As the hot Brisbane sun intensified at Ballymore, the U20’s became more eager to build on the earlier success of the U18’s and get off to a clinical start. As the crowd built and the second fixture came underway, the game began with a very physical opening. Both teams relied heavily on their forwards to control the hard-fought start.
The first error came when a Reds player failed to tackle from his feet, which gifted the Tahs a penalty. The set piece quickly paid off as a maul which saw Jack Cesare pushed over the line to score the Tah’s first try, which was swiftly converted by Jonty Fowler.
The next segment of the game was riddled with penalties from both sides as the advantage shifted back and forth. Remaining patient, Hwi Sharples recognised space on the wing and threw a quick ball along the line and found Brendan Palmer in the corner. Palmer dove onto the try line which demonstrated the recognition and communication between the backs - a technique which they have recently been practicing.
The Reds, however, were ready to fight. They looked set to score minutes later after using a cut-through set play, however the referee disallowed the try which left them without points on the board. However, soon after, a penalty in the Reds’ favour saw a quick play of the ball. The Reds dashed down the centre of the field and caught the Tahs’ players off guard. Once again they were imminent to score. A loose pass from the Reds meant no try initially, however they carried their momentum and secured another try. Just before half time, with a Reds player receiving a yellow card, the Tahs looked imminent to score. However the opportunity was missed as the whistle blew, leaving the score at 19-28 to the Reds.
The second half saw the Tahs get to work, putting into practice their half time game plan. A successful set piece led to Jonty Fowler get on the scoreboard with a try, which he also converted. As a result the second half commenced with a high score. The next segment was an immensely physical exchange between both sides, with minor injuries occurring as the players went head-to-head in a hard-fought battle. Eventually, the Reds were able to expose a small hole in the Tahs’ defence as Reds player, Cooper Hoare, gained the Reds’ first try of the half.
Not to be outdone, individual brilliance from the Tahs shone through. Brendan Palmer executed a chip and chase which was perfectly timed over the Reds’ defensive line. He regained the ball and landed inches from the try line and scored a try of his own. Back-to-back tries followed soon after a five-metre scrum which added further to the Tahs’ dominant second half scoreline. Liam Grover capped off an amazing game with a run up the centre which resulted in a try just before the full-time whistle.
The final score read 12-40 in favour of the Tahs which marked a comprehensive win.
Post-match, Hwi Sharples summed up the turnaround:
“There was a big difference between the first and second half and I thought we really got to our game plan in the second.”
“Our break down was also a lot better especially in our own 22.”
“I thought Liam Grover had a very strong game throughout with his carries, and Brody was great in the air. We are a super tight group and connected really well.”
Full time Score: 12-40 (Tahs Win)
