Unquenchables v Maroondah

Venue: Melbourne University
Weather: showery
Pitch: good
Score: LOST 24 - 5
Referee: CHRIS PETTERILL
Captain: PHIL HAND
Man of the Match: CHRIS VAN DER MEOWE

A good day for Rugby, cool weather, and a soft pitch. After last week when we had 18 it was a disappointment to only field13 but with a few players from University helping out we had a full team.

The game started off well with Boxhill applying pressure from the kick-off. The forwards took the ball up and then released it to the backs who ran the ball with crisp passing out to the wings. Maroondah fought back just as hard and with hard running were the first to score. 5 -0.

Boxhill again attacked and when Pete Collins was crunched in a tackle the attack ceased. Pete was helped from the field with a neck injury and took no further part in the game. Injuries have hit us hard this season with Clive (Ribs), Francois (bruised ribs) Andrews (broken finger nail again) and other players not available. The forwards led by Captain Phil pushed towards the line backing up the backs to come within metres of the try line only to be repulsed by the Maroondah defence. The return of Chris Goycoolea was a welcome addition to the team. The Maroondah backs managed to score again before half time and the score remained at 10 – 0 at the half time whistle.

In the second half Boxhill were able to run the ball and a loose ruck saw the forwards deliver the ball to the backline where Quinton Ritchie scored. We failed to kick the conversion, 10 - 5. Injuries again robbed us of chances with Carl Ramage suffering a neck injury. Drizzling rain slowed the game and the wet ball made handling difficult. Maroondah scored twice in the second half and converted both tries. The final score was 24 – 5.

Hopefully with the break next week our injuries may have healed and we can field a full team again.