambled over in the corner.
Griffith 5 – Steamers 0.
A couple of minutes later the Steamers got a penalty in front of the Griffith’s posts but again the kick went wide.
When Griffith kicked the ball back into play from their 22 the Steamers made a bit of a mess of fielding it but after a couple of fumbling attempts to pick up the rolling ball it landed in the hands of the Steamers 15 Mosese Baleidrokandroka (Moses) and the Griffith defence charging forward were caught flat footed by the flying Albury 15 who found his way to the tryline for a great solo try.
Again the Steamers failed to add the extras and the scores were locked.
Steamer 5 –Griffith 5.
At the 40th minute mark the Steamers were again on the attack but Griffith again working off consecutive Steamers indiscretions worked their way upfield and when the Steamers should have been having their oranges a long range penalty goal put Griffith in front.
Half time Griffith 8 Steamers 5.
The first half was really a tale of missed opportunities. With half an once of luck and a whole once of better concentration the Steamers could have been 20 points up at that juncture. They had had the best of both possession and territory and were winning everywhere but where it mattered. On the scoreboard.
There were however some ominous signs. The Steamers could not win a lineout and their scrum was just hanging on. Usually when this happens the team that has control of the set pieces will eventually get on top. The Steamers were hoping their better fitness and more mobile pack would pay dividends as the bigger Griffith forwards tired. A good strategy except Griffith were able to run on fresh players who were even bigger than those they replaced and it was the Blacks that were coming home stronger.
In the 48 minute Griffith kicked out of defence and Ryan O’Sullivan collected the kick in touch and took a quick throw halfway across the field to Moses who again made inroads into the scrambling defence . He got to within 10 metres of the line and when finally tackled flicked the ball up to the Albury 8 (Aiden Woodford-Smith) who was bought down by the last of the Blacks cover defence. As he fell he off loaded to….Ryan O’Sullivan who had followed from his original throw in 40 metres down field for a fine try. Again the Steamers failed to convert but at least they were back in front.
Steamers 10 –Griffith 8.
At the 52nd minute mark Captain Courageous (Ryan O’Sullivan) is again in the thick of it and he steals the ball from a loose Griffith carry. He then punts it downfield and it hits the Griffith crossbar and bounces back into the field . In the ensuing scramble a Griffith player was offside and the Steamers get an unmissable penalty in front.
Steamers 13 Griffith 8.
With 12 minutes left on the clock Griffith get a penalty and decide to take the kick obviously pushing for a win rather than a draw and when the kick was successful they edged closer.
Steamers 13 - Griffith 11.
With just 2 points in it and 10 minutes to go it was always going to be a test of the Steamers courage and resilience. The Steamers were tiring and they did not have the luxury of quality fresh replacements. On the other hand the Griffith replacements were not only well rested but keen to push for a starting role.
The Steamers spent a good 10 minutes defending their line from wave after wave of Griffith attacks until eventually the defensive effort was too much and a Griffith player crossed next to the posts. The try was converted and Griffith went to and 18 to 13 lead with 51 seconds to play.
There was one more bit of drama in the game. From the kick off the Griffith 10, relying upon the scoreboard showing that the game was over, carried the ball back into the 22 and kicked it into touch. The referee did not agree and the Steamers got a line out after full time in a good attacking position.
Five points behind so now was the time out for the lineout to deliver so the Steamers could unleash their lethal backline. The lineout delivered a Griffith ball and again it sailed into touch. Now it was fulltime.
Final score Griffith 18 – Steamers 13.
There were some positives for the Steamers in the loss. Their defence was organised and relentless especially when the locals pressed hard late in the game. Ryan O’Sullivan had a strong game playing in the pivot role for the first time for a good while. He was the best player on the field and an inspirational leader. However he did persist with going to the sideline from penalties when the lineout was not able to dominate. A change of tactics needed here.
Hopefully the Steamers can stiffen up their scrum and add variety to their lineout before they meet the better sides. It would be a pity to see this dynamic back division starved of opportunity.
An away loss at this stage of the season is not a catastrophe. If they learn and make the necessary adjustments to play to their strengths there is no reason why this team shouldn’t be there on Grand Final Day.
Steamers Start 2021 Home Season With Big Win
The father, the son but where is the holy ghost.........2 of Steamers coaching trinity
The rugby community on the Border were looking forward to the (almost) return to normal after the covid mangled 2020 season. The Steamers had a lot of new faces in their line-up wrangled by a new coaching group. There was an air of optimism and and expectation especially after the Steamers kicked off their 2021 season with a convincing clean sweep of wins against the CSU Reddies in the first round.
The Wagga Ag College side had promised much with out delivering in recent years and they were always an unknown unknow early in the season so the Steamers could not take the contest lightly despite their big first round win.
The stage was set with the score 1-1 after the Reserves lost but the Steamers women won handsomely and there was a good crowd on hand by the time the First Grade sides took the field.
The Steamers got to work early and inside 2 minutes their captain Ryan O'Sullivan swooped on an Aggies ruck ball and the Steamers swung the ball to both sidelines leaving Aggies wide defense in trouble and Zac Tipene crossed wideout in the left hand corner. No conversion but a hand 5-0 lead.
In the exchanges that followed the Aggies forwards were showing plenty of endeavour and it looked like they may get on top of their opponents. On the back of some strong showing from their forwards the Aggeis drew a penalty in the 13th minute but the kick drifted to outside the tall sticks and the Steamers kept their 5 point margin.
A few minutes late the Steamers bombed a try but it was a momentary relief for the Ag College side. Working off a couple of strong surges from Liam Krautz the Steamers winger Sailasa Vakarau crossed for a try which was duly converted.
Steamers 12 Aggies 0.
