Newport 1 + 2 + 3 v's Namaka, Mount St Marys, Namaka

Apologies for the late blog on the games but getting the computer has been a daunting task.

Tuesday saw the assembly of the lads at the wharf on the island. The three boats ferried the boys and support staff to the two waiting buses to commence the 30 minute drive to the oval at Namaka Public School. En route via Nadi the boys were getting the first taste of Rock Star treatment. The passers by were cheering and waving and the boys boys responded like true rock stars. The boys delighted at the simplicity of the homes they passed, the bamboo football posts and the crops being tendered on the road.

Game 1:

Newport v's Namaka.

The warmups over, the nerves settled, the opposition aren't that big, half of them dont have boots, theyre all smiling..this should be good. Then kick off, and game on, the Fijians were lean, excited and ready to rumble and thats what they did. Our boys were subject to a blazing flurry of open rugby with Fijian ball skills not only being entertaining but pure genius in any open play. Our boys put in some valiant forward plays with successful pick and drive moves but as soon as the ball went loose, went wide, they were there...in numbers. Loose play specialists the Fijian attacks on our ball carriers were hard and skillful, tackling and ripping the ball simultaneously. Out wide the Fijian Namaka team were a delight to watch passing from player to player in loops, run arounds, open play what was described by one dad as being "played on ball bearings"

Namaka ran in two tries very quickly through loose open play and their fullback and centres running the gaps like naturals. Despite the superb tackling of some of the boys, the Fijians were so strong and able to break, bounce, roll out of tackles and continually distribute the balls.

Tom Bruce ran in a great try which was converted before half time. The score was 17 to 7. Second half saw some great settling by the Newport boys as the reality of the open play had registered. Continually they kept the ball in the forwards and continually worked phase after phase against a powerful defense. Despite the continual interuption they toiled at the line. There were some fantastic interludes with the Fijians showing some great gymnastic skills in the ball grab attempts and their rag doll tackling techniques. One high rag doll tackle saw the young Namaka forward "yellow carded" much to the cheering of the local crowd.

The crowd was coherced into barricking loudly for Newport, practising the mexican wave, and generally having a great time with the tourist on and off the field. There were smiles all round.

Despite some magical second half runs by the barefoot centre for Namaka the Newport boys were able to turn the tidal flow on occassions. Great pressure from the forwards and solid tackling efforts in the back's saw Newport spend some valuable time in the opposition quarter. On two occassions in the loose play the Fijians were beat at their own game by Tom Hargreaves who on two occassions secured an opportunistic ball and scored on both occassions. Was he a fijian??? or just an opportunistic lad catching on to their game plan?

In the forwards Angus Leck played magnificantly always pushing up the centre and taking on the Fijians. James Allo and Dylan Matthes put in some great efforts and matched the toughness of the forwards. Tom Hargreaves brought home the bacon for Newport and restored credability at the end of the game to bring the score to 22 (Namaka) to 19 Newport.

The coach Gene Burns was delighted by the boys comeback vowing to continue his coaching prowess into Thursdays game . Hope he improves his Haka by Saturday!

Game 2:

Game 2 – Tuesday
Newport versus Mount St Marys Public School
2.40pm – overcast and cool – A good day for Rugby.
The kick off saw a different tempo and expectation to that of Game 1. It was obvious the free flowing style of the Fijians needed some serious counter measures. The opening kick -off set the tone for the game with forward packs engaging in a physical tussle.
The first break downs saw the ball shut down by Newport on several occasions in the forwards and when the ball was sent spiralling along the St Marys backline Jack Donlan and Harry Jones completed some huge hits on their opposing centres. The intensity of the game did not falter either opponent with both forward packs and back lines still giving 100% physical effort. Newport was successful in shutting down the five eight and centre combination on several occasions while the forwards congregated on the loose ball. It appeared some of the lessons witnessed in game one had been learnt.

The ball was hotly competed for whenever a play had shutdown. More often than not the bustling Newport pack, perhaps not as physical but definitely well structured continued to harness control and several phases of pick and drive delivered some exciting and tiring football as the big fellas pursued the yardage up the centre. Several phases saw the ball put to the back lines of both teams but each opposing backline shutting down each other in a very effective defense. It was a real contest and the yardage gained and lost was equal in proportion.

A penalty was given for a St Marys infringement and the boys created a set play designed by the "Coach of Coaches" Greg Donlan (supported by the sensational Assistant Coach Angus James, the irrepressable Assistant Assistant Coach Scott Griffiths and the mercurial Assistant Assistant Assistant Coach Ilkka Tales who introduced "Chilli" to the warm up sessions to "fire up the boys") that delighted the Fijian crowd and dazed their opposites. The penalty was set on the 25 metre line of the Fijians where the boys formed a semi circle. At the rear of the circle Harry Jones positioned as ball receiver, the tap was taken and the semi circle confused the vision and movement of the ball while it was quickly flick backward to Harry peeling to the right side of the field, with a short dummy and strong inside run to split the Centre line and score directly under the posts. 5 nil. No conversion.

