RUGBY FIRST XV - 2009

Match Reports

Redfield Fist XV vs The Scots School  
For the last game of the home and away season Scots were looking to finish the season on a positive note. And certainly the opening few minutes Scots took it it right up to Redfield. In bright sunny conditions Redfield were also hoping to build momentum for next weeks finals match.   In a fairly scrappy first half of rugby the enthusiasm of Scots kept Redfield to modest 19 points. Tries to Seb Burfitt, Jordan and David Lewis were the highlights.   The second half saw Redfield really open the shoulders and start to apply a lot more pressure at the breakdown with good ball recycling and constrctive backlime play. Gabrielle Perottet got on the try sheet as did Paul Limbers, Jordan, Gerard Neville and John Wall. There was certainly some entertaining rugby played by Redfield. Scots never showed any signs of diminishing enthusiasm and to their credit finished the game with an enterpirsing individual effort to score under the posts on the hooter. A well deserved try and conversion in a game that was physical, entertaining, played in good spirit and well refereed.   Final Score Redfield 66 vs The Scots School 7   Late mail confirms that Redfield finished second on the table and will play Redlands in the semi final at Oakhill next Saturday. Redfield should have a few teams in the finals next week so it would be great to get as many supporters to the games as possible.

Redfield First XV vs Christ Hospital School (CHS), UK  
Great excitement and anticipation was the feeling before the match as Redfield prepared for its first competitive game for four weeks. We were blessed with a glorious day to host a very impressive looking Christ Hospital School (CHS) touring rugby team. Despite the loss of Limbers and Smith in our forwards Redfield was confident it could give our visitors a decent hit out.   The game opened with tremendous enthusiasm form CHS as they took advantage of some very strong and powerful forward play. Their No.8 is the English lock and was very impressive early. This early momentum gathered by the visitors put Redfield on the back foot and soon CHS were over for well deserved try (to their No.8). The same medicine was being dished out by the tourists and it seemed like Redfield was heading for a humiliation. So we did what we do best and prayed that their no.8 would get injured (not badly of course)....And presto a forlone figure he looked as he limped off with an ankle strain.   By the time the prayers were answered CHS had ploughed on three converted tries and Redfield was looking shaky at 21 - 0. Wth a few minutes left on the clock in the first half Redfield finally gathered their own momentum and scored through a bustling run from our own No.8 John Wall. At 21-5 at half time the score board looked a little more respectible.   After the break the visitors once again started superbly and within a blink of an eye had scored another two tries...At 33-5 the Redfield was really struggling. Despite the scoreline it seemed the two teams were more closely matched and one wondered if a bit of luck and a little bit bit of inspitration could spark a revival. And it came in the form of some determined attacking running from Justin Faehrmann and Simon Carrington. The two biggest hearts on the team punched in to the CHS defence with vigour and determination with Simon being rewarded with a clever inside ball from Keiran Byrne to cross the line. The Carrington try did spark a come back and soon after Jordan Field found space to finish an impressive back line movement. CHS were starting to wilt in the 22 degree winter heat....!!! and Redfield asserted again. This time a clever kick forward and kind bounce saw an opportunistic Gerard Neville be rewarded for his first try in Senior rugby - well done Gerard. And again, as Redfield purged the rustiness, David Lewis found himself running in to a hole close the the try line for a brilliantly constructed try - well done David.   The home team was storming to victory when the ref called full time which saw Christ Hospital School come out victors 33 - 29 in a very entertaining and spirited rugby match.   It was an important hit out for the boys who will be playing their last ISA home and away game this weekend at Redfield against Scots. Thank you to all the families who contributed to the after match function and a special thank you to those who helped out on the BBQ and in the canteen (especially Karen Yee and Gerard Abrams who never seem to stop....!). Our visitors were most impressed with the hospitality.   It was a great day for Redfield rugby with mad English accents, brilliant Sydney winter sunshine and BBQ sausages...   Final Score : Redfield 29 - Christ Hospital School (UK) 33

Redfield First XV vs Chevalier  
Too big and strong were the men from Bowral on a wet afternoon at Redfield. Chevalier brought the big boppers and the game plan and the execution to upset Redfield for the first time at home since joining the ISA.   Chevalier starved Redfield of possession in the first half and backed it up again in the second half with clinical wet weather rugby. The Chevalier forwards were very impressive on the day as they executed their game plan very well with pick and drive rugby and rolling mauls. Their kicking game kept Redfield on the back foot for most of the day.   Redfields defence was, as always, was magnificant. On a couple of occassions we were unlucky not to score.   Converted tries at the end of each half sealed the win for Chevalier.   The game was played in challenging but enjoyable conditions and in great spirit. Despite the mud it was a very entertaining game. Chevalier were just too good on the day.   Chevalier 14 d Redfield 0

