Match report vs. Marist

Match report by Mrs. Webster (chief supporter)

After a delayed start the Sheffield Medics fielded a team full of potential and determination to play a side newly promoted to Division 4 with something to prove. Marist kicked off but an early well read interception saw Rob Conville put the first points on the board for Sheffield. Conversion by Will Coomer provided the start all teams hope for.
Marist used their big pack to dictate play and put pressure on the Sheffield forwards. However they were not to be out done and were able to counter Marist’s heavier pack by skill and strength combined. Nos 1 & 3 Marcin and Martino showed time after time how a front row can support a team’s Hooker, Webster and when combined with the team effort of second row and No 8 are a force to be reckoned with. Both Flankers added width and seized opportunities as they came from a team that is determined to hold play up in messy rucking-style play. Marist tried to use their No 1 to maul play but Sheffield were able to read this and defend against it. However it did prevent Sheffield widening play along their gifted back line and the half time score remained 0-7 to the Medics.

Second half started in a similar way but the Sheffield forward’s were now reading this and with inventive play by Caddy @ No. 8 the ball was spread wide through a looping move instigated by No. 10 Al Worthington.
The pace of the game quicked and No. 15 Simon Gilmore showed Marist how to see space and run at the line. An unfortunate high tackle led to a Sheffield sin binning but Marist failed to use this time profitably and by 60 minutes the score line remained 0-7.

Finally came the breakthrough that was much deserved by Sheffield as the pack muscled over the line for a try scored by Medics No 8. A narrow miss one foot to the left of the post did not characterize the kicking ability of Medic’s No. 12 who later went on to convert 2 more tries by No.11 Conville & No. 6 Shaw.

Substitutions were made quite correctly once the game seemed secure. James Farrell replaced Jo Gayner who had played intelligently on the wing and Farrell quickly linked up well with Full Back S. Gilmore. Roshan replaced Spurgeon (18) and continued to show how flankers can baffle and bemuse their opposition through effective footwork and well read play. A final substitution came in the last 10 mins as Tom C came on for Shaw.

A well deserved 26-0 win meant Sheffield Medics gained an extra bonus point for scoring 4 well worked tries in a game and should see them top of the league.
Thanks to all who played and supported. Good to see Old Boy Sam Cone on the touchline. A hard game well won and well played by the Medics who demonstrated their obvious fitness and commitment throughout. A real team effort.