My Blackout Rugby Manager Diary (of sorts)

First Half - 40:22
Baltimore Blast are up by 4 heading into half time. Fairfield College
Preparatory head to the sheds knowing exactly what awaits them in the
half-time pep talk...

First Half - 39:56Thurlow starts the conversion on line for the
right-hand pole. Will it draw in?.... No, it just grazes the outside of
the post and goes wide!

First Half - 39:07
Pendred looks pretty sure he scored, and there are smiles all round from
Fairfield College Preparatory... The ref gets word from upstairs
quickly and signals the try! Fairfield College Preparatory are eating
into the Baltimore Blast lead with that try from Pendred. The gap closes
to 4 points, with the conversion to follow.

First Half - 39:07Ratu has gone down and stayed down after that tackle.
It looked like he got his head in the wrong position. Chinn will come on
to replace Ratu even though he's walking off under his own power. It
looks like a minor precaution.

First Half - 37:27
Fairfield College Preparatory front-row are being stood up at this scrum
by intense Baltimore Blast pressure. They give 2 metres before Robbins
comes round to pick up the ball at the base. Robbins picks up at the
base and goes...and goes! Straight up the guts. A real rousing rumble. A
furious exchange as players from both sides drive in. Fairfield College
Preparatory control the ball confidently with their feet, it was
bobbling around after that tackle... Fairfield College Preparatory
halfback runs away from the ruck flat before dumping the ball off to
Sleeper charging up the middle, and Sleeper meets a solid wall of
resistance right on the gain-line. The breakdown forms. Fairfield
College Preparatory halfback is pointing at something in the ruck, now
he goes digging for the ball! Pendred now, trying to go on a rampage up
the middle. He's been knocked down uncerermoniously by the Baltimore
Blast. The ref asks the Baltimore Blast to roll away from the ball at
this tackle. That's good-ish ball for Fairfield College Preparatory. Now
Ryan cuts the angle and drives the ball into the Baltimore Blast
midfield gaining good ground. The Baltimore Blast eyeing a turnover,
good ball at the ruck for Fairfield College Preparatory. Fairfield
College Preparatory bring the ball out short to Berthet who is harshly
stopped in his tracks by the Baltimore Blast. That was tough, tough
defence around the ruck. Not much of a dent being made in the Baltimore
Blast defensive wall here, that's quick ball. Guthrie pounds the ball
up into the close defence. He's taken down but not held in the tackle,
and scrambles to his feet again to earn extra yardage. At the next
Fairfield College Preparatory ruck in this sequence, Fairfield College
Preparatory blast the Baltimore Blast well off the ball! Fairfield
College Preparatory are seriously threatening to score now. Pendred
takes the pass and has a wide open path to the try line. The Baltimore
Blast are trying to make up ground, but the first defender to get to
Pendred can only wrap him up in the action of diving over the try line.
An easy five points for Fairfield College Preparatory? We'll have to
wait and see - Pendred may have put a foot in touch there. The ref calls
for a television review as he trots over to consult with the nearside
TJ...

First Half - 36:38
Guthrie waits for the call, then sends a long ball straight down the
middle. The Baltimore Blast compete well and have lifted Plater in front
of Woolman. That's a clean steal by Plater! The two packs clash, and a
maul forms. Fairfield College Preparatory have disrupted that drive very
effectively... The ball will have to be shipped out now! The ferocity
at this first tackle is hard to believe! This is good ball for the
Baltimore Blast. Douglass sends a pass off well in front of Ratu. He
gets a hand to it but can't quite gain control... Ratu drops it
backwards ingoal! Godwin, under pressure from the attackers, dives on
the ball in goal. Fairfield College Preparatory will take a scrum about 5
metres out from the Baltimore Blast try line. Fairfield College
Preparatory will be hoping to score here.

First Half - 35:41
A decoy jump at the front draws in Strag and his lifters, before
Lymburner rises to meet the throw unchallenged in the middle! Play goes
into a maul, Fairfield College Preparatory roll the maul infield. They
drive forward at a brisk tempo. It looks like Strag has been penalised
for entering the maul from the wrong side. Fairfield College Preparatory
are awarded the penalty. After a quick conference, Thurlow turns
sideways and kicks the ball straight into touch. Fairfield College
Preparatory and the Baltimore Blast prepare for a lineout just 10 metres
from the Baltimore Blast's line.

