KXS 3rd XV (19) v Ravens (25)

Match Report

"In what can only be described as apocalyptic weather conditions, this was a game that played to the oppositions strengths. Big ball carriers up front and a large inside centre were responsible for all of the Ravens points in a wet and cold encounter.

The Steelers applied themselves well and went ahead 7-0 with a good try under the posts from outside centre Brandon Labistour after only 10 minutes but the Ravens hit back shortly thereafter with an unconverted try of their own.

Some very scrappy play followed with countless scrums from knocked-on balls. The Steelers held their own in the scrums and lineouts and won a number of turnover balls from excellent counter rucking but were unable to capitalise from this possession. Our quick backline could not get any momentum in the conditions with lots of ball going to ground.

The Ravens scored again from a penalty using their big pack to carry the ball over the line but failing to convert. 10-7 to the opposition at half time.

The Steelers made a good start to the second half with Tom Edgar breaking through in the backline and scoring a good individual try. We failed to convert with the score now 10-12.

Again, the Ravens hit back with another try in the forwards from some sloppy defensive work from the Steelers taking them to 15-12. This was followed by another push over try five minutes later and the Ravens had extended their lead to 20-12. Mustering all they had in the tank the Steelers came alive in the final 20 minutes with some aggressive play up front resulting in a converted try by Sam Riggs. 20-19 the Ravens were leading with 5 minutes left on the clock. The Steelers threw the kitchen sink at the opposition in those final minutes with Edgar nearly breaking again but it was not to be. With a minute left to play the Ravens scored again with their big forwards but failed to convert. Final score 25-19.

The coaches were encouraged by the Steelers tenacity and never-say-die approach. The conditions were never going to favour our quick but light pack and attacking backline play. Still, the Steelers managed to score all their tries in the backs but will rue missing out on what was a winnable game.

Man of the Match: Naomasa Ogawa

A losing bonus point to the Steelers for being within 7 of the Ravens score."