Round 13
1st XV v Marist College
Date: 23 August 2008
Venue: CGS Main
Result: Marist 13-11
Tryscorers: Rolfe try Walsh 2 pen goals

The 3rd XV went down gallantly to Marist 15-17 in their semi-final and produced a defensive effort that they could be proud as they repelled the Marist forward drives at post, x and y. The Firsts were hopeful to even the ledger in their clash with Marist, and started brightly to gain territory and hold strong field position in the opening six minutes. As in previous weeks, however, they were unable to turn this advantage into anything concrete on the scoreboard. Jackson Smith went close on right touch after a useful break by captain Ollie L'Estrange, and then minutes later it was Smith again this time on left touch after a burst by David Bennett.

Marist replied with one counter attack of quality that nearly proved costly after Grammar had failed to find touch with a kick inside its 22. Then in the 16th minute a crucial tackle was missed in midfield by the open side flanker at the time and Marist threw four splendid passes to score on left touch. 0-5.

Grammar then had a chance to drive a maul from a lineout close to the Marist line and for the second time in the match Marist took advantage of the ELVs and pulled the maul down. The only difficulty with this was the fact that the ELVs were not being used in this match, but it wasn't the last time in the match that this would happen.

The first half concluded with Marist having two shots at penalty goal after some untidy Grammar play that saw a player dive over the ball in desperate defence, and then another carelessly slapping the ball over the touchline. Fortunately both kicks missed.

Tom Gilmore took his place at flyhalf in the second half, given just half a game because of an ankle injury. Grammar commenced the second stanza with greater intent and some rugged and aggressive defence forced Marist into errors. Grammar capitalised with a penalty to David Walsh. 3-5. A couple of dropped passes snuffed out promising Grammar attacks, but Walsh kicked a second penalty in the 16th minute to give the home team the lead for the first time. 6-5.

Marist then mounted a series of spirited raids close to the Grammar line on the Marist right side only to be met by equally spirited defence. The crucial turning point was an apparent Marist knock-on close to the ruck that was not ruled upon, and two powerful carries later the try was awarded. Perhaps the referee was unsighted, and this can easily happen, but it was nevertheless a most frustrating moment. 6-10.

More drama was to follow after Grammar regained field position through some bustling play, finally driving the ball over the line. The referee seemed to signal a try, and then apparently changed his mind on the basis of a call from the touch judge. It appeared to matter little after a strong surge culminated in Zach Rolfe barging through to score after 27 minutes and Grammar regained the lead, although the try was not converted. 11-10.

The scriptwriter for this match had a couple more sinister turns in mind. First Grammar failed to clear a Marist kick that might have been barrelled down left touch. Instead the kick skewed towards the right and a Grammar player played at the ball in an offside position, giving Marist an easy shot at penalty. 11-13 and five minutes left.

The last minutes were charged with electricity, with both teams going at each other with the passion that makes schoolboy rugby something special. In the end Grammar were awarded a penalty after time had elapsed that would have given them the game had the kick been successful. It wasn't, and Marist advanced to a place in next week's final against St. Edmund's College who defeated Daramalan College 70-6 in the other semi-final.

It would be reasonable to conclude that it was Marist's powerful scrum that paved the way for their victory. They constantly had the Grammar eight back peddling and having to deal with untidy ball, while ensuring that their backs had a solid platform to work from all day. Grammar was best served by Zach Rolfe, who was unremitting in his efforts in both attack and defence, making countless tackles and forays with the ball. L'Estrange was strong in both departments, as was David Bennett. Tom Pilkinton's defence was typically uncompromising.

It was a disappointing conclusion to a season that promised better things, but that stopped and stuttered courtesy of three byes in the opening weeks. The team did not find the rhythm required to progress their game as strongly as had been hoped, but in the end a wonderful group of players served the school proudly. The parents, led by Jane and Michael L'Estrange, were unstinting in their support for the boys in terms of attending to their morale and in practical terms with the provision of afternoon teas and attending to duties at the much appreciated rugby van.

