Match Day #4 – Shawnigan v. Incheon Mechanical Technical H.S.
Wednesday - with an 11am kick off, the Shawnigan 1st XV had a quiet morning of preparation for the quarter final game against the South Korean team. After the walking wounded had got their daily taping and strapping from the very efficient medical staff at Global Arena, they were ready for game #4 warm-up.
Today’s opposition didn’t have the best record in the tournament but coaches Murdy and Williams had to ensure there was no complacency going into the game.
Shawnigan got off to a similar slow start to the previous game, letting Incheon Mechanical Technical H.S run at them with the same intensity as their Japanese counterparts. But once in possession the boys in black and gold looked dangerous. With a pack so much more powerful than the South Koreans, it wasn’t long before Zak E. powered his way through for a try. Much more impressive structure throughout the 1st XV than previous games didn’t allow many phases of play for the opposition, letting Shawnigan have most of the possession. With Incheon Mechanical Technical H.S not competing in the Shawnigan driving maul at the lineout meant free-kicks were awarded to the South Koreans. Unfortunately they were unable to take advantage of their ‘free ball’. After quick passing to the backs and great handling on a moist day meant Haydn E., Oliver N. and Djustice S-D all crossed the line for tries. A brilliant Guiseppe D., who has been more impressive as the tournament has gone on, kicked 3 conversions and 1 penalty giving Shawnigan a 29-0 lead at the half.
The second half was much like the first, with the larger black and gold pack dominating the scrums and rucks, giving more space for the runners to cross the gain line. With most subs now on the field it was great to see the intensity of the game had not eased off. Danny H., Guiseppe D., Joel B. and Daniel B. all touched down with Guiseppe converting each try. An impressive 57-0 with 22 points coming from Guiseppe D., and all eight subs getting on the field.
We are now just past the half way mark of the tournament, and the team are starting to feel the effects of the amount of rugby and a complete change to their diet – some really tired bodies. None the less, prep time was still compulsory and the boys are working away on their assignments.
The sponsor, Sanix, had another treat in store for the coaches and managers. They were bussed off to a traditional Geisha restaurant in Fukuoka. An evening sitting on the floor, with delicious food, and entertainment from the Geisha ladies made it a cultural experience for all the different countries.
- Mike Rea
