Robinson v Queens’

Robinson 12-0 Queens’

While Jesus vs John’s was always going to grab the headlines, this return fixture between Queens’ and Robinson was a very important game for both teams who were looking to secure their Division 1 status before the winter break.

Last week Robinson dominated up front to secure a 4-try bonus point in a 27-13 win, but Queens’ showed up with considerable added bulk in the pack for this week’s match.  Hoping to exact revenge, Queens’ kicked off with the sun in their eyes, in otherwise ideal conditions for rugby.

Despite a bright start, Queens’ were unable to capitalise in the opposition 22. Early penalty decisions then went with the boys in blue and they established good field position with scrums outside the Queens’ 22. In a mirror of last week’s encounter, Queens’ struggled to match the Robinson pack in the set piece, being pushed back in the scrums and losing their first 5 lineout balls.

Robinson use their power up front in a dominating performance

The game was opened up a by a mistake Queens’ fly-half Mike Griffith kicked directly to touch after a turnover to hand the ball straight back to Robinson deep in their opponent’s half. From the ensuing lineout and maul, Robinson scrum-half Ryan Warnock span off the maul and broke through there weak tackles to score under the posts. Jack Cummings kicked the extras and Robinson were keen to press home their superiority in the first half.

They were rewarded with a second try – a kick to the corner secured another solid platform off the lineout and James Sandow capped off a fine forwards’ try driving over from short range. Queens’ managed to provide some resistance by keeping Robinson out for the rest of the half.

The second half continued in the same vein – Queens’ struggled to win their own lineouts and Robinson making yards with the pack. However, buoyed by successfully defending their line, Queens’ made a resurgence in the last half hour, finally sustaining some pressure on the Robinson line.  Having territory to attack from, only frantic defensive work managed to keep the out, but Robinson continued to go unpunished when a smart kick through by full-back Leo White earned a penalty 5m out. However, Robinson themselves continued to struggle make inroads on the Queens’ defence.

There was only one  team at the line-out

The half continued to be error ridden on both sides. But for a lenient referee, Robinson could have been a man down after persistent offences at the ruck for the final 10 minutes. Instead, Queens’ couldn’t find the key to unlock the defence and the final whistle came to the delight of the Robinson contingent.

Once again, the game was won by the forwards in the set piece, where Queens’ must improve if they are to have a chance of staying up. Both sides’ backlines need to get sharper, but Robinson should go into their next game brimming with confidence after making it three wins in a row. They will play another pair of back-to-back games, this time against Downing, before finishing the term against CCK. With Downing having lost today too, Robinson will fancy their chances in their first encounter

Photos courtesy of Harry Salmon