Special thanks too, to the Team Manager Andrew Shelley who saw to the needs of both the players and the coaching staff fastidiously. MiC Rugby, Darren Roylett, provided all the touches of administration for the whole program and supported the team generously. The boys also received some great coaching from Craig Leseberg, the Brumbies Development Officer.

Individual awards and the presentation of 1st XV jumpers will take place at the Opens rugby dinner that will follow the Rugby Presentation night on Tuesday September 9. The guest speaker on this occasion will be Old Boy, Wallabies and Brumbies player Guy Shepherdson.

Grammar 11 (Rolfe try Walsh 2 pen goals) were defeated by Marist 13 (2 tries, pen goal).

Round 12
1st XV v Daramalan College
Date: 16 August 2008
Venue: CGS Main
Result: Grammar 33-17
Tryscorers: Walsh 2, Smith, Ringland, Casella
Conversions: Walsh (4)

It wasn't exactly warm, but the sun was shining on Grammar Main, and it was quite beautiful compared to recent Saturday weather offerings.

The 2nds completed a resounding win over Trinity, finishing the season strongly, and ruing the opportunities they missed earlier in the year. The team could be proud of how they played in their last few matches.

The 1st XV took the field in the final round of the season prior to the finals series knowing that the result could not alter their destiny next week, but they were keen to consolidate their second spot on the ladder. The team began brightly, but little errors once again blotted their progress. Things such as a strong lineout drive close to the Daramalan line being halted, with the visitors tying up the ball to win the subsequent scrum put in. Shortly after the team conceded a tight head, then a penalty, followed by a counter attack that was spoilt by a weak kick. It was a little frustrating to watch. Eventually in the 11th minute after some sloppy lead up, Jackson Smith made an emphatic run to the right corner at pace to score a slashing try. Fly half David Walsh converted from touch. 7-0.

A couple of bombed opportunities followed before hooker Robert Ringland ran a clever line off halfback Tom Pilkinton in a play the team has rehearsed over and over. Ringland got in behind the Dara defence in a burst any warthog would be proud of. His try was not converted. 12-0. Daramalan replied splendidly four minutes later with a try from a lineout following a penalty. The try was scored by a Daramalan student who appears in the Toyota Cup for the Raiders. Based on the brilliant fashion in which he scored it, he has a very bright future. It is a shame that this appears to be in Rugby League. At least he plays for the Raiders. 12-5.

Then followed a frustrating period of ten minutes in which the teams conceded eight penalties or free kicks, and the game slowed to brief bursts of energy that proved fruitless. One Grammar tap penalty might have brought reward had the support players been more alert, but at least the home crew gained field position. From an ensuing scrum Pilkinton applied enormous pressure on his opponent and plied the ball to an alert Walsh who scored and then converted. 19-5. Half time.

Daramalan displayed immediate resolve and capitalised on Grammar's failure to secure the kick off, and shortly after, throwing a forward pass following a quickly taken tap free. Then followed an untidy scrum, and from their own tap free Daramalan scored a converted try on the right side. 19-12. There were various chances for both sides in the following minutes. Daramalan played desperate and tough rugby as they sought parity. Grammar rushed at a tap penalty close to the Daramalan line and gave up a forward pass, and shortly after a Grammar try was denied after a moment of brilliance was interpreted to have involved a forward pass. Okay, but something was going to break soon.

Grammar continued to hammer the Daramalan line, with Pilkinton held up after a surge by captain Ollie L'Estrange, and then, in the 15 minute, Walsh delivered a sublime inside ball to flanker Nic Cassella who planted the ball for a major, converted by Walsh. 26-12. Five minutes later the Raiders man scored another breath-taking try, and Daramalan were back in the hunt at 26-17. However, the Grammar team tackled with greater certainty to counter their opponent's aggression, sought field position, and progressed back into attack.

The aggressive defence brought reward with Walsh scoring after shimmying his way forward impressively and converting his own try. Full-time and 33-17.

