Windy conditions in Canberra welcomed the Boars for their Round 2 game against the Gungahlin ‘Bald Eagles’ on Saturday, in what was an opportunity to go back to back to start the season. Although the team had a high turnover of players from the win over Bungendore, including 4 starting forwards, the Boars were confident of winning the points on offer. It was the Eagles who would score first though after getting some front foot ball through their forwards and crashing over after 10 minutes. The Eagles also started to dominate the scrum, however it was the Bay who would score next after a set piece move found Jacob Bradbury with some space, and with some individual brilliance he scored the Boars opener. Another try to Jim Thomas after some broken play soon after, and with 2 conversions to his name, the Boars started to look comfortable leading 14 – 5. This dominance didn’t last long and two more unconverted tries had the Eagles in front at the break 15 – 14.
The second half started the same as the first half ended, with the Boars unable to find cohesion in the forwards, and were unable to give front foot ball to their more skillful and speedier backs. Both teams traded tries, and with 5 minutes to go, the Bay were still in the hunt after tries to Sean Smith, and a second to Bradbury. However some lapses in judgement after the kick-off, and non-committal defence saw the Eagles finish the game with their 6th try, and a penalty goal to close the game out.
Final score Gungahlin 39, Batemans Bay 28. Best for the Boars were Max Harrison, Jacob Bradbury and Nick Bray.
Next week the team travels to Yass to take on the Rams, who have shown good form in the early rounds.
A loss for the boys on the road last weekend. Plenty of lessons learned and they will be smarter and better for it next week!!
View Jayzie Photography Bald Eagles vs Batemans Bay Boars online photo album HERE