Redfield First XV vs Redlands
On a fine day at Marsfield the Redfield First XV found itself involved in another ISA classic game of rugby. What a year for close games...!. The ISA second division competition is very tight and Redlands showed that they have the fire power to realy take it to the defending champions.   Without fail the opening minutes were absoulutely frenetic as both teams tried to assert their authority on the game. Redlands showed great discipline and compsore to put Redfield on the back foot early. As always Redfields defence was true and held off the onslaught. And despite the barrage Redfield still found opportunites to attack whilst on the back foot with Martin Ash picking up a loose pass from Redlands to score the opening points against the play. Jordan converted to put the visitors up 7 points early in the first half. The pressure did not stop though and with a slight wind and ground advantage Redlands continued to pile on the pressure. The effort by Redlands was eventually rewarded with a well worked backline move from a set piece to score out wide. Redlands missed the conversion. Unfortunately Redfield lost Andrew Beard to injury late in the first half after a valuable contribution on the wing. As the first half came to a close Redlands were again rewarded for their positive play with a converted penalty to put them in front at half time. Redfield 7 - Redlands 8   The game was very physical and the second half started much the same as the first. However Redfield started to find their rythm and after some excellent phases caught Redlands out wide and with tremendous pace Jordon went over to put Redfield in front again. With the Redfield conversion missed Redlands responded. A concerted attacking burst from the forwards managed to crack the Redfield defence and Redlands scored under the posts. The successful conversion put Redlands up by 3.   Both teams were giving their all with the forwards from both teams hammering up the middle. Redlands control of the mauls was an advantage and certainly provided their backs with the opportunity to under run the centres.. It was a most effective play on the day for Redlands. Both teams were defending well as both teams refused to allow any advantage were possible. As the second half clock wound down it would seem Redlands would prevail. In the last 5 minutes again fitness was to play a big part in the outcome of this game as Redfield mounted a final challenge on Redlands. The Redfield forwards were magnificent as they recycled ball with admirable control and poise. As the ref called last play of the day Redfield again recycled in their attacking half and with clever and positive backline play saw Josh Dransfield scoot down the side line to score in the corner. Surely it can not get any bettert than this....??!! Jordan converted and the ref blew full time to see Redfield upset the home team 19 - 15 on the buzzer....   As with last week the result could have gone either way. Redlands played inspired and wonderful rugby and certainly showed that they will play a very big part in the finals. Well done Redlands. For the Redield players the result was a credit to their never say die attitude and positive approach to every opportunity. Redfields scrambling defence was a necessary and key highlight. Their were certainly some instances of individual brilliance. However this win was manufactured from a genuine team effort from both forwards and backs. This special team spirit makes watching the Redfield First XV so enjoyable. Well done boys....now for the home games...!!   Final Score : Redfield 19 vs Redlands 15

Redfield First XV vs All Saints at Bathurst
This was certainly one of the best games of ISA rugby that Redfield has been involved since its entry in to the ISA. The opening minutes were typically frenetic. All Saints made some early errors that gave Redfield field position. A charge down by Paul Limbers gave the visitors an early lead. All Saints started to look dangerous with the backs linking up well with the forwards. This cohesion by All Saints was eventually rewarded after a well worked back line move and try to tie up the score board. The rest of the half looked to be locked in an arm wrestle until a clever run away try by All Saints put the home side up 14 - 7 at half time.   A penalty to Redfield early in the second half closed the gap to 4 points. Redfield was increasing the intensity and putting enormous pressure on All Saints. The forwards were working hard with good phases and composure. Redfield finally crossed wide after a well constructed back line move that saw Andrew Beard finish in the corner. Despite the missed conversion Redfield was up 15 - 14. The tension was building as both sides gave it their all. And that is what All Saints did as they hit back to cross again and covert from strong forward play. At 21 - 15 it looked as though All Saints had the game in the bag.....! Hmmmmmm! What a hum dinger of a contest. The Bathurst crowd was going wild with excitement. Could Redfield find that little extra special something that could save the game...   There were many highlights for Redfield but most came in the last 5 minutes of this match. John Walls bustling run and line out work, Justin Faerhmanns wins against the head, Johan, Foxy and Fraser completely committing to breakdowns, Dom Smiths impact when he came on, Keiran Byrnes composed kicking, slicing runs and smother of the All Saints field goal attempt in the last minute of play, Jordans pace in defence and attack and his kicking for goal and finally Donald Lawlers tackle on the 5/8 that put the game beyond doubt for Redfield. Apologies to those not mentioned as it was a true team effort.   All this work was rewarded when a quick thinking try from Michael Touma under the posts in the last minutes put Redfield in front. Marvellous effort...!   It was a magnificant contest played in great spirit. Redfield can be proud of their win but All Saints can equally stand tall as they played well enough to upset the ISA champions. The real winner was ISA rugby!   Final Score: Redfield 22 vs All Saints 21   Well done boys...

