From The Sideline - Round 14- Ballina vs Byron Bay
Catch Up Game This Week at Lennox Head.
Winners are grinners and winning becomes infectious. Here’s hoping that the current wave of win-22 pandemic that the club is suffering from remains for another five weeks. In stark contrast to the post match depression in the sheds after our first round loss at home to Byron, spirits were high after a thumping 48-13 away victory last Saturday, and Fijian harmonies and kava weren’t required to improve the post match vibe.
Due to the unavailability of Sam Pearce our front row was hastily rearranged prior to the match with Dan Johnson debuting as hooker. Pre-match concerns were erased as the team went to work. We showed strength and composure in all facets of the game for the full eighty minutes. Our effort at the set piece, breakdown and in both attack and defence was quality stuff, and the improvement continues with all players and reserves contributing, and genuinely appearing to be enjoying the ride.
I was particularly impressed with our defence which was robust throughout and punishing at times. Despite taking the break with a 6-31 deficit, Byron running with the aid of a fresh nor’easter pressured our line for the first 20 minutes of the second half, yet didn’t break through at any stage. It’s often said that good attacking teams win games, but good defensive teams win premierships. A questionable try to Byron in the 73rd minute was our only blemish. Emori and Wilson both crossed twice with Letty, Semeli, and our halves scoring one apiece which I shall highlight.
In the 33rd minute from deep in our territory, Sam Giltrap kicked long, chased and retrieved. After receiving quick ball from the breakdown, Ryan Hickey pinned his ears back and ran diagonally for 20 metres to score on the left hand side. I commented to Hic that ‘Bec must’ve had a bit of pace in her day as you certainly never showed any.’ Our defensive effort in the second half was rewarded with Sam Giltrap scoring a great 70 metre breakout try, leaving the home side’s defence in tatters.
Hic and Morgo had difficulty in awarding their points and settled on Brad Brown who led from the front as well as Sam Giltrap and Ryan Biscoe while Brett Johnston was voted player’s player. Wilson Lovokuro got the referee’s nod in a game that I thought all our players deserved points. Two down, five to go!
This week, both men’s teams head to Lennox for must win games; and they are must win games, as the author of this piece has been going the ‘early crow’ with his mates at the bowlo and those we’ll be up against at Williams Reserve this Saturday for the beachside derby! I don’t want to sell up and leave town at this stage of retirement. Also best of mates and opposing coaches Morgo and Sheath will be going head to head on the sideline. The mouth waters. See you there.