First Half - 34:59
Castrilli waits for the call, then sends a short ball straight to the
front. A lot of movement up and down the line by the Baltimore Blast,
and Ruggeri arrives on time to pluck the ball out of the air for the
Baltimore Blast. He taps it back to Jardine. Douglass has time to
measure the punt. The ball clears the sideline, that was a shortish
effort by Douglass. A lineout is forming between the 22 and the 10 metre
line in the Baltimore Blast half. The ref is telling both sets of
forwards to maintain the gap...

First Half - 33:37
Godwin gathers the ball and moves it on for Dawes to take it up into
Fairfield College Preparatory chase. Dawes has been knocked to the deck.
The first Baltimore Blast pod heads into the tackle. Danger stations
for Fairfield College Preparatory after a well executed ruck gives
Baltimore Blast some fast attacking ball! Baltimore Blast only have a 10
metre shortside but still look to work the space with some neat
interpassing. Jardine spreads the ball to Isaacs out on the sideline and
he pops it back inside to Castrilli, but it's all a bit intricate and
Castrilli is well wrapped up by Fairfield College Preparatory. A lot of
congestion around the tackle, Fairfield College Preparatory appear to
have taken possession. Lymburner has won the ball and he's looking for
support. The ball is transferred into Fairfield College Preparatory
midfield and they are looking for someone to straighten up the play!
Agnew has lost position in the Baltimore Blast defensive line and he
can't stop Wiggins easing outside him! He moves up through the gears
down the tram-lines. Wiggins gets the ball over the top of the tackle
from Godwin to Luttrell, but Luttrell had to check his run to take the
ball. Luttrell is tackled straight out into touch on the left side of
the field. The Baltimore Blast and Fairfield College Preparatory prepare
for a lineout just 10 metres from the Baltimore Blast's line.

First Half - 33:25The Fairfield College Preparatory deep defense is well
organized, and Stringer comes across to collect the ball. Stringer
sends an adequate kick upfield but fails to find touch.

First Half - 33:13
The players bind and Jardine puts the ball in for the Baltimore Blast.
They instantly recycle it and send it to the back of the scrum. Douglass
looks like he's just trying to get rid of the ball! Rather
agriculturally, the ball's been booted upfield, let's see what Fairfield
College Preparatory can do with the return now.

First Half - 33:13
Ruggeri is getting up a little gingerly after that scrum, he's holding
his back and looks to be in some pain! Ruggeri looks into the doc's eyes
and nods affirmatively. I think he'll be able to stay on here.

First Half - 32:27
The Baltimore Blast scrum is comfortable and secures a quick, clean ball
for Jardine who has ample time to set up for the pass. Harry has the
ball and he's looking to make a few moves. He was able to juke one
tackler, and fires off a blind 'no-look' pass before getting hit by
another! Interception! Harry should have noticed Woolman, crouching in
ambush, ready to hit the line between passer and the intended receiver.
Woolman is in the clear, running like he just stole some apples from the
local orchard! He's in the clear with only the fullback Godwin to beat
and with O'Coffey in support! Woolman passes to O'Coffey too soon, and
now O'Coffey has a lot of work to do... He steps right, then left,
trying to confuse Godwin and sends a pass back to Woolman.... Woolman
needs to work on his support play! He got ahead of O'Coffey and that
pass had to travel forward to reach him! Disappointing for Fairfield
College Preparatory... The scrummage about fifteen metres from half way
in the Baltimore Blast half goes down. The ref orders a reset.

First Half - 32:02
Castrilli fizzes a long throw to back of the lineout for Pellew, however
Lymburner gets first touch for Fairfield College Preparatory. Lymburner
loses control of the ball - that's rolled forwards. The referee has
called them back for a scrum 15 metres in field. Jardine to feed into
the Baltimore Blast scrum.

First Half - 31:25
The front rows engage and Fairfield College Preparatory tighthead
immediately burrows straight across the tunnel. The Baltimore Blast find
themselves on the back foot and it's A-plus ball for Fairfield College
Preparatory. An accurate pass from Robbins allows Thurlow to clear to
touch with an average-length punt from inside his own 22. A Mexican wave
rolls past the Baltimore Blast hooker as he prepares to throw into a
lineout between the 22 and the 10 metre line in Fairfield College
Preparatory half.