Every kick off was a contest as shortly after Kahu Andronicus was off the field with a Fijian headache. Virgil Townsend was playing a strong forward game with great aggression and drive up the centre. Despite a bleeding nose he kept going. The play was full of Fijian acrobatics as they attempted intercept passes, tackles and the famous Fiji rag doll tackles (grab around the neck and flung around). Entertain and athletic despite being offside on several occasions. The Newport boys took and gave some heavy tackles.

Off the field and on the sideline some major activities were also being conducted. Some of the boys from game one were engaged in a sideline game of touch / grab / smash footy which saw Zac Tales leave the sidelines (off field) in a bloodied state much to the delight of the local kids who were amazed at the efficiency of our medical team. Zac Tales was the reserve this match, having played in the previous match, and had asked the "Coach's Coach" for the honour of carrying the kickoff tee. Some time during the game, Zac had taken his boots off and started a game of rugby on the sideline with the local kids. A try was scored in the main game, Greg Donlan went looking for his tee holder only to find Zac at the bottom of a ruck with kids jumping all over him. Greg yelled out, "Where's my tee Zac" and Zac shook of 4 local challengers who had him locked at the bottom of a smothered tackle. He jumped up immediately apologising "Sorry Coach I stuffed up, here I'll get the tee, "Too late, snarled the coach, Harry just missed the dropkick, if this cost me my coaching career, you'll be playing fullback and kicking the goals your self".

The St Johns boys were on hand with Ambo parked at the ready and a proverbial esky in hand. The medical kit was ice in plastic bags and plenty of goodwill.

Back to on field action: -
Corey Burns was sensational with his pick and drive efforts which was ultimately rewarded with a bustling try that was nicely captured by the team photographer. There were some strong backline plays between the respective back line and defence particularly by Conrad Hutchings who was brutal at times. Jack Donlan ran with purpose but could not seem to get the penetration through his opponent. But managed some good offloads. Harry placed some well executed kicks and bolstered the attacking position gaining some 30 + metres in distance. Dan Channon at full back did some solid head on line tackles that were nothing short of full commitment.

Hugo Campbell came from the field stating “These guys are really tough on us” to be met by the coaches comment “ Really, thats a bit unfair” and a sly grin.

The second half saw some great backline passing by Newport and finally another try was the reward from a swift counter attack. Conrad was seen making multiple tackles on the attacking Fijian side as they tended to bounce back onto their feet after being tackled.
The back's were met with some exciting looping and flowing rugby however the diligence of the forwards contained alot of their activity with limited opportunity. The backs produced some great set moves, run around moves themselves. It was a substantial contest that saw the closing minutes with a breakaway run from the fast Fijian St Marys winger beating several players but ultimately gallantly chased by Jack Donlan in a great tackle that unfortunately saw both players slide over the try line of Newport. Try and game over. The crowd on that side of the field was delighted. The final score was Newport 17, St Marys 5.

A funny twist of events saw Harry Jones moved from Centres to Front Row as penalty for “poor form” on tour, but despite continual grumbles he played well before being put into the second row where his head gear and orange boots still looked good but gave him a bit more room to move. He showed such promise there is conjuncture he may remain in the forward pack. Virgil Townsend was moved out onto the wing showing he had the smarts to play in the backs, waiting for the opposition to run to him rather than him moving up in defense.

The oval had some incredible divets including some well concealed reinforced concrete but was happily covered by the friendly guests with sawdust and a prayer. The dads marked the spot praying the game would never encroach.

The crowd loved the game with all the Fijian locals totally happy for us to win either way. As the teams shook hands, t shirts were given to the locals. After the experience of the first game the boys realised that their head gear was a prized possession so these were held tightly and none had to be rescued on this occasion. The spoils of war.

Game 3:
Newport v’s Namaka
This game had a strong tempo built around it and occurred in short succession after game 2. The boys ran and were met by fairly lean team who despite a few players did not have a height advantage over our side. They were ...fit.
The kick off saw the weather threatening to rain, the crowd thinning from school children but well supported by the parents and friends who had finished work. The team they were playing was apparently undefeated for several years and were attending in confidence. The game marked the return of Will “bear” Davies after his unlucky leg injuries and surgery.

The tempos of the game commenced ferously with the forwards locked in a solid tussle. The first break down saw the tenacious Fijian side rip and steal the ball and quickly disperse the ball with rifling passes to the centres. It was here that there was no doubt Will was back. Like a cruise missile Will locked on to his opposing centre and absolutely took his legs and feet right from underneath him in what was a massive tackle. The Fijian smiled and got up and his mates had already regathered the ball and commenced recycling the ball through the backline. Hit after hit was made on their backs but their agility, desire to move forward proved the Fijian's to be more elusive than wiley coyotes. The pace was frantic and very physical. Jake Crawford made some solid advances while Louie Wayling put in a stellar effort. Louie would continually break through the pack with surging bull like runs, often checked by the Fijians but he did not stop.

