ISB 38-30 Goshawks.
The squad arrived for the match exhausted at the end of a short but very demanding tour, however they were determined to give one last performance and return home with a 3-1 series win.
The lads left the changing rooms taking by the hand one of the Mbare Academy players that they had coached that morning, leading them out to be treated to another rendition of their magnificent haka.
The changes made to the team from the Zim U19 game did not seem to have much effect on the performance as they got off the mark quickly with Higgins going over to take an early lead. However the Goshawks were a powerful and speedy side who were keen to attack at every opportunity and some neat play allowed them to score 2 tries to take the lead at 12-7.
Once again the light-footed Higgins, who was later named 'Back of the Tour' danced his way over the line, with Jewers unable to add the extras this time leaving the scores tied. This was however a game which the Goshawks were up for and physical work at the breakdown by the bulky Goshawks pack enabled the host team to secure numerous turnovers through counter-rucking. This control of possession gave the Goshawks the opportunity to take the lead as the Man of the Match for the Goshawks, Jamie Forrester, went over for his second leaving the ISB five points down at the break.
The coaching team had some strong words to say about work rate during half-time and the warning came that substitutions were imminent.
Five minutes into the second half the Goshawks had crossed the ISB line again. Some poor defence allowed the impressive Forrester through to secure his hat trick. Changes were duly made with Harries, Hearn, 'forward of the tour' Precious, 'unsung hero of the tour' Tokely and Poulton coming onto the park to add some bulk and direction to the ISB pack. Their introduction resulted in use of that traditional weapon of all ISB rugby teams, the rolling maul!!!! A line out on the Goshawks five metre line allowed the ISBs to slowly creep towards the line with Hearn the man at the back able to ground the ball. Huxtable backed himself and stepped up and slotted the extras from the touchline.
Such was the ISB dominance at this point that it was no surprise when a turnover secured by the stocky Harries allowed the ISB to move the ball onto the wing where the two flyers Thompson and Wild combined, Wild going in under the posts. Jewers slotted the conversion to give the ISBs the lead at 26-24.
Following this passage of play the Goshawks came back into the game. A pair of contentious decisions handed the Goshawks two penalties which both went over. With 15 minutes to play the ISB trailed 26-30.
Knowing that this was the last time they would wear a ISB shirt the lads were keen to grind out a win and this they duly delivered. Having secured the restart through a wonderful take by the giraffe-like Tokely, the ISB worked their way up the field through some direct play. After being awarded a penalty for offside skipper Poulton turned down the points instructing Jewers to again knock the ball into the corner. This time the Goshawks defended the maul well, although with dubious legality but the ISB were not to be stopped. 'Ugly rugby' ensued with the pack putting together more than 15 phases before eventually Hearn crashed over from short range. With Jewers sliding a difficult conversion wide the ISBs led by a single point heading into the last five minutes.
With securing the restart safely paramount the dependable Tokely was called for and he delivered. Safe play allowed the ISB to progress to halfway before some great awareness by Man of the Match Bliss created the final score with an impressive tactical box kick falling for Wild to score his second of the day and sixth of the tour. A simple conversion was scored to make the game safe and two minutes later the referee blew up for full time.
A fitting end to a wonderful tour and all the boys are delighted to return home with a series win and a test match victory under their belts.
On a personal note it has been one the proudest weeks of my life to lead such a talented and committed set of lads. All the boys are very appreciative of the management and everyone who has made this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity possible.
Yours in rugby,
Jacob Poulton.
The squad arrived for the match exhausted at the end of a short but very demanding tour, however they were determined to give one last performance and return home with a 3-1 series win.
The lads left the changing rooms taking by the hand one of the Mbare Academy players that they had coached that morning, leading them out to be treated to another rendition of their magnificent haka.
The changes made to the team from the Zim U19 game did not seem to have much effect on the performance as they got off the mark quickly with Higgins going over to take an early lead. However the Goshawks were a powerful and speedy side who were keen to attack at every opportunity and some neat play allowed them to score 2 tries to take the lead at 12-7.
Once again the light-footed Higgins, who was later named 'Back of the Tour' danced his way over the line, with Jewers unable to add the extras this time leaving the scores tied. This was however a game which the Goshawks were up for and physical work at the breakdown by the bulky Goshawks pack enabled the host team to secure numerous turnovers through counter-rucking. This control of possession gave the Goshawks the opportunity to take the lead as the Man of the Match for the Goshawks, Jamie Forrester, went over for his second leaving the ISB five points down at the break.
The coaching team had some strong words to say about work rate during half-time and the warning came that substitutions were imminent.
Five minutes into the second half the Goshawks had crossed the ISB line again. Some poor defence allowed the impressive Forrester through to secure his hat trick. Changes were duly made with Harries, Hearn, 'forward of the tour' Precious, 'unsung hero of the tour' Tokely and Poulton coming onto the park to add some bulk and direction to the ISB pack. Their introduction resulted in use of that traditional weapon of all ISB rugby teams, the rolling maul!!!! A line out on the Goshawks five metre line allowed the ISBs to slowly creep towards the line with Hearn the man at the back able to ground the ball. Huxtable backed himself and stepped up and slotted the extras from the touchline.
Such was the ISB dominance at this point that it was no surprise when a turnover secured by the stocky Harries allowed the ISB to move the ball onto the wing where the two flyers Thompson and Wild combined, Wild going in under the posts. Jewers slotted the conversion to give the ISBs the lead at 26-24.
Following this passage of play the Goshawks came back into the game. A pair of contentious decisions handed the Goshawks two penalties which both went over. With 15 minutes to play the ISB trailed 26-30.
Knowing that this was the last time they would wear a ISB shirt the lads were keen to grind out a win and this they duly delivered. Having secured the restart through a wonderful take by the giraffe-like Tokely, the ISB worked their way up the field through some direct play. After being awarded a penalty for offside skipper Poulton turned down the points instructing Jewers to again knock the ball into the corner. This time the Goshawks defended the maul well, although with dubious legality but the ISB were not to be stopped. 'Ugly rugby' ensued with the pack putting together more than 15 phases before eventually Hearn crashed over from short range. With Jewers sliding a difficult conversion wide the ISBs led by a single point heading into the last five minutes.
With securing the restart safely paramount the dependable Tokely was called for and he delivered. Safe play allowed the ISB to progress to halfway before some great awareness by Man of the Match Bliss created the final score with an impressive tactical box kick falling for Wild to score his second of the day and sixth of the tour. A simple conversion was scored to make the game safe and two minutes later the referee blew up for full time.
A fitting end to a wonderful tour and all the boys are delighted to return home with a series win and a test match victory under their belts.
On a personal note it has been one the proudest weeks of my life to lead such a talented and committed set of lads. All the boys are very appreciative of the management and everyone who has made this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity possible.
Yours in rugby,
Jacob Poulton.
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