Scotch College

Rugby win some, lose some ... by one point

Rugby is a tough game, and unforgiving at times. The First XV Rugby team claimed a premiership in a nail-bitting finish when they came home by a point, 11-10, over rivals St Kevin’s. Meanwhile, the under 16A team lost their premiership by the same margin.

The First XV’s game was a titanic struggle, going for 70 minutes plus 14 minutes’ injury time. Scotch was on the back foot in the first 15 minutes, only courageous defence holding off a fierce onslaught by St Kevin’s. The match was played mostly in the centre of the pitch, with neither side able to penetrate the opposition line. Just before the half-time break, St Kevin’s were 7-0 up, having converted a try, and were pressuring us confidently.

In the second half, Scotch came back with a try, but failed to convert it. A later penalty put Scotch a point in front at 8-7. But in the last five minutes of the game St Kevin’s converted a penalty to take their score to 10, and take the lead.

As the minutes ticked by all seemed lost, when in the last play of the match Scotch were given a penalty shot from the St Kevin’s 22 sideline. Paul McConnochie, under enormous pressure and with a howling opposition sideline behind him, slotted a very difficult kick to make Scotch the Victorian Schools’ Rugby Union Premiers for 2006, with 11-10 on the scoreboard.

This match showed the spirit of Scotch rugby at its best. The sides were evenly matched, and the result could have gone either way. It was a brilliant display of fast and furious schoolboy rugby.

The coaches Mr Richard Bayliss and Mr Bruce Norton, supported by physiotherapist Mr Tim Darby, brought the team through to this level, providing it with inspiration and heart. Captain Sandy Buchanan led from the front all season, instilling confidence into his team. It was an excellent way for the First XV to finish a strong and committed effort during 2006.

As exciting as this win was, the under 16A team experienced the disappointment and frustration of losing their premiership to Melbourne Grammar, also by a point. Mr Terry Molloy, Mr Jason Goldsworthy and Mr Ed Cronin coached the team and have provided an excellent platform for next year’s First XV.

All other teams have been very ably coached, and – more to the point – players and parents alike have really enjoyed the game, and being part of the Scrum Club Family at Scotch.

I am proud to have been associated with so many fine rugby players over my 14 seasons with Scotch rugby. The standard has never been higher, and the School is in a very strong position for the future,

Christopher Taylor
Teacher in Charge of Rugby