Gold Coast match reports
Gold Coast U17s v Gowerton U16s
Gowerton faced a mammoth challenge in their second game facing older and much bigger opposition. Despite this the game started very competitively. Although Gold Coast scored first from several phases they were made to work hard by some strong, robust tackling. Leading the resolve was the back row of; Kian Webb, Robyn Williams and Liam Butler, these were supported well by centre pairing Gavin Williams and Ioan Thomas.
Gowerton struck back with a try of their own after some strong running from Ioan Thomas and Will Steadman, Ryan Stagg burst his way through after a ruck to score, the conversion was missed.
The remainder of the first half was much about resolve, with the strong runners from the Gold Coast testing the defence of Gowerton. Some excellent individual tackles kept Gowerton in the game. Henry Aiono, Raffi Richards and Vikran Sanghera despite being outsized, battled and battled to ensure there was no easy path for Gold Coast. Ceiron Williams at 9 was terrier like in his approach to the breakdown, providing as swift a service as he could while also evading the tackles of the much bigger opponents.
The backline had limited possession due to the size advantage however they tried their best to spread it wide and ask questions of the defence, Ben Cort, Taylor John and Will Thomas all looked dangerous in attack when in possession and were only stopped by some strong Gold Coast tackling
The half time score was 25-5 to the Gold Coast and things looked ominous for Gowerton. Coach Cullen once again rang the changes – some positional to try to drag things back, this definitely had an effect. Gold Coast offered some size to Gowerton and their front row replaced a tired Gowerton one. This size allowed Gowerton to experience more possession in the second half and this was evident in all facets.
Half Backs Cort and Davies were able to challenge the Gold Coast defence and they surely did. Replacements; Kaniewski, Freeman and Parry added intensity and ran hard and elusively at their opponents, this led to the second score for Gowerton from Kaniewski. Gavin Williams added the conversion to narrow the gap to 25-12. The later stages of the match was a stalemate, However a late try made the score slightly one-sided and that did not reflect the efforts, attitude and resolve shown by the squad.
Final Score: Gowerton U16s 12 – Gold Coast U17s 32.
Coach Cullen was pleased. Forward and back of the match awarded by the opposition was Robyn Williams (8) and Ioan Thomas (12) Coach Cullen agreed. Robyn missed much of the second half due to a suspected concussion, it is pleasing to report that after a stringent check at the hospital he has re-joined the tour party, however, he will likely miss the next fixture as a precaution.
Match report: Mr Thomas
