Round 4: 2nd XV vs Radford
Date: 24 May 2008
Venue: Radford
Result: Radford 13-10
Tryscorers: Hermes, Turbayne Conversions: 0/2 Penalties: 0
Season Record:

The 2nds played Radford at Radford last Saturday in bright and sunny conditions. From the outset the forward tussle was evenly contested, with both packs showing a willingness to run direct lines as they sought an advantage in the middle of the field.

Radford opened the scoring with a penalty goal in the 7th minute, but following this Grammar dominated field position. They might have scored a couple of times in this period. There were some close calls. For example, John Obermeier was bundled into touch a metre from the line after splendid build by the backline. Moments later the same player was held up over the line after a powerful surge. The forwards continued to provide a strong platform and from one surge halfback Andy Turbayne forced his way through a blind side gap before sending a neat pass to captain Andrew Hermes who scored in the corner in the 16th minute. Right on halftime Radford replied with a neat try to their fullback following a lineout on right touch. The try was converted, for Radford to lead 10-5, which was not really a reflection of how play had developed during the half.

16 minutes into the second half Radford extended their lead to 13-5 with a fine penalty goal from 35 metres. Some four minutes later Andy Turbayne scored a driving try after some strong lead up from the forwards, and, with a narrowly missed conversion Grammar trailed 10-13 with 15 minutes remaining. Twice Grammar declined to take kicks at penalty to even the score, deciding on the scrum option in an effort to win the game. These were brave calls, but unfortunately time ran out, with Radford victorious 13-10, despite Grammar’s two tries to one advantage.

In a close match, the referee was quite outstanding in his clear and firm adjudication. The man-of-the match award went to Matt Dwyer who worked tirelessly in both attack and defence, and who carved out one great break down centrefield. He was well supported by Alex Stuart who ran with great conviction and who made several probing and courageous runs. Tom Skacel was responsible a number of important tackles, and Oliver Drummond ran the ball with great authority when it was kicked to him. Andy Turbayne’s service at half was assured and he sniped cunningly with the ball, as well as hassling his opponent endlessly. Both hookers were good. In the first half Simon Webber was busy cleaning up the loose ball and in the second half Robert Ringland took three tight heads. Michael Langridge led the forwards by example, and Russell Green entered the field in the tenth minute of the second half and was most impressive in his debut for the 2nds.

The loss was a disappointing result, although both teams could take many positive points from the game. For the Grammar boys surely success is just around the corner, if one counts success by results alone. The team enjoyed the strong support they received from their parents and others in the community including members of the 1st XV (who had a bye).