Special Report

Knox Prep 11B XV defeated Kings 11B XV
Lower Gillespie Field - 31 August 2002

The Knox Prep 11B XV have had a sensational season of rugby, having scored 280 points and conceded only 10. However, it's not over yet, with two tough games to go against Shore and Waverley. On Saturday the 31st August their undefeated season came up against a hurdle in the form of Kings Prep School. The scene was set for your typical junior game. Or so I thought.

There is no doubt that the game has evolved into an awesome spectacle at professional and senior levels, with dynamic running rugby being played throughout the Super 12 and Tri Nations series. But here's the truly astonishing thing - the blueprints laid down by the likes of Jones, Woodward and Mitchell are being replicated at junior level to an absolutely breathtaking degree. And it's not just a simple case of imitation, though Gregan, Burke and Paul are all impressive role models. The skill work being done with these boys (and, I dare say, girls as well) is quite a revelation, as their execution and strategic play is most enlightening and a cause for great optimism when pondering the future of the game in this country.

But back to the Knox 11Bs. Previously in the season when Knox and Kings battled it out, the score flattered the Knox team with 27 points in their favour, most of which were scored in the first half during a ten minute period of forwards dominance, which Kings were unable to counter, although they pressed the line several times in the second half.

Then, as now, the two teams displayed teamwork and continuity that grade teams would expect of their best teams. The commitment to cleanout at rucks by these 10 and 11 year olds showed great courage and skill. The days of "bees around the honey pot" are long gone with both teams demonstrating well-rehearsed back line moves.

On Saturday, the half time score was the closest Knox has come to being behind in any game this season, with only a 7 point buffer going into the break, courtesy of a single try that was converted magnificently by winger David Crawford.

The second half saw a different approach from the Knox side, keeping the ball in the forwards for several more phases before unleashing to the speed men out wide. The outstanding work rate displayed by flankers Michael Moore and James Collins enabled the Knox team to get in behind Kings, who were now backpedalling at a more frequent rate. It was not long before Knox went over for another 5 points.

To Kings' credit, they never gave in. Occasional lapses of discipline by the Knox pack at the breakdown handed Kings numerous opportunities to attack, where they sought to capitalise on their superior scrummaging and mauling skills. They were unlucky not to score.

In the end, however, the speed and skill of the Knox team were simply too great an obstacle for Kings to overcome, with the boys in blue and black running away with the game. At the final whistle, the scoreline read 29 to nil - an indication of Knox's strength and superiority, but perhaps not an entirely fair reflection of the effort put in by the Kings team.

The match, as I say, was an eye-opener, and it may just be worth your while to head down to your local oval or back to the old school playing fields and catch a game of junior rugby. I you haven't seen a primary school match since you yourself were running round for the "Mighty Tigers" or the "Grizzly Bears", you'll be in for a very pleasant surprise.

The Knox Prep 11B XV are:

Luke Blomfield
Wayne Borsak
Kurtis Bosley
James Collins
David Crawford
Nick Dennis
James Handlin
Will Hipsley
Blake Matich
Tom McCullagh
Michael Moore
Nick Morelli
Tom Roach
Stuart Rowe
Steven Taylor
Michael Tobin

Sixteen names to keep an eye on in rugby.

- Dan Fowell