Grammar's best player was Robert Mardus, having his first game at openside flanker since his sojourn at Strathallan in Scotland. The positional change from the wing had been forced by injury to Tom Gilmore, and time will tell as to whether he plays there again. Others to perform well were Tom Miller, Cassella, Walsh, winger Sam Lawrence and Smith.

Next weekend Grammar will play a semi-final against Marist at home. It will be an interesting contest.

Round 11
1st XV vs St Edmund's
Date: 9 August 2008
Venue: St Edmund's
Result: St Edmund's 40-10
Tryscorers: Mardus, Walsh

The teams were greeted by bitterly cold conditions at St Edmund's on Saturday in the penultimate game of the competition rounds.

The contest on the ball and at the tackle was immediately up a notch on where it has been in recent weeks. The tenacity displayed by both teams at the breakdown was impressive with each ruck or maul becoming a mass of bodies, usually on the ground, and this was to be a pattern repeated throughout the match. It became apparent that Grammar was going to struggle to gain any fluidity because the phase ball was slowed down so expertly. The St Edmund's forward pack began to gain ascendancy through rolling mauls and counter rucking and this pressure started to bring mistakes in Grammar’s game. Against an opposition of such quality these mistakes are generally terminal. Still, for twenty minutes the contest was even, and Grammar managed the first try after a Jackson Smith incursion followed by a probing kick ahead that Robert Mardus chased and dotted expertly. 5-0. Depressingly, in the same movement playmaker Tom Gilmore aggravated the ankle injury that cost him a place in the ACT Schools team, forcing him to leave the field for the duration.

St Edmund's struck back immediately through their persistent go forward and ball movement to score on the left side. 5-7. They were immediately back onto attack, with their indefatigable full back attacking strongly, as he shredded some innocuous defence. Their second try resulted from great continuity, with players from all departments of the team running and passing effectively for the ultimate ensemble try, 5-14. Grammar then mounted sustained pressure, and showed some resolve in attacking the Eddies line. They had an opportunity to kick for penalty goal but opted to try to keep the pressure on. They failed to take a couple of realistic scoring chances, and eventually knocked the ball on metres from their opponent's line. From the ensuing scrum St Edmund's carried the ball the length of the field having used width to their left side. The defence lacked the necessary alertness on this occasion. Half-time and the damage was 5-21. The loss of Gilmore meant a disruption to plans, with outside centre, David Walsh, switching to 10 and open side flanker, David Bennett having to play at outside centre. There was a lack of assertiveness, and this, combined with some dreadful defence gave St Edmund's the opportunity to display their full array of attacking potency. Unfortunately a number of players went missing in the defensive line at this time, and St Edmund's scored tries in the 8th, 19th and 20th minutes of the second half. 5-40.

The team did not totally capitulate, but they did find the pressure difficult to contain in this period of the game. Zach Rolfe made a wonderful run to set up a seemingly certain try but finalised his effort by passing to an opponent, and this symbolised the difference between the two teams. David Walsh, the interceptor, grabbed one in the final minutes to register Grammar's second try, with the final result 10-40.

For the visitors, David Walsh was the one shining light in defence, Robert Mardus ran strongly and bravely with the ball and Jackson Smith countered productively and entered the line with impact. Tom Pilkinton was his normal feisty self. For the most part, though, it was a disappointing effort, considering the importance of the game, and the challenge that it presented. Nevertheless, full credit to St Edmund's who were both clinical and exciting in the expression of their game. The final game of the competition rounds will involve Grammar playing Daramalan at home this week.

Round 10
1st XV vs Daramalan
Date: 2 August 2008
Venue: CGS Main
Result: Grammar 27-5
Tryscorers: L'Estrange, Bennett, Rolfe, Walsh
Conversions: Gilmore (2)
Penalties: Gilmore (1)

Grammar Main is a splendid venue on a cold winter's day with sunshine, wind and a ground softened by recent rain greeting the teams as they arrived for the fray.