First Half - 30:21
At the break down again, the Baltimore Blast struggle for support, The
Baltimore Blast wipeout is taking no prisoners, as two Fairfield College
Preparatory players fly out of the back of that ruck like chaff! Here
comes Pellew on the drive. He's shaken off a Fairfield College
Preparatory challenge on his way upfield! Good play. The ref asks
Fairfield College Preparatory to roll away from the ball at this tackle.
The Baltimore Blast player lays the ball back immediately for the
halfback as three Baltimore Blast forwards drive past the ball! The
Baltimore Blast wingman has the ball and he's looking to make a few
moves. He's able to juke one tackler, and flips an optimistic 'no-look'
pass behind his back before getting hit by another! Luttrell and
Wiggins have been caught unawares as Godwin's run splits them perfectly!
He sprints down the field with support from Agnew. Two defenders,
O'Coffey and Pendred are hot on chase! Godwin sends a pass off to Agnew
just as Godwin gets tackled by the fullback O'Coffey. Just as Agnew goes
over the line, some late contact with a Fairfield College Preparatory
cover defender sends the ball flying out of his control! There are looks
of disbelief among the Baltimore Blast supporters as they have to cut
off their celebrations in mid-flow! No try! Fairfield College
Preparatory are awarded a scrum 5 metres out from their own line.

First Half - 29:42
Castrilli sends a good ball to the front, where Ruggeri is waiting. The
ball is quickly passed down to Jardine with possession staying with the
Baltimore Blast. Now it's Harry ferreting his way up through the middle
for good yards! A ferocious scrap at this breakdown, the Baltimore Blast
have won a good ball. Godwin weighs up his options at first receiver.
He flips the ball to Douglass and wraps around him quickly. Fairfield
College Preparatory defenders are caught flat-footed as Godwin turns on
the afterburners and shoots upfield! Godwin cruises across the gain-line
in acres of space! Robbins and Luttrell are yards and yards away! The
first-up defense has been split but Fairfield College Preparatory cover
is flooding across field. Godwin has been brought down like a cornered
buffalo!

First Half - 28:43
Fairfield College Preparatory make some final adjustments as Douglass
holds the ball up above his head for the restart. Douglass kicks towards
Kerby standing in left-center. Kerby quickly passes it to Luttrell for a
kick. Luttrell is within the twenty-two, he quickly sends a pretty good
kick downfield and watches it skip safely over the touch line. Time for
a Baltimore Blast lineout roughly thirty metres out from the try-line
in Fairfield College Preparatory's half.

First Half - 28:20
Thurlow's conversion attempt misses to the right.

First Half - 27:35
The crowd noise starts to rise as the big screen goes blank for a
moment. A big flash and it's..... TRY! for Fairfield College
Preparatory. Greeted by a huge roar from Fairfield College Preparatory
fans! Fairfield College Preparatory are now 9 points behind after the
try by Wiggins. It's 14-5 to the Baltimore Blast.

First Half - 27:05
A controlled scrum there by Fairfield College Preparatory, pushing the
Baltimore Blast back slightly. A double miss pass gets the ball quickly
outside the defense, and Pendred makes good progress before he's mopped
up by the cover. The ref peers in and asks the Baltimore Blast tackler
to release the ball. Good body positions on the drive for Fairfield
College Preparatory. Wiggins takes the ball on an one-out charge. He
bundles his way through two attempted Baltimore Blast tackles and lands
near the goal-line. Immediately four or five Baltimore Blast players
pile on, obscuring the ref's view! He draws the square and sends the
decision upstairs...

First Half - 26:16
Back at half way now, Fairfield College Preparatory ready to make the
kick. Harry gets first touch to the medium-length restart by Thurlow.
The ball hits the dirt and rolls forward. Fairfield College Preparatory
have been awarded a scrum at the twenty two metre line in the Baltimore
Blast half.

First Half - 25:48Douglass bangs over the conversion with some conviction to make the score 14-0 to the Baltimore Blast.

