Beecroft too good in Under 85kg Grand Final
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Wednesday, 23 July 2008
NSWRU Media Unit
Beecroft have won their second NSWRU Under 85kg title in three years after running out 14-0 victors over Mosman at Headen Park, Thornleigh.
2008 NSWRU Under 85kg Champions - Beecroft.
2008 NSWRU Under 85kg Champions - Beecroft. [2008 NSWRU Under 85kg Grand Final - Beecroft v Mosman at Headen Park, Thornleigh]
Beecroft working it in tight.
Beecroft working it in tight. [2008 NSWRU Under 85kg Grand Final - Beecroft v Mosman at Headen Park, Thornleigh]
Mosman poised for lineout ball.
Mosman poised for lineout ball. [2008 NSWRU Under 85kg Grand Final - Beecroft v Mosman at Headen Park, Thornleigh]
Beecroft flies high.
Beecroft flies high. [2008 NSWRU Under 85kg Grand Final - Beecroft v Mosman at Headen Park, Thornleigh]
Having conceded just one try in going through the regular season undefeated, Beecroft entered the Grand Final as favourites but were wary of their opponents, the defending champions.
And it was Mosman who turned on the early pressure, with their ability to break out quickly with speedy attacking raids forcing the Beecroft defence around time after time.
However in temperatures around 5C, the Whales could not breach the staunch Beecroft line which repeatedly forced turnovers or errors, limiting the amount of phase play Mosman could string together.
While both sides had their chances, they went to the break at nil-all setting up a tense final 25 minutes.
Beecroft continued to put Mosman on the back foot, forcing the Whales to clear from their own 22 so it was not surprising a counterattack resulted in the first try of the game.
Mosman unsuccessfully cleared the ball from their own line which Beecroft returned to around 10m out to begin their raid. With the ball cleared sharply by Matt Powell, flyhalf Ben Gordon put Mark Gillespie through the smallest of gaps with the No.8 carrying two defenders to score his second Grand Final try in three years.
Wing Ian Murray converted from adjacent to the left upright to give Beecroft a 7-0 lead.
Beecroft continued to make Mosman work from their own half, and again it was a clearing kick which failed to find touch which resulted in the next points.
With the ball shifted from centre-field to the left wing, Murray showed some individual brilliance to step through the first line of defence, speed past the cover and then step the fullback before touching down under the posts.
He converted his own try to extend to a 14-0 lead, and Beecroft were able to hold firm in defence over the final eight minutes to seal the title.
Beecroft hooker and captain Brett Towers praised the efforts of his team in the near-freezing conditions and throughout the season in which they conceded just five points in ten matches.
"The last couple of years there's only been three points in it [the Grand Finals], so we were determined to come out and put in a strong performance," said Towers. "Our backs were outstanding; they ran round the opposition really well, but with all good performances the hard work was done up front.
"Winners are grinners on the day. It's been a good season. Under 85s is a really fun, exciting brand of Rugby; we really enjoyed ourselves and to come out with a win is a bonus."
Beecroft's victory included a cheque for $4000, while runners-up Mosman collected $1000.
Highlights of the Grand Final will be featured in the Rugby Wrap on ABC TV this Saturday, at half-time of the Tooheys New Shute Shield clash between Sydney University and Gordon.
In its third season, the NSWRU Under 85kg competition featured ten teams in 2008 and caters for many players who may be too light to play top grade Rugby in the Suburban and Premier Rugby competitions. The mid-week matches were played on Tuesday and Wednesday nights under lights at grounds around Sydney.
Beecroft 14 (Mark Gillespie, Ian Murray tries; Ian Murray 2 cons) d Mosman 0 at Headen Park, Thornleigh. Half-time: 0-0. Referee: John Salisbury.
Beecroft: 1. Joel Carter, 2. Brett Towers [c], 3. Angus Lumsden; 4. Lucas Bendt, 5. Anthony Perrett; 6. Matt Bollinger, 7. Dean Berkhout, 8. Mark Gillespie; 9. Matt Powell, 10. Ben Gordon; 11. Ian Murray, 12. Andrew Carroll, 13. Tom Berkhout, 14. Tim Peek; 15. Peter May. Reserves: 16. Nick Childs, 17. Mark Carroll, 18. Shane Kemp, 19. Adam Walter.
Coaches: Steve Broughton-Rouse & Gregg Levett.
Mosman: 1. Damian French, 2. Carl Giammarco, 3. Andrew Simpson; 4. Paul van der Westhuizen, 5. Shaun Williams; 6. Greg McLaughlin, 7. James Knight, 8. Nick Breen; 9. Scott Jewel, 10. Adam Rugg, 11. Tim Rist, 12. Ed Joris, 13. Harrison Brown, 14. Dan van der Heide; 15. Matt Holmes. Reserves: 16. Mitch Hughes, 17. Seb Davison, 18. Marc Harris, 19. Shoji Takayasu, 20. George Psaltis, 21. Will Rossiter.
Coaches: Mick Kennedy & John Davaine
NSWRU Under 85kg Grand Final Honour Roll
2006 Beecroft 13 d Mosman 10 at Rawson Park, Mosman
2007 Mosman 3 d Beecroft 0 at CA Redmond Field, Brighton Le Sands
2008 Beecroft 14 d Mosman 0 at Headen Park, Thornleigh