It all could have been different! The Datsuns started off the game like they meant business. There was a long period of attack where City couldn't get away from their own line! Hard tackles and constant pressure from Dylan, Finn and Kodi kept City pinned deep in their own terriotory. However, they used a well placed kick to get back a little territory, and despite great covering from Tyreese at the back, City managed to turn the ball back over and score a try against the run of play. Better use of the space available and the Datsuns could have been a couple of tries to the good, but were instead down. That jump started the arm wrestle that was the feature of the first half from that point on.
The Datsuns, led by the first of a two try effort from player of the day Jaimee, helped put some points on the board to back up the strong Datsuns ruck clean out. Josh put in some hard work, making sure he was ready to tidy up around the rucks on 'D', marking up well against the opposition ball runners. Sammy continued his good work being available in support, and carrying the ball hard when he got a the chance. With David continuing to be a powerhouse with another brace of tries, both teams headed into the sheds (alright, under the uprights in the in goal) at half time where they started the game, level, with the score at 20 points a piece.
At kickoffs, hard chasing and pressure can make a huge difference, and JR showed his blazing pace and determination again with a hard chase leading to pressure and a turnover at the kickoff. Lucky he's been sick all week or he may well have run so fast he'd open a worm hole and go back in time. Blake managed to turn around his tackling and put some big hits on the opposition. And the backs put some big runs in, led by hard running 2nd five Adam carving up the middle off good ball from his inside backs.
The hard work by the forwards at training on their lineout options paid big dividends, with Dean scooting away from an attacking position to pick up a great try. And last, but not least, John kept the Datsuns efforts honest in the face of some quick points against us, with his tireless, hard cleanouts at rucks, his strong tackling and some hard ball running.
But alas, all that hard work, right up to the final whistle, wasn't enough. Fortunately, we know where we can improve, and we're not too far away from doing so! Just some extra effort cleaning out, an extra pass here or there and the awareness to run hard in support, and we'll get to sing that victory song again soon!
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