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4th grade vs Arks match report

4th grade vs Arks match report

Chris Chapman19 May 2010 - 11:42
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Match report for Souths 4th grade vs Arks

Finally opportunity to get rid of those forfeit blues. Having not played the weekend before, two weeks of training had left Souths second string feeling fresh and determined to continue their solid start to the season. A few shuffles in the starting 15 saw David Ingo move into the 9 jersey and Dmitri Kavalashvili slot in at 6 after an early injury to Dawid Van Sittert.

Carmichael bossed his backline as the forwards bossed the Arks pack. Set piece and breakdown dominated it was only solid Arks defence that kept Souths from opening their account on numerous occasions in the 1st half. Direct running from Alan Coogan in his first game at 12 created many opportunities with just the last set of hands letting the side down. This was evident after the first real chance for Souths broke down only a metre short. A clever dart from Ingo down the blind side saw him gain 20 metres before excellent support should have meant Chris Chapman bundle his way over. Last ditch defence saw Kavalashvili do well with an awkward offload only for Chapman to knock on. Pressure continued to mount but Souths had to resort to the boot to get on the scoreboard. At 6-0 though, a rare Arks attack turned into a concerted effort on the Souths line. A number of infuriating offside infringements kept Souths pinned down and allowed an Arks lock to crash over. Converted, unbelievably Souths were down at the break. Choice words from the younger Chapman and Captain Carmichael realigned Souths attitude.

Renewed vigour and a couple of changes re-ignited the Lions endeavour. A tinker with the game plan upped the tempo and highlight a tendency by the home sides defence to spread far wide. Another fine attack from Carmichael and Coogan made massive inroads before the forwards took over with a couple of intelligent runs with Peter Jackson being the beneficiary. Easily converted by Carmichael, at 13-6 Souths wanted more. A number of injuries saw a flurry of changes for Souths, just as Arks used the interchange well to bring on some heavy artillery. The rest of the half belonged to Arks and further injuries to Souths in key positions saw the bench empty yet again. Arks pounded way but resolute defence from Souths across the board. With the end in sight, absolute dismay as Arks got the try they deserved. The conversion would have nudged them in front but from a difficult angle it was missed. A late line-out gather from Souths saw the win in the bag at some cost. Nige Kennedy was having a fine game at full back until a nasty ankle injury saw him a become a long term absentee, as well as other knocks to many of the squad. A continued winning run though for 4ths.

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