The 2nd XV had a gutsy 13-10 result over Wests, while the 1st XV's opponent was Daramalan College. Grammar played for an early advantage with some slick work in the backs, and after just four minutes captain Ollie LEstrange made a neat break and managed to Tahu the ball to centre partner David Walsh who plunged over nearby the posts. Tom Gilmore added the extras. 7-0.

The Grammar scrum was under pressure and Daramalan forced two mistakes as they surged powerfully, but the resulting possession didn't lead to much as the defence was stern in midfield. Grammar was constructive in its running game, but pushed passes thwarted a number of promising raids. A L'Estrange break should have resulted in a try but the ball was spilled, bringing a loud groan from the crowd who expected better.

In the 21st minute Gilmore kicked a penalty goal (10-0) but this was followed by some turnover ball, which prevented further progress. Jackson Smith made one powerful burst and smacked the ball downfield into space, forcing Daramalan to scramble the ball into touch. From the ensuing lineout, Nicolas Cassella won a strong ball at two and the ball was fed neatly into the backline where L'Estrange again tested the defence, bouncing his way off players like a pin ball to score a splendid try. 15-0. Now it was Dara’s turn to attack and on the back of four straight penalties they put the Grammar D under intense scrutiny with three minutes of bruising attack. The home side held up and half time arrived to save the day.

Daramalan came out in the second half intent on playing a pick and drive, latch and drive game that was efficient and required some close defence at post, x, y to prevent its success. The defence of players such as Cassella, Zach Rolfe, Tom Pilkinton and David Bennett came to the fore. In amongst all of the Rolfe scored a try from a ball that squirted his way from a lineout with one of his characteristically frenetic bursts. Daramalan replied shortly afterwards on the back of successive penalties, scoring a try after two relatively straight forward first up tackles were missed by a couple of players who normally eat opponents in similar situations. This was disappointing. 22-5.

The game meandered a little following this, with both teams showing the odd spark. Tom Pilkinton dashed 50 metres down the short side in a moment of brilliance cut short by a lack of support and Daramalan displayed a strong sense of purpose in trying desperately to get back into the match with some direct running that pierced the defence on two occasions. The scrambling Grammar defence snuffed out these efforts, and the game finished with David Bennett blasting to the line following a Rolfe scamper. 27-5.

Robert Ringland made his debut for the Firsts at tight head prop, despite being the 2nd XV hooker. Initially he was scrummaging against an opponent who was probably 20 kilograms heavier and never gave it a second thought. He displayed courage around the field and did himself proud. Michael Langridge, playing in only his second run on game, ran powerfully three or four times and Sam Lawrence, having his first run on game as No. 11, was tough and clinical in what he had to do. Tom Miller had his best game of the season, demonstrating authority with the ball and an eagerness to offload when he could (and sometimes when he couldn't). His second row partner, James Miller was also resourceful and worked the hard yards effectively, if not a little too upright. The old stagers in the backline, Tom Gilmore and Ollie L'Estrange, used their experience resourcefully against a rush defence that attempted to close them down. Gilmore had his best game for some time continually probing for space, and L'Estrange continued his powerful form of last week. The backrow are beginning to work in concert, and Zach Rolfe was uncompromising across the park in both attack and defence. David Bennett gets a lot done without fanfare and fuss, as does Nic Cassella.

The referee was fastidious in his interpretation of the offside and tackle contest laws and there were 33 penalties in the game (20 to Daramalan, 13 to Grammar). A penalty every two minutes is not a happy statistic to encourage a free-flowing game, perhaps the players from both teams (and Grammar especially) should take a close look at their adherence to the laws. That is at least one take on this situation.

Next week Grammar plays St. Edmund's College at SEC.