Redfield First XV vs Oxley College at Bowral 16th May 2009
The drama started before the kick off with late withdrawal of key players Dransfield, Wall and Carrington from the starting line up. In a subesquent re-shuffle and with U/16 players stepping up Redfield managed to somehow bring together a combination of forwards and backs that seemed to click on the day...   Oxley had plenty of potency in the forwards and showed great innovation in the back line in the early stanza and really put Redfield under a lot of pressure. They were unlucky not to score. The younger Redfield backs lead by Sakr and Ash defended very well. Against the play Seb Burfitt capitalised on a Oxley mistake to score a 50 metre run away try.   Having weathered the initial barrage from Oxley, Redfield started to assert. The forwards are showing a lot more confidence with good structure in the scrums. With the forwards on a roll opportunities started to open up for the backs who were also gaining confidence.   Touma's excellent try from a quick tap and KB's finish after starting a beautiful backline move saw the visitors in front at half time 19 - 0. Jordan was 2 from 3 with the conversions.   After half time Oxley showed tremendous spirit and really took it to Redfield. Again with a bit more luck they could have converted enterprising back line play but Redfield was able to hold on...The Redfield forwards stood up. Smith, McKertich and Lawler were inspirational as was capitano Limbers and Caden Yee. Foxe, Justin (scoring his second try for the season) and Johann had the engine room cranked. The combinations worked very well with Gabe, KB, Jordan, Sakr, Beardy, Martin Ash and Seb getting space from excellent controlled phases from the forwards.   Oxley were eventually rewarded for their hard work with a well deserved try from strong forward play. The scoreline did not really reflect the closeness of the match.   There is still a lot of work to do but very satisfying win with so many injuries. Congratulations to the U/16 boys who really stood up on the day.     Final Score Redfield 50 - Oxley 7

Redfield First XV vs Blue Mountains Grammar at BMG - 9th May 2009
Match Report From the kick off BMG took advantage of a slight breeze and downhill slope to apply enormous pressure to Redfield. With penalties costing Redfield precious field position BMG opened the scoring with a well constructed try. The contest was willing and highlights aplenty. BGM kicked forward again and threatened. Redfield counter attacked brilliantly to win a 5 metre scrum that was converted to points through a classy Martin Ash finish...Redfield was struggling at half time - down 5 - 7. BMG came out strong again in the opening minutes of the second half and opened the scoring with determined forward play. BMG's backs and forwards were working well together - they deserved their lead. At 5 - 14 it did not look good for the Lions. Redfield needed composure and field position. KB pumped the corners and finally Redfield started to play the game in their own half. Redfield upped the ante on defense and the pressure was eventually rewarded with a fantastic captains try by Paul Limbers. An important conversion by Field closed the gap to 2 points - but time was running out. Redfield raised the pressure once again and on the back of strong defense was rewarded with a penalty 45 metres out. Under pressure Jordan converted to put Redfield in front for the fist time in the match 15 - 14. The score board pressure seemed to affect BMG as fatigue became a factor for both sides. Redfield found more field position. A well worked move saw Limbers find some space to punch through a tired BMG defense to score the match winner. To their credit BMG never gave up. In a tense final minutes of play Redfield defended well to score a memorable win. Well done boys.   Redfield 20 vs BMG 14

Redfield First XV vs Knox Grammar at Knox 2nd May 2009
This was last trial game before the season proper. The forwards are starting to work better for each other and the backs are showing signs of confidence. Seb Burfitt’s try put Redfield in front early after determined play form Justin Faermann. Knox hit back and converted a well constructed try to lead at half time. The second half was all Redfield as Justin F (who kept turning up all day) got on the end of a Byrne special rocket to score. The scrum is starting to look better. Inspired running by John Wall and KB’s fantastic individual effort put the game beyond Knox. There is still a lot of work to do for next week’s opener against BMG.   Redfield 17 - Knox Grammar 7

 

Redfield First XV vs Pius X College First XV at Oxford Falls 23rd April 2009  
For the first time this season Redfield started to show genuine desire and intensity against a very good and big Pius team that boasted two Australian Schoolboy representatives. Early handling errors cost Redfield field position and eventually Pius converted the field advantage to points. Perrottet’s quick thinking try after excellent rolling phases from the Redfield forwards was just reward for determined play. The momentum is building but greater care to ball retention and less handling error is required.   Redfield 5 – Pius X College 29