Bold Blues hold off miserly Merrylands
THE Maccabi Rugby Club held on for a tremendous 15-10 away victory over Merrylands on the weekend in what was an enthralling physical affair.
THE Maccabi Rugby Club held on for a tremendous 15-10 away victory over Merrylands on the weekend in what was an enthralling physical affair.
In slippery conditions, Aaron Muller was able to keep his feet to continue his superb scoring run, grabbing an early try after some solid forward pressure.
The forwards managed to sustain their strong work, allowing debutant Jacob Celermajer to crash over minutes later.
But a try and a penalty goal to Merrylands just before the break saw the home side draw level at half-time.
Coach Glen Ella praised his chargers at the interval and asked for more direct running and intelligent kicking to control the play.
And that’s exactly what the Blues did in the second period, swinging the momentum in their favour with clever movements.
Dean Friedlander scored on the back of an epic rolling maul, which included several backline players joining in to add a much-needed weight advantage.
Maccabi dominated possession and should have extended its lead, but was content with taking a five-point win into next week’s blockbuster against fellow top-four side Sydney Harlequins.
The Seconds showed tremendous spirit in their 19-5 loss to Merrylands, fighting out a grinding battle against a much larger opposition.
Down 12-0 at half-time, Maccabi applied superb pressure after the restart and crossed for its only try of the game.
But the miracle comeback was not meant to be, with the side conceding at the other end as the result was put beyond doubt.
AJN Staff
Photo: Bruce Palme Photgraphy
comments