Yaks in nine try romp over Warriors

By Beef
September 22 2003

The Yaks, the Saints Supporters XV, made a great start to their season on Sunday, by comprehensively beating the Eastern District Warriors in a 10 try feast at the Obelisk Centre. The day started worryingly, as, with half an hour until kick-off, the Yaks only had 8 players!

Luckily, the Cavalry arrived just in time and we managed to field a full team. Two of the latecomers had to shoot straight off after the game to clock off from work!!!

The match started strongly for the Yaks, who managed to secure their own kick-off and, after a few phases, made a break down the left wing, where 2 of the Henley/Touch 7s stalwarts (Adam at Outside Centre and Rich at Wing), were flying down with one defender to beat. The ball was passed to Adam, who drew the defender and passed a beautiful, weighted ball to Rich at a perfect height, so all he had to do was catch it and run 15, undefended yards to the line.
Thats where it fell apart. Never mind, we'll put it down to first game nerves.

The Scrum was dominant and the Yaks forced a turnover and won the put in, from which Shoulders picked up from 8 and powered his way to the line. Converted by James Wayman. Not a bad start for someone who normally plays Hooker.

The re-start was scrappy, but after a few rucks the Yaks again came up with the ball and rampaged downfield. The ball was again spun out towards the left wing, where 2 of the Henley/Touch 7s stalwarts (Adam at Outside Centre and Rich at Wing),
were flying down with one defender to beat. The ball was passed to Adam, who drew the defender and passed a beautiful, weighted ball to Rich at a perfect height, so all he had to do was catch it and run 10, undefended yards to the line.
Thats where it fell apart. Again. (I can feel a sense of Deje-vu here! And a Kaliber moment!)

The Warriors won the scrum, but were forced to kick the ball out. First line out for the Yaks. Merv 'Lightning' Carpenter (never strikes twice in the same spot) threw the ball to the second jumper, a nice 10 yard maul, ball out to the centres, stopped just short of the line, recycled and back to the forwards lurking on the left and a stroll over the line for Wes Clements (Son of Veg).

After the re-start, there was much to-ing and fro-ing around the midfield as the Warriors came back into the game, but they had to kick downfield after a while. A difficult, swirling ball was caught by Rich, who ran it back, with interest and set the ball up for another midfield break. Shoulders went over again for a brace, shortly followed by Geordie Steve.

Half-time, Yaks 24 - Warriors 0

The second half started much like we finished the first, with the Yaks dominant. The Warriors refused to bow down and made some good breaks, but stout defending and counter-attacking resulted in another try for Shoulders. The Warriors were starting to
feel down by now, but still the Yaks kept the pressure on. We have been on the receiving end of some of these beatings and were enjoying dishing it out for a change! A clean break by the Inside Centre, saw Adam arching right for the line, but a gallant last ditch tackle brought him down. He got the ball to Rich who darted for the line, but the defence had reorganised and he was held 5 metres out. Adam stripped the ball from him charged for the line, but was held up short - agonisingly close. The Warriors cleared the lines with a booming kick downfield that resulted in a knock-on. From the resulting Scrum, against the head, the Scrummie, Neil ran a mazy path through the defence and scored a well earned try.

A scrum from the re-start (ball not going 10 yards) saw Shoulders powering straight through the midfield, breaking 2 tackles and scoring his forth under the posts. 10 minutes to go, 39 -0.

The Warriors Scrum was taking a pounding and this affected their line-out, which the Yaks exploited to full effect, with the Inside Centre, Ben scoring over by the right corner flag, converted by Wayman. 8 tries, 3 cons.

I can't remember the details of the 9th one, or who scored it. But I think it may have been the Full-back, Lawrence.

The 10th try of the match was scored by Salmon, who rose majestically in the line out, stole the ball, broke through the defence and ran the length of the pitch, skinning the right wing and turning the Full-back before scoring under the posts.

Well, thats his version. What actually happened was a Warriors line out on their 22, scrappy, ping-pong of the ball, which fell into Salmons hands, who was in an offside position and missed by the Ref, took his opportunity and legged it for the line. The Warriors didn't bother chasing him and their Full-back actually pointed to the posts for him to go under! Converted by Wes.

Final Score Yaks 58 - Warriors 0.

A great win for the Yaks and one I hope we can build on.

COME ON YOU YAKS!!!