1st Grade – Home v Old Ignatians

Brothers 36 – 26 Old Ignatians

Heading in the Right Direction

A 3.5 out of 5 performance – the score line of 36-26 didn’t quite reflect the domination, having scored 4 tries in 25 minutes but then allowing the Old Iggies back in the game.

The performance was an improvement from last week especially in the backs, led by the experienced Vinny Bryne, the backs had direction in both defence and attack we executed once with our pattern and got rewarded for it. His kicking game was resolute … the veteran clearly has more than a few seasons left in him, he’s still got it.

Joe Vuli’s stocks seems to be on the rise, he’s finding consistency in his running lines but also in defending his channel. Solo at outside centre is quite the talented player with a few words, he lets his rugby do the talking. The back three of Ryan, Jim and Manasa showed strength, pace and power. Our halfback Vili is a class act, his delivery was superb and combined well with Vinny, his defence around the ruck was solid.

Weaknesses, is our lapse of concentration and consistency especially in defence but I can’t be too critical given that 6 out of the 7 backs had played full games prior to running on in 1st , Vili played as an 8 in 3rd grade.

Strengths, everyone is contributing whether in defence or attack, been really impressed with the contribution of Jim and Manasa.

Forwards, good to see improvement especially in our support play, this led to Charles Kilby scoring a try. Again our tight five is looking like a solid unit with our back row continuing to compliment their effort. Personally I think we have a well balanced forward pack but the acid test will be against the much hyped Mosman side. To continue winning our forward pack will need to keep dominating up front.

Weaknesses, protecting our ball at the ruck , will need better body position/height to ensure we keep our possession. We can’t execute our patterns if we don’t win the ball on our rucks.