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Well, I don't know what happened in other trials, but I was disappointed at the Palmyra Soaks match up today.
Soaks trounced Palmyra in all grades prior to my arriving, so I can't comment on that.
The Premier Grade game was a one sided affair. Associates dominated in the first 20 minutes (the game was played in two 20 minute halves, which in 40 degree temperature was more than enough) and they held complete control in the lineouts, winning all their own ball and most of Palmyra's.
The scrums were slightly more competitive for Palmyra, although Soaks had control and Paly were penalised time and again for charging, in a frustrated effort on their part to assert some authority over a vastly heavier and more powerful Soaks outfit.
In the backline Soaks showed the influence of their financial support, fielding an an almost entirely new grouping from last year, missing Dreyer, Goodwin and a number of other regulars, yet having effortlessly replaced them with a new set which were more than competent, launching wave after wave of effective attacks on the Palmyra line.
The second 20 minutes were less disasterous for Palmyra, with players from both sides affected by the extremely hot conditions, but nevertheless Soaks stamped their authority and control in a disciplined and impressive performance of attacking rugby.
The referees were disappointing, with many free kicks being awarded, in my opinion undeservedly, which saved Palmyra from a complete route.
I'm afraid it's going to be a long hard season.
Final score four tries to nil.