Both teams made errors in the opening minutes of the second stanza largely because the defences on both sides were unwilling to concede territory. Finally Grammar began a more patient build up, and after sustained pressure, Ollie L'Estrange scored his second try in not dissimilar fashion to the first. Gilmore was again successful. 26-5. The Grammar defence was stern and Tuggeranong made a number of mistakes as a result. On one occasion full back Jackson Smith made a dynamic break down left touch, kicked ahead and chased hard. Tuggeranong tried to clear and the ball went to an unidentified player who only had to catch it and place it over the line. He dropped it. Eek. Tuggeranong threw everything at Grammar mid way through the second half but were denied by sound defence. They moved the ball to left touch after 18 minutes and did so skilfully to create an overlap, but their efforts were thwarted when outside centre David Walsh grabbed an intercept and covered forty metres to score an exciting try. Tom Gilmore completed the minor points and Grammar led 33-5.

The last session of the game was difficult with frustrations erupting, but the Grammar defence held strong amidst some strong charges by the Tuggeranong team. The match finished with a nasty incident resulting in a red card being issued to a Tuggeranong player. Grammar's win was satisfactory and will help the team prepare for the final three rounds of the competition.

There are many details to see to, and players and coaching staff have much to think about prior to the next game at home against Daramalan.

With Daramalan busy building a new functions facility at Dickson, the rugby games played last Saturday were switched to Downer Oval, located in one of Canberra's many splendid suburbs. Grammar found it difficult to get in to the game early on with seven of the first eight penalties of the match running Daramalan's way, giving them field advantage and allowing them to take three successful pots at penalty goal.

It was 0-9 after 15 minutes. Another penalty put Grammar under pressure from a lineout some twenty metres out which Daramalan drove upfield and towards the touchline. Grammar's post defence went to sleep on the shortside and an alert Dara player snuck through for a try which was converted from near touch. Things looked pretty gloomy after 20 minutes with Grammar trailing 0-16. That said, but for a dreadful error right on halftime, Grammar would have been ahead at the break.

Possession started to flow to the visitors, and they received some penalties to boot (so to speak). With this possession came some continuity and exciting offloads. Grammar scored their first try through a powerful forward insurgency with a driving maul, followed by some short pass exchanges and finished by Robert Mardus. Five minutes later the backs turned it on and the forwards supported for a great ensemble try dotted by Tom Miller, and two minutes further on a quick tap was taken from a penalty and some assertive running gave Robert Mardus another chance which he took powerfully.

Now it was 17-16. Unfortunately the ensuing kick off was dropped and spilt backwards and Daramalan capitalised to score what was a very soft try. Half-time 17-21. Grammar regained the lead after five minutes of the second half following a lineout win that saw David Bennett surge powerfully after linking with the backs to score near the posts, and with Tom Gilmore's conversion the score was 24-21. Eight minutes later Gilmore landed another penalty, and shortly after Mardus was denied a hat-trick following some great lead up, after a contentious call from a touch judge. From the ensuing play Daramalan were penalised and a player sin-binned for slowing the ball down, with Gilmore adding the extras for a 30-21 lead.

Grammar had a number of opportunities to put the game away but some poor passes when opportunity beckoned ruined these chances. Penalties flowed back to Daramalan as Grammar used hands in rucks on three successive occasions, allowing the home team to mount a final charge. With eleven minutes remaining Daramalan scored a smart try on the left wing which was converted from touch and it was game on at 30-28.

Both defences held firm for ten minutes, but disaster loomed for Grammar when, in the final minute, a player made a huge blunder in knocking the ball in to touch with his hand only twenty five metres from the line. Penalty. A shot at goal to win the match, reminiscent of last year's semi-final. Grammar's players and supporters waited with anxiety, but the kick was unsuccessful and the match was over. It was not the greatest of victories, but it was a splendid game of rugby, willing and generally positive.

Round 5
1st XV vs St Edmunds College
Date: 31 May 2008
Venue: CGS Main
Result: St Edmunds 30-21
Tryscorers: Mardus, L'Estrange Conversions: Gilmore (2)Penalties: Gilmore (2)
Season Record: 2-1-0

A stunning winter's day provided warmth for the 2nd XV as they celebrated their first win of the season against Daramalan with Andrew Hermes leading his side strongly.