From the ensuing kick off Krautz and Aiden Woodford-Smith were again prominent and less than a minute later the Steamers were in again curtesy of Zac Tipene.
Steamers 19 Aggies 0.
The Steamers were relentlessly pushing the ball wide and their rocket fueled back 3 were proving too much for the Aggies Defence. By the main break the Steamers backs had saluted 3 more times and as the went the break the scoreboard read Steamers 38 Aggies 0.
The Wagga Ag College side had promised much with out delivering in recent years and they were always an unknown unknow early in the season so the Steamers could not take the contest lightly despite their big first round win.
The stage was set with the score 1-1 after the Reserves lost but the Steamers women won handsomely and there was a good crowd on hand by the time the First Grade sides took the field.
The Steamers got to work early and inside 2 minutes their captain Ryan O'Sullivan swooped on an Aggies ruck ball and the Steamers swung the ball to both sidelines leaving Aggies wide defense in trouble and Zac Tipene crossed wideout in the left hand corner. No conversion but a hand 5-0 lead.
In the exchanges that followed the Aggies forwards were showing plenty of endeavour and it looked like they may get on top of their opponents. On the back of some strong showing from their forwards the Aggeis drew a penalty in the 13th minute but the kick drifted to outside the tall sticks and the Steamers kept their 5 point margin.
A few minutes late the Steamers bombed a try but it was a momentary relief for the Ag College side. Working off a couple of strong surges from Liam Krautz the Steamers winger Sailasa Vakarau crossed for a try which was duly converted.
Steamers 12 Aggies 0.
From the ensuing kick off Krautz and Aiden Woodford-Smith were again prominent and less than a minute later the Steamers were in again curtesy of Zac Tipene.
Steamers 19 Aggies 0.
The Steamers were relentlessly pushing the ball wide and their rocket fueled back 3 were proving too much for the Aggies Defence. By the main break the Steamers backs had saluted 3 more times and as the went the break the scoreboard read Steamers 38 Aggies 0.
Last week the Steamers slowed in the Second stanza but they were detirmined not repeat the mistake. The hald was less than 2 minutes old when a patient committed drive led to the hardworking loosehead crossing for another try and the score a handy 45-0.
There was some further drama to come. in the 52 minute the captain Ryan O'Sullivan got a yellow for repeated infringements. Mmmmm not sure about this one but I'll see the video before committing any comment to print. Suffice to say it was a technical infringement, neither dangerous nor cynical and well outside the red zone. Anyway no sooner was Ryan returning than Silasa Vakarau was also taking an early break. Anyway being a player down for 20 minutes did little to halt the Steamers juggernaut as it rolled on with 3 more tries before Aggies finally got on the board.
Final score Steamers 64 Aggies 5.
Head Coach James (House) Kora certainly seems to have the game plan to play to his strengths. The rocket fueled back division of Mosese Baleidrokandroka, Sailasa Vakarau and Zan Yipene certainly made life difficult for Aggies and if they stay fit some of the other teams in the competition may also have trouble containing this dynamic trio. Great outside backs cannot function unless they get some go forward from their forward pack and good quality possession from set pieces. In addition the forward pod working in the wider channel often meant that Aggies backs were caught up in defending this challenge and subsequently there were opportunities for the outside backs when the ball was released to them. Good to see a well thought out game plan being executed by players on the field.
The Steamers scrum was a bit shaky at times although it came to life late in the game when the replacements arrived and the Aggies tried. The lineout delivered but I'd like to see much more variety. Waratahs and the other better sides will soon work it out unless there are several option and it is mixed up a bit.
Forwards worked hard with Liam Krautz, Aiden Woodford -Smith and Captain Ryan O'Sullivan prominent. Krautz took a lot of ball up first off which I am not sure is a great use of his talents but never the less he extracts and lot effort from the opposition every time he touches the ball in attack.
Next week the First XV have a bye as the Seconds travel to Hay. The it is off to Griffith for what should be a tough encounter.
Stayed tuned Blindsidecounter is back and hopefully will be reporting on most games.
There was some further drama to come. in the 52 minute the captain Ryan O'Sullivan got a yellow for repeated infringements. Mmmmm not sure about this one but I'll see the video before committing any comment to print. Suffice to say it was a technical infringement, neither dangerous nor cynical and well outside the red zone. Anyway no sooner was Ryan returning than Silasa Vakarau was also taking an early break. Anyway being a player down for 20 minutes did little to halt the Steamers juggernaut as it rolled on with 3 more tries before Aggies finally got on the board.
Final score Steamers 64 Aggies 5.
Head Coach James (House) Kora certainly seems to have the game plan to play to his strengths. The rocket fueled back division of Mosese Baleidrokandroka, Sailasa Vakarau and Zan Yipene certainly made life difficult for Aggies and if they stay fit some of the other teams in the competition may also have trouble containing this dynamic trio. Great outside backs cannot function unless they get some go forward from their forward pack and good quality possession from set pieces. In addition the forward pod working in the wider channel often meant that Aggies backs were caught up in defending this challenge and subsequently there were opportunities for the outside backs when the ball was released to them. Good to see a well thought out game plan being executed by players on the field.
The Steamers scrum was a bit shaky at times although it came to life late in the game when the replacements arrived and the Aggies tried. The lineout delivered but I'd like to see much more variety. Waratahs and the other better sides will soon work it out unless there are several option and it is mixed up a bit.
Forwards worked hard with Liam Krautz, Aiden Woodford -Smith and Captain Ryan O'Sullivan prominent. Krautz took a lot of ball up first off which I am not sure is a great use of his talents but never the less he extracts and lot effort from the opposition every time he touches the ball in attack.
Next week the First XV have a bye as the Seconds travel to Hay. The it is off to Griffith for what should be a tough encounter.
Stayed tuned Blindsidecounter is back and hopefully will be reporting on most games.