The open play by the Fijians was superb particularly in their back line. They appeared to have incredible numbers out wide time and time again, looping and doubling up to make our sliding defence work hard. Even when tackled they would not stop and there was always agile numbers waiting to go forward and seize any opportunity that presented.

The forwards worked hard at controlling the ball in the forward pack, the contest was even but they were exceptionally physical and hard players often countering our moves with great effect. They did manage to provide some good clean ball to the back through some strong rolling mauls particularly with Louie Wayling proving a standout. The ball cleared several times with crisp half back passes from Tom McGain to Tyson at five eight and then to Will Davies and Harry Jones in the centre and the winger Josh Tyler showing some great catching skills on occasion. Continually the backline combination of Newport saw Tyson Damp running diversion lines with Will Davies or Harry in the centres. Some created some excellent breaks and others were read well by the Fijians who produced an effective swarming defence. Our ball security was tested over and over as the Fijians had mastered the art of tackling the player , quick to their feet, rip and steal the ball and they would then counter attack in moments. Our techniques were tested continually and often left wanting by the free playing Fijians who were masters of opportunity.

Within 10 minutes the Fijians had spun the ball from the maul to the inside centre who placed a great kick behind our centres. Three Fijians swarmed on an isolated Will Davies, a poor bounce did not favour will and fortunately nor the Fijians. The scrum win saw an unfortunate drop ball by Newport which was gathered on the run by the Fijian full back who exhibited some superb running and open play skills to weave his way into a try in the corner.

The kick off was a swift affair with Fijians taking the ball on the run and again the fullback despite being gallantly pursued by Dylan Thompson blitzed his way to the try line. In further play we retaliated with some great counter attacks, particularly with one back line move where Jones placed a well judged kick over the heads of the Fijians backs with a nasty bounce and hotly contested pursuit Harry regathered the ball only to succumb to a knock on. The ball was won in the scrums (uncontested) by our lads and it saw Tyson preparing to sidestep his opponent when the ground just slid out from under his boots and the move was lost. The ground top cover was very loose and played the same tricks on Harry and Jack on several occasions when looking to put in the big moves!! The fumbled ball was snapped by the Fijian five eight who then spiralled the ball to touch for half time. Score Newport Nil – Namaka 19.

Second half resumed and some serious rag doll tackle attempts by the gymnastic styled Fijians saw some cautions issued and almost another Fijian half back being sent to the side line. The contest in the forwards was epic, just a hard to and fro as both teams battled for ground. Another penalty in our favour saw Dylan Thompson receive the ball and make an outstanding run down the left side of the field. A short time later while scrumming down it was incredible to see the depth of attack angle the Fijians used against our flat defence. They hit the ball with speed and while appearing to shimmy and shake they ran straight but always managed to offload to their outside or inside man. Their back lines often had the second rowers joining in.

Our forwards continued to valiantly contain the Fijian fowards but whenever the ball went loose it was “Fiji time”. They would then scoop and run the ball passing and swooping with some of the best backline displays of open rugby that had been seen for a long time. In fairly quick succession individual and team brilliance by the Fijians split and penetrated our defence. Unlike home games these players do not stay down and they play with a sixth sense of who is outside them or a knowing trust that support is looking for action right behind them.It was not long before the score line was rising against us.
Newport showed terrific determination which was exampled by a scrum pack down in the locals 25metre line after the forwards had worked their way solidly to the scrum position. The ball was won cleanly and McGain rifled a perfect pass to Damp who dispatched quickly to Davies then Jones, Jones drew his man and threw a cutout pass to Josh on the wing who collected the ball between his knees at speed to run and dive for the corner. Try to Newport. The crowd loved it as well. The score was Newport 5: Namaka 26
The next fifteen minutes saw a flurry of tries scored by the Fijians in rapid succession. They exhibited some great open rugby that proved so difficult to contain. There was some great moments from Luke, Will Davis tackling and line running was hard, handling and running of Josh on the wing. The tidal wave couldn’t be stopped. It wasn’t a pushover for the Fijians but it was a great exhibition of some of their skills. Their try scoring and quick drop kick field goals to covert was like sevens rugby and very matter of fact. The boys on both teams finished the game with a score line of Newport 7: Namaka 40 . Despite a hard game the boys had all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and had come off pretty much injury free. This was amazing considering the games intensity.

The boys gave t-shirts to the opposing players and the final exchanges and thank yous were completed. They all had a fantastic time, a humbling experience culturally, and also felt rather humbled by the Fijian rugby skillset. It is their national love and passion. It shows. What a pleasure to watch, and what great attitudes the Newport boys played with.