The 1sts had a tough assignment against an undefeated St Edmunds team that finished a creditable fourth in the very tough Schoolboys Invitational tournament in Japan during the recent vacation. It was immediately apparent that Grammar would have its hands full in trying to shut down the Eddies precision passing and pace, but there was some early success as the Grammar defenders met the direct running lines with some strong midfield defence.

An early penalty goal by Tom Gilmore had the home side ahead 3-0 after a late tackle on the man who kicked the goal. Grammar made some ground around the edges of the ruck/maul and from one such break by Andrew Kourpanidis a panic pass resulted in a furious counter attack from the loose ball, and in a flash St Edmunds had scored the first try of the match to lead 5-3. They looked dangerous on a number of occasions, partly because the plan to kick to touch and not allow their speedy back three to counter, was not carefully implemented. Kicks did not find touch on five occasions in the first half and the result was predictable, although some desperate scrambling defence prevented further tries. Right on half time Gilmore kicked his second penalty to give the home side an unlikely 6-5 advantage.

Unfortunately the malaise of not finding touch was repeated in the tenth minute of the second half, compounded by four missed first up tackles involving St Edmunds' exciting and elusive (apparently!) full back. With the successful conversion the visitors regained the lead to be ahead 12-6, and then followed what amounted to the games turning point. St Edmunds took the ball deep in to Grammar's left side defence, before knocking the ball on, an incident witnessed by everybody at the ground except the one who mattered the most. St Edmunds continued on, a try was awarded, and was converted for a 19-6 lead. Such is rugby, yet this situation flattened Grammar for a time and St Edmunds soon had another try from a lineout as they spread the ball from one touchline to the other in a passage of play that rugby lovers enjoy no matter who is responsible. Suddenly it was 24-6. Grammar rallied and exerted some sustained pressure as they fought to find holes in the Eddies defence. Wave after wave of was repelled by the men in white until quick hands to the right wing found Robert Mardus in space and his finish was quick and clean. Gilmore converted and the deficit was back to 11 points. Eddies quickly replied after some ordinary Grammar defensive reads amongst the backs. 13-31. To their credit the Grammar team rallied strongly and after some excellent continuity from backs and forwards, captain Ollie L'Estrange forced his way over. With Gilmore's conversion the final score was 20-31, a victory well earned and deserved by St Edmunds.

For Grammar loose head prop Robert Gibson had a sterling game, running and tackling with gusto that will surely see him sacked from the front rowers' club. He was well supported by hooker/halfback Tom Pilkinton who was very tough in defence, and robust with the ball. Robert Mardus and Tom Moulds made successful returns after lengthy absences and Tom Gilmore fought bravely despite illness. Andrew Kourpanidis was resourceful, as were Tom and James Miller, and David Bennett worked hard at the breakdown. In the end it was Grammar's inability to handle the slick passing and speed of their opponents that was the difference between the two teams.

Next week no ACTJRU matches will be played owing to the long weekend.

The maximum temperature reached 12 degrees at some stage last Saturday, but it wasn't during the 1st XV's game against Marist when global warming went on a temporary hold. In these bitter conditions, with occasional spots of rain, the two teams began a contest that was tense from the outset. Marist fielded a large pack, and attempted to unsettle the Grammar scrum with some degree of success initially.

Certainly they were successful in slowing the home team's phase ball as Grammar struggled to build structure and momentum, but in doing so they also conceded penalties. Tom Gilmore potted the two kicks he received, so after 25 minutes Grammar led 6-0. A couple of try scoring opportunities were squandered with loose passing that will hopefully be eradicated through hard work in the weeks ahead. Grammar built pressure but Marist defended stoutly and the home team leaked a number of penalties that further disrupted its progress. The team also defended resolutely, with great midfield tackles shutting down some promising Marist raids. At half time the score remained 6-0.

