2017 Champ B2 Round 11 vs Bunbury RUFC

Southern Lions travelled to take on Bunbury RUFC looking for revenge for their loss early in the season. Unfortunately for the Lions, the game followed a similar pattern and an agonising result kept the team awake well into the night!

Southern Lions Player Coach Ashley Peel provided the following summary of the game -

"17 June 2017

Round 11

Southern Lions B2 V Bunbury

With a lot of excitement and anticipation, we made the trip down to Bunbury. Although we had limited reserves we remained positive looking for the win.

We started the game really strong scoring points with a penalty (Reuben Keepa) and following it up with a try (Dave Carosin / converted Reuben Keepa). Things were looking good for us 20 minutes in with Bunbury yet to score. However we lost focus and allowed Bunbury 3 quick and easy tries. This took the scores to 10 v 19 in Bunbury’s favour.

With only 5 minutes remaining in the first half our half back Dean Griesel scored a try off a set piece with a solid scrum from our forwards, bringing the scores to 15 v 19 at half time.

Going in to the second half Bunbury made it difficult for us to get our hands on the ball. Although we were strong in defence, Bunbury managed to sneak in a try 15 minutes in.

With time running out we showed a lot of passion to fight our way back into the game with some good pod work from the forwards and excellent running in the back line. We managed to score another try (Reuben Keepa / converted Ray Nell) 25 minutes in, taking the scores to 22 v 24 still in Bunbury favour.

With the never say die attitude we pushed hard attacking Bunbury’s defensive line and kept play in Bunbury’s half. With only minutes remaining on the clock Bunbury gave away a penalty and we sniffed victory momentarily. Unfortunately the penalty kick was unsuccessful, drifting wide on the wind. Although we never gave up attacking we were unable to break Bunbury’s defence.

Final score Lions 22 v Bunbury 24.

We would like to thank Bunbury for their hospitality and Mike Penhaligon for driving the bus for us, it was greatly appreciated.

Going forward will need to work on lifting our intensity and remaining focused on our game plan."

Team

1. Loose head prop Carosin, David R
2. Hooker Brockway, Vernon
3. Tight head prop Charlwood, Stephen
4. Left lock Papagna, Bradley
5. Right lock Finlay, Timothy
6. Left flanker Rankin, Ken
7. Right flanker Still, Patrick E
8. Number eight Hunt, Andrew G
9. Scrum half Griesel, Dean
10. Fly half Carmichael, Mark S (c)
11. Left wing Kishore, Kunnal
12. Left centre Keepa, Reuben
13. Right centre Hale, Craig
14. Right wing Hutton, Daniel R
15. Full back Nell, Raymond A
16. Reserve Napier, Luke A
17. Reserve Peel, Ashley G
18. Reserve Napier, Kane
19. Reserve Clark, Sarron

Scorers

Tries
Carosin, David R x 1;
Griesel, Dean x 1;
Keepa, Reuben x 1

Conversions
Keepa, Reuben x 1;
Nell, Raymond A x 1

Penalties
Keepa, Reuben x 1