Away v Forest – Match Reports

1st Grade
Brothers 29 – 12 Forest

3 Vinny Byrne
1 Michael Black

Coach points
3 Simon Kearney
2 Greg Wade
1 Joel Brooks

The clash between two of the stronger clubs in the Barraclough could not have started worse for the Brothers. Loosing Joey to a calf strain (we hope that’s all) was not a great start and put the pack in particular on the back foot. The Forest team turned up to play and through their strong forwards put it to the Brothers in no uncertain terms.

Two early penalties to Forest gave them further momentum which then saw Forest try to stretch the defence both through the middle and out wide. The backs defence really came to the fore to stem anything that Forest could throw at them.

Brothers settled and started to produce some better phases which culminated with Waddie busting through about three defenders to score wide out. Blackie’s kick shaved the post (on the wrong side) so down 5-6. Another penalty to Forest replied shortly after with another unconverted try to make it 10-9 at oranges with the Brothers in a real contest.

A spirited half time “discussion” from Tom, Marty and Vinnie got the boys back on the job in the second half. An early second half try from Joel (how did that happen….) seemed to take the pattern if not the spirit out of Forest’s play. Although still hard at the task Forest started to make a lot of handling errors which presented Brothers with plenty of opportunity to capitalise on. Another great try to Waddie off a Vinnie grubber which this scribe questioned immediately; “what the f…k was that about….”, with Waddie providing the necessary response. I will stick to filling water bottles in the future!

The forwards (with 6 regulars unavailable) started to put it to Forest leading to Vinnie finishing off in the corner. The scoring was rounded out by a great try to Benny Borg after he and Joel exchanged passes down the left.

All up a gutsey second half display. A special thanks to Tooks (who took it to Forest all day), John Gibbs who looked to enjoy the tight stuff, Scott James for putting in 60 minutes up front covering for Joey’s early departure, Pickle for yet another appearance in the top grade and the club captain Paul Gibbs for finishing off. Also a particular mention to all the backs for their great defensive effort.

This was a real test of the club’s depth which most probably had a lot to do with the 2’s going down in a tight one. A week off and then Kings at home. A couple of big tests in Oatley and Petersham yet to come.

Refs points to Vinnie 3 and Blackie 1. Coaches points to Si 3, Waddie 2 and Joel 1.

Colts
Brothers 15 – 10 Forest