Blog

27th APRIL 2019

EASTERN SUBURBS ROOSTERS vs LAUNCESTON TIGERS

After a week’s break eating chocolate instead of playing rugby, our Rooster boys stopped by Rugby Park to say a quick hello to our Lady Roosters before venturing to Eady Street to take on a renewed Launceston Club. Like Easts, Launnie sat out Season 2018, and now fortified by Division 1 players from AMC, we knew that it was going to be a big afternoon.

Boosted by heaps of chocolate calories, out boys trained well this week, meaning that Jason had to leave at least one of those who trained on the bench. It also meant that he didn’t have to put the old bones on the line again.

The game started in very blustery conditions with rain threatening. A few minutes in, we were awarded a penalty on the 22. Unfortunately Captain Jake Hyland’s trusty boot hadn’t adjusted properly for the wind.

At the 7 minute mark, Brendan Elliot decided that 7 points is better than 3, and found a way through to score beside the posts. This time, Jake had no problem.

The game descended into a forwards battle, with the big Launceston forwards keeping the ball tight and laying all over the rucks when it went to ground. Our boys did well in defence, just as they had practised all week. The 22 minute mark arrived, and Jake decided that he could do what Brendan could, and scored an identical try in the same place. He added the extras to take the Roosters to a 14-0 lead.

Not to be out-done, 4 minutes later, Launnie rolled the ball forward, as they had been and got on the board with a converted try.

Through all the messy play, we had some outstanding contributors. Josh Banks was in everything, Robbie Casboult was making metres with some big runs through the centre, and our loose forwards were giving their bigger opponents the run-around.

Nearing half time we were awarded a penalty out wide, close to the line. Correctly, Jake opted to take a scrum. The ball came through the hands all the way to the other side of the ground where the boys switched it back again to the other side. The big boys couldn’t quite keep up and Coel Trickle Ikin strolled over. Again Jake converted to take us to half time at 21-7.

After half time refreshments, the forward battle continued. Richard Miller and Jonathon Elliott were quick to the breakdowns. Perv was still in everything. 17 minutes in, we were awarded a scrum not far from the line. In a magnificent effort, our forwards put the shove on and drove the Tigers back. Richard cleverly kept the ball at the back of the scrum, and we received the penalty try. 28-7.

5 minutes later, from another great scrum, a beautiful pick-up from near the ground by Jake, on to Coel and another nicely executed try. This time the conversion missed, but we were comfortable at 33-7.

The spectators were in for another treat as Robbie made a big bust through the centre. He was flying and the opposition cover defence was nearing. Then I think he looked up and saw how far to the line. He thought he might get away with a forward pass to Coel, but the ref was onto him.

After that little episode, the boys relaxed. We got slack, and I suspect more than a little tired. Only 6 minutes to go we gave away a penalty close to the line, and Launnie went over, and then again right on full time, we conceded another. The 33-17 win was certainly hard fought, and I think our boys might have slept well.

The Roosters’ best players judged by independent people were:
3 votes Richard Miller
2 votes Robbie Casboult
1 vote Jonathon Elliott
King Rooster Josh Banks

Written by Les Marshall