Tempest v CPM Gai Wu Rebels

The Tempest failed to gain momentum on Saturday as a clinical Gai Wu side gained the upper hand in this well-established rivalry. Tempest had ambitions of dominating the smaller Gai Wu pack at the set-piece, but a dogged display from the home side saw the men in pink consistently beaten in the tighter areas of the game. Gai Wu started brightly, using their new centre combination to good effect and making constant advances over the gainline. The Tempest's defence held firm until a tight line allowed the inside centre to break free and feed the left winger to go in at the corner. The conversion was missed.

The Tempest looked to knuckle down and began to play their own brand of rugby, built around a stout ruck and quick ball. Several infringements led to a central penalty 30 metres out, which was duly knocked over. 5-3. Gai Wu responded with another try, again sparked by the bulky-yet-nifty second five-eigth. The conversion was missed. 10 - 3.

This end-to-end game continued, with Gai Wu pressurizing the Tempest into dumb mistakes, capitalising on these with territory through a long kicking game. Tempest grabbed another 2 penalties, followed by a third Gai Wu try. 15 - 9. The nail in the coffin was a final converted penalty, the regular kicker having been relegated to a new bystander role. 18 - 9.

This was a real wake-up call for the Tempest. They now look to kick-on in the league and assert themselves as a potential force come the second round of fixtures.

Final score:
SCAA First Pacific CWB Tempest 9 - 18 CPM Gai Wu Rebels