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Rugby 2008 - Explorers 24 - 10 NetworkReporter - Matt Wilson (Explorer)Dubbed the game of the century by many, the highly anticipated Explorer V Network Rugby Match had pundits befuddled. Many had predicted a walkover in either direction; would the Explorers Rugby Experience or the Networks physicality and crash course in rugby triumph? The game started with quick Explorer possession, Network failed to secure pressure from Kick off and Explorers capitalised. Ridgway and Wilson kept the ball in tight and short runs from them and the forwards found the Explorers in the Network 22, more pressure from the forwards and some neat footwork from the backs led to gaps being formed. Greevy picked the ball up and found a gap to cross to put Explorers 5-0 up. Reeve put the conversion over to add 2 more points. Explorer forwards continued to dominate with Oli Hibbs and Ben Wilson putting their bodies on the line to secure the ball a number of times. Greevy continued to lead his troops in dominating the breakdown area every time. Ridgway made the decision to play a tactical kicking game. These kicks seemed successful until Network received one in space. Matt Wilson and Callum Hibbs should perhaps have been more aware in chasing it down but what happened was the one real glimmer of what Network had to offer, a smooth period of passing and running led to Saunders receiving out wide. He could have and perhaps would have been stopped by Greevy had he not been tripped by Network's Tommy Tognarelli. Saunders then proceeded to demonstrate gamesmanship by running off the pitch and then back on to score a controversial try for Network. The Conversion was missed by Makin and the score stood at 7-5. However after the restart Explorers re-secured their place in Networks 22. A chip kick over the top from Ridgway fell for Network winger Beach. He fumbled and Matt Wilson took it on to secure the Explorers in the 22 once again. Callum Hibbs cleaned up after Network spoilt Explorer ball and the ball was passed out to Wilson. With 3 men outside him most would say he should have passed but instead he did what he had been threatening all game so far. Sidestepping Adi Togs and cutting inside to beat Makin's tackle, he gave Saunders a hand off and crossed to extend the Explorer lead. The kick was missed and the score stood at 12-5. At this point Matt Wilson was removed from the field of play due to a minor facial injury to be replaced by Josh Williams. Soon after this Callum Hibbs broke through the Network line to set up brother Oli for Explorers third try. The crowd went wild (at least Mr and Mrs Hibbs did!!) This signalled the end of the First Half with the score at 17-5 to Explorers. The Second half was a much more interesting competition. Network came out with some new found spirit and Explorers seemed to have forgotten to come back on for the second half. Peach in particular put in some monster tackles to stop Network from breaking through. The Explorer backs seemed to be missing the flair that the Wilson/Hibbs centre combination had offered. The game became scrappy and Ben Wilson injured his shoulder in a ruck to reintroduce his brother Matt to the mix. Josh Williams went into the pack and Wilson reclaimed the centre position. The Explorer back line then started to become more exotic. A move by Wilson which did not pay off. His bad positioning at a scrum gave network a 4/3 overlap which they took full advantage of to score. Another missed kick from Network left the score at 17-10, still anyone's game. The game became a forward scrap with Network's Williams' twins putting in solid displays and the Tognarellis becoming deluded thinking they were forwards. The Explorers battled with Greevy, Binks, Hibbs, Statham and Ashworth battling but the Network pack was too strong at times. The Explorers chose to switch to back play with a defence splitting run from Ridgway brought the Explorers another try which he followed up with a conversion. 24-10 The game then became free flowing. Plenty of running with ball in hands and plenty of tackles from the backs became the pattern of the game. With the Togs' twins insisting on being "forwards" still rucks and mauls became a mess. Network competence took a knock when experienced Second Row Karl Binks hurting his ankle or knee or something and his game therefore coming to an end. The final crucial moment of the game was Adam Ollier's slow reaction time leading to him being dump tackled by inside centre Wilson leaving him lying on the floor winded with rumours of 2 broken ribs. He got up and battled on and a few moments later referee Keith Fraser brought play to and end. Both teams took part in the post match formalities with the handshaking and tunnel being demonstrated with utmost sportsmanship. Overall the game was played in the right spirit. Network played well considering it was their first ever game for most. Explorers put in good performances in most areas of the field to over power the stronger bigger players of Network. Man of the Match is extremely difficult to award, from a Network perspective the Twits performed well as did Adi Togs and to a lesser extent Tommy. The Hype surrounding Andy Makin pre game was apparently not worthy. He seemed to disappoint many with his performance. The Explorer contenders would have to be Centre Callum Hibbs along with Sam Peach and any of the Explorer Forwards.
Referee: K Frazer (Marple) Men of the Match: Third: J & D Williams (Network) Second: Buckley (Network) First: C. Hibbs (Explorers) See Sam Peach's Photos | |||||
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