Former Magpie Chris Rawlinson landed a field-goal in the dying seconds to defy a much-improved Yass Magpies outfit at Walker Park on Saturday.
With the Magpies faithful shaking their heads at some of the opposing players, questioning why they were playing reserve grade, the Magpies turned on their best display of the season, falling just short in an entertaining arm wrestle.
With the down hill run in the first half and aided by a strong breeze, Yass opened the scoring in the second minute courtesy of successive penalties. Hooker Cody Timoti used strength to barge his way over from close range, with Tim Warden converting to extend Yass’ lead to 6-0.
It didn’t take long for Yass to further their lead. Courtesy of a penalty from prodigal son Chris Rawlinson, Yass found themselves camped in the opposition territory. After some hard-forward running, big prop Shaun Greathead crossed the line for Yass’ second try in the fifth minute. Warden converted and Yass led 12-0.
At this point Scholars started to have some possession and Yass were their own worst enemies, failing to complete their sets. Scholars capitalised on Magpies ill-discipline, crossing for an unconverted try in the 11th minute.
The match turned dramatically in the 32nd minute, when talented Yass back Andrew Swaffield was sent from the field for a dangerous throw, reducing the Magpies to twelve men for the remainder of the contest.
With an extra man and an apparent overlap, Scholars were able to score and convert to put their noses in front for the first time.
But a Scholars handling error in the following set allowed Yass to mount one last attack for the half. From the scrum win, Mat Lawrence was able to slice through some ordinary defence to level the scores. Warden missed the conversion and both sides went to the oranges all squared up at 16-16.
Scholars jumped out of the blocks in the second half, scoring an unconverted try in the third minute following a Yass turnover.
Both sides continued to rip-in and a tight arm-wrestle began to unfold. The black and whites were next to score in the 22nd minute of the half. On the back of some great lead up work, Henry Paton crossed over out wide to level proceedings.
Again, Yass failed to complete the following set, giving away a penalty in possession. Scholars took full advantage and ran in a converted try to take the lead 26-20 with around 15 minutes to go.
The match was brought back on an even keel when Scholars were reduced to 12 men after another dangerous throw. With this, the Magpies sensed they could still win the game.
In the 32nd minute, a penalty went against Scholars while in possession. At the end of the following set, Warden put through a grubber which rebounded off a Scholars player and was mopped-up by Shaun Greathead, who bagged his second for the afternoon. Warden converted and once again it was all tied up, this time at 26 apiece.
With time running out, Yass had one last attacking set but importunely turned over possession on the third tackle. Scholars had one last chance to snatch victory, which they did through a Chris Rawlinson field goal right as the full time siren sounded to take the game 27-26.
Naturally, Scholars were over the moon, full aware they had dodged a bullet. The words of their victory song left a lot to be desired for the gallant Magpies and their committed supporters.
The Magpies, although disappointed with the loss, should hold their heads up high. As was written earlier, there were some big name, big money players lining up for the opposition and to our boys credit, they matched it for the entirety of the game, even when reduced to 12 men.
It’s hard to single out any Yass players, as the whole side went in and had a dig. A special mention must go to the under 18s players who sat as fresh reserves for the game.
Tomorrow, the Yass Magpies under 18s and reserve grade play Gungahlin at Majura. Under 18s action gets underway at 1.30pm, followed by reserve grade at 3.
***
Canberra Scholars 27 defeated Yass Magpies 26 [S Greathead 2, C Timoti, M Lawrence, H Paton tries; Warden 3 conversions]
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