The second half was a slightly better spectacle; both teams sought to spread the ball at times in difficult conditions. When Marist ventured deep in to Grammar territory they were repeatedly turned around by raking kicks from flyhalf Tom Gilmore, with one effort netting some sixty metres. On the back of this strong continuity, individuals began probing Marist's defence, with Ollie L'Estrange looking dangerous every time he handled and David Walsh looking particularly menacing. After a powerful build up, Andrew Kourpanidis took the ball from a ruck base, feinted left and then drove powerfully over the goal line for the team's first try. The conversion was unsuccessful. 11-0. Two minutes later Marist kicked high in to midfield, regathered and after a struggle for the ball sent it on its way wide to the left. David Walsh sensed an opportunity in defence and as he rushed forward he gained an intercept and raced 60 metres to score near the posts. Gilmore was successful with the conversion for an 18-0 lead. Walsh repeated the dose shortly after, crossing the try line again, only to be ruled offside on the advice of a touch judge.

The final score of 18-0 was probably a fair reflection of the game with Grammar maintaining a clean defensive record through commitment to the job. Robert Gibson had a fine game at loose head prop and Tom Pilkinton was resourceful in his new role. The best on ground was the skipper Ollie L'Estrange who attacked and defended with great resourcefulness. Tom Miller made strong bursts and David Bennett was as busy as ever. Nic Holt had to be replaced midway through the second half with a niggling shoulder injury, but did well up to this time. His replacement, John Kennedy, scrummaged really well.

The team moves to the next phase with much work to do, but with some momentum after last week's frustrating bye. The boys were well supported by a wonderful community of students, staff and parents, and this is always appreciated.

Next week Grammar has the bye.

Pre-Season: Open Rugby v All Saints
Date: 5 April 2008
Venue: Grammar Main

On a beautiful autumn day, with the School Fete as an impressive backdrop, the Opens Rugby Squad hosted All Saints from Bathurst. The Main Oval was in superb condition, conducive to fast, carefree rugby. Four 20 minutes quarters were planned under the refereeing of the energetic Mr Sam Whitall.

The Grammar 2nd XV contenders played the first two quarters, with many players eager to impress Mr Aaran Booth, the 2nd XV Coach and Opens Squad conditioner. The first two quarters were highly competitive with some willing defence on both sides holding the score line to a minimum. Saints scored one well-worked try, and played stoutly to test the Grammar defence, which held firm for the most part. For the home side Tom Walmsley had a fine game with a couple of barnstorming runs and some fine defence. John Obermeier was resourceful on the wing, Oliver Drummond was strong from the back and Andrew Hermes varied his options. Zach Rolfe, playing in the backrow, was prominent in both attack and defence.

The third and fourth quarters saw the introduction of the 1st XV squad. There was an immediate change in tempo and intensity, as one might expect. To be fair, Grammar used a squad of about 45 players for the four quarters, while All Saints fielded some 30 participants, so the visitors would tire as proceedings unfolded. Early on there was some hesitation in the Saints defence and the Grammar back line unleashed a series of wide balls that brought reward. Robert Mardus signalled his strength and speed with two fine tries, while Tom Gilmore and Ollie L'Estrange continually engineered opportunities for those around them. Jon Cvetanoski made use of space to score a brilliant try down the left wing to cover 50 metres relatively effortlessly despite limited space. In the forwards, David Bennett at open side flanker led the forward forays at speed and was consistently supported by blind side Nick Cassella. The scrum was imposing, with Nic Holt having his first run at tight head, looking powerful, while loose head Robert Gibson continued to show development. In the middle of the scrum Andrew Kourpanidis schemed and took tight heads on the back of some strong drive forward.

The Grammar plan to impose some continuity on the match was successful to some extent, with some tries involving several sets of hands. Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the trial was the statement made by some of the new members of the squad. Players such as Jackson Smith (fullback), David Walsh (outside centre), Cassella, Gibson, Matt Dwyer (lock), Will Smith (tight head prop) and Oliver Drummond (wing) all indicated an ability to play at this level. This makes for some depth in the squad. The experienced players were on song, with Tom and James Miller, and Tom Pilkinton having powerful matches. Now to Canada, and with some of the 1st XV players unavailable, a wonderful opportunity exists for the boys on tour to learn more about the game and of themselves, and to make a statement about their rugby.