Baysies vs Associates at AllenPark

[pieter blackie]

Well like the topic says it is Baysies vs Associates at Allen Park

Premiers Perth-Bayswater aim to continue Associates’ indifferent start to the season when they meet at Allen Park in the RugbyWA senior competition sponsored by KWIK Transport & Crane Hire match of the week on Saturday.

Associates promised much for the 2008 season, recruiting strongly over the summer to gain classy new players such as former Palmyra lock Mark Westcott, and goal kicker and inside centre Nigel Staniforth.

In 2007, Soaks fielded a traditionally strong forward pack and an exciting young back line that made up for in enthusiasm what it lacked in experience. However, inconsistent results early in the season left them with too much ground to make up later in the year and the Swanbourne club finished outside the top four.

History may be repeating this year as the club’s performance in the early weeks has provided more questions than answers for coach Steve McFarland.

Against a rejuvenated Wests-Subiaco team, the lead changed several times in a fluctuating game that finished as a 32-all draw. It wasn’t the start the club was looking for but the potential was clearly obvious.

An impressive 46-3 thrashing of the unpredictable University club followed, combining solid forward work with dazzling counter-attacking skills. After the game, McFarland was looking for further improvements but the indications were all positive.

However, a 20-11 loss to Wanneroo last week derailed Soaks’ promising start and had McFarland heading back to the drawing board to rebuild his team’s damaged confidence.

A confrontation with premiers Perth-Bayswater may not be the best circumstances to attempt this task.

The Morley club, guided by wily Kiwi coach John Taylor, started their season with the narrowest of losses, 19-18 against perennial heavyweights Nedlands. Fielding ten new players, the premiers struggled to find form in the first half and were 19-8 down at half time. However, Perth-Bayswater staged a late charge that would have won the game but for unfortunate circumstances that forced the team to rely on their third-string goal kicker, missing a series of kickable goals.

Since then, Perth-Bayswater have looked the team to beat, accounting for Cottesloe 24-14 and thrashing a depleted Palmyra 50-15.

Perth-Bayswater’s forward pack is not as fearsome as it was, but the back line has been reinforced with attacking firepower in line with Taylor’s plans to fully utilise the experimental laws being trialled in the club competition this year.

[pieter blackie]

The Baysies Premiers team are really loaded with talent this weekend, and with a huge overflow of talent from the Premiers to the Seconds it might just turn into a good couple of games to watch

[goony]

hopefully pete.. love to beat soaks in front of their home crowd!!

[jazza93]

After a big loss to the roodogs last week i would be tipping soaks, i mean to get within 10 points of wanneroo and almost get a bonus point is a big effort and they must be in great form to do that.


Wanneroo vs Kalamunda today at kingsway, should be a walkover. i wont say which way yet though.

[pieter blackie]

Baysies won 29-19
with the seconds loosing to Associates 27-10

MAGIC START BREAKS
ALLEN PARK HOODOO
20 April 2008

Premiers Perth-Bayswater blasted Soaks off Allen Park with a ferocious early onslaught, scoring a point a minute to lead 17-0 after 17 minutes, and going on to win 29-19 after weathering a strong comeback by the home side in the second spell.

It took the premiers just five minutes to get on the scoreboard, screwing a Soaks scrum on the 22 then charging up with quick phases, the forwards driving halfback Sam Moon over for a try beside the posts. Lock Jock Stanley converted from point blank range. Five minutes later, Perth was in again, Western Force number eight Scott Fardy stealing ruck ball and breaking through to set up wing Cole Unasa for the try out wide. The conversion missed but the premiers were in charge at 12-0. Perth-Bayswater kept the pressure on, working the ball through the forwards and turning Soaks around with long kicks. The ball was driven up from a Perth-Bayswater penalty lineout five metres out after 17 minutes, a series of pick and drives resulting in Fardy spearing over for the try. Soaks stayed with their task, trying to run the ball wide and from a penalty took play downfield to score under the posts after 28 minutes. The try was converted to give Soaks a glimmer at 17-7. Soaks dominated possession in the closing stages of the half and scored again after another back line movement from a tap penalty. The points kept coming a minute later when Perth-Bayswater swept the ball wide and wing Nathan Hunt grubber kicked ahead, dropping on the ball in goal to score, taking the visitors ahead 22-12. Black stayed on attack and Soaks' prop was yellow carded just before half time as the home teamcommitted repeated infringements in defence.

Soaks were first on the board in the second spell, another tap penalty leading to a quick blind side break and try by their left wing. The try was converted and Soaks were right back in it at 22-19, the high-paced game up for grabs although neither team could build much continuity with a constant flow of free kicks. Associates increasingly dominated territory, locking the premiers in their half and running repeated attacking phases. However, Perth-Bayswater’s defence was firm and the home side was unable to capitalise on a feast of possession. Instead , Perth-Bayswater staged a rare breakout with eight minutes on the clock, reserve flanker Nathan Swayne busting through to set up Fardy for his second try, in the corner. Fardy converted from the sideline for a buffer at 29-19. Perth-Bayswater lifted, stealing turnovers and taking the game to Soaks for the final minutes and although Soaks came back for one last attack, the final whistle prevented any further score.

Coach John Taylor congratulated his forward pack after the game for their dominance in the first 25 minutes, and the back line for their solid defence that kept Soaks at bay for much of the second half. JT said that he had never beaten Soaks on their home ground and that fired the team up for a big start to the game.

[jazza93]

Kalamunda beat Wanneroo 49-38(12-13), it was a good game and it was pretty much try for try until the last few minutes.

[Jehna]

Nice work boys

[inactive]

another game- soaks had no mongrel

[force addict]

woo go Kalamunda!

[goony]

tough game this week with baysie taking on kalamunda!!! should be a huge battle, very physical game!!