St Andrew's too good for Graeme
It was always going to be a bruising encounter with much at stake. In the early parts of the game, Graeme seemed to be getting most possession and were also dominating territory, but the St Andrew's team stood strong and showed their worth on defence.
As the half continued, St Andrew's started to pose questions – whenever they attacked they looked dangerous and eventually the pressure lead to a try in the corner. Soon after that, they were awarded with a try which started from a rolling maul.
The conversion was missed and the score stayed 5-0 to St Andrew's. In the remaining minutes of the first half, St Andrew's started to gain the ascendency as they continued to put pressure on the Graeme defence.
Graeme stood strong, and held St Andrew's at bay until the half-time whistle sounded, with the score still 5-0.
At the start of the second half Graeme would have felt they had the opportunity to produce an upset, trailing by only five points and a slight breeze at their back.
Graeme found themselves attacking on the St Andrews try line, inches away from crossing on two occasions but errors at crucial times meant that they rued missed opportunities – these chances proved to be vital in determining the final outcome.
On the other side of the field, St Andrew's proved far more clinical crossing the try line three times, as they showed how important it is to get points on the board when entering the danger area. One of the three tries was a superb individual effort from the St Andrew's fullback.
None of the tries were converted, but a converted penalty took their tally to 23-0. Graeme continued to fight and scored a good try through scrumhalf Cameron Amos, converted by flyhalf Sivu Ngigyaza.
Had one not been at the game, one might be mistaken as to think it was a one-sided affair but it was rather a game of close inches, where St Andrew's managed to take their chances and continue their good run of form.
Graeme will be left thinking they can be proud at the guts and passion they showed but rather disappointed with execution at crucial times. St Andrew's were clinical in their execution and very much full value for their win. It was a win they had to work hard for on the day.
Scorers:
For St Andrew's:
Tries: James Wilson, Angus Cook, Ross Ferguson, Tom Stevens
Pen: Chris Benjamin
For Graeme:
Try: Cameron Amos
Con: Sivu Ngigyaza