First Half - 24:30
Ratu collects the ball in midfield and chips neatly into the space
behind Fairfield College Preparatory defenders on chase. A good bounce
and the defence will have been split open like a ripe melon here! The
ball sits up obligingly... The Baltimore Blast have given Ratu an
one-on-one with Luttrell, and he's beaten him all ends up! He goes up
through the gears as he flies along the touch-line. O'Coffey comes
across to stop Ratu but Ratu steps inside him and floats a long ball
inside to Dawes. Dawes gets tackled immediately by Stringer but pops the
ball off the ground for Godwin coming through in support! Godwin
cruises round under the posts as a last despairing effort by Fairfield
College Preparatory is brushed aside with contempt. Godwin grounds the
ball for the try and hurls the ball high towards the Baltimore Blast
fans! That 5 point extension to the Baltimore Blast lead from Godwin is
rubbing salt into the wound, taking the Baltimore Blast 12 points ahead.


First Half - 24:05
Stringer catches the ball and angles across field before giving the ball
to Pendred on the scissors, but the Baltimore Blast follow-up have read
that one well and shut down the running lanes for Pendred. Fairfield
College Preparatory try to keep control as a ruck is formed. Fairfield
College Preparatory find it hard to move the pile backwards. Eventually
the ball emerges on Fairfield College Preparatory side. Under some
pressure from the Baltimore Blast halfback, Robbins sends a pass off to
Thurlow. Thurlow has to stretch to take that one and he only just gets
his punt away in time!

First Half - 23:53
Castrilli waits for the call, then sends a short ball right down the
middle to Strag. He taps it back to Jardine. Jardine whips a pass back
to Douglass. Douglass angles a nicely-struck kick off towards the
sideline, but the ball is staying infield.

First Half - 22:35
Heavy contact at this ruck, the ball is funneled to the back on
Fairfield College Preparatory side. This man is a machine! Serianni just
drills forward through the Baltimore Blast defence and there's no
bringing him down. Great go-forward for Fairfield College Preparatory.
Another ruck for Fairfield College Preparatory . Fairfield College
Preparatory wipeout is taking no prisoners, as two Baltimore Blast
players fly out of the back of that ruck like chaff! Looks like a
set-piece play here from Fairfield College Preparatory, decoy players in
motion on both sides, but a long miss pass is given. Luttrell eats up
the yards down the sideline before he's taken down by the Baltimore
Blast cover. Fairfield College Preparatory making good progress here,
stringing the phases together well. The Baltimore Blast need to tighten
the defence up or they could be in trouble! Ryan has been caught using a
hand to nudge the ball back on the deck. That will be a penalty. The
Baltimore Blast captain considers his options with this penalty, then
gestures towards the touch line. Douglass looks at the ref and marks the
spot decisively, and his awkward-looking kick goes safely into touch.
There will be a lineout close to the half way line in the Baltimore
Blast half. The Baltimore Blast hooker moves a couple of TV cables
before addressing the lineout.

First Half - 22:06
At the command 'Engage', the Baltimore Blast forwards drive through the
mark and on for a further 4 metres before releasing the ball to Jardine.
Jardine dummies to a couple of forwards on the short ball before firing
out a pass to Harry coming off the left wing infield. Harry took his
eyes off the ball as he headed for a gap. He can't control it, and it
bounces behind him. 'Play on' calls the ref! Ryan is first to the ball.

First Half - 21:22Godwin takes the ball confidently for the Baltimore
Blast. Godwin has put up a huge bomb but he's got underneath it and put
his side under all sorts of pressure! Luttrell goes up for the ball
aggressively Aussie Rules style, but he's misjudged his leap and the
ball ricochets off his shoulder. Luttrell takes his eyes off the ball
and fumbles it forward. The scrummage will pack down midway between the
ten metre line and the twenty two in the Baltimore Blast half.

First Half - 21:08
The ball is won from the scrummage by Fairfield College Preparatory but
they're getting no change out of a secondary shove. Robbins drops off
and calls for the ball. Thurlow receives the pass from Robbins and
decides to hoof the ball straight upfield for position. It rolls to a
stop near the Baltimore Blast 22.

First Half - 19:44
Thurlow will restart the match from half way. Thurlow has kicked that
one out to the right where Harry of the Baltimore Blast takes it high
above Fairfield College Preparatory players. The ref shouts "Release!"
as players hurl themselves into contact, the ball is held at the back of
the ruck for what seems like an age as the Baltimore Blast halfback
organises the forces outside him! The breakdown's right out near the
left sideline, there's only a very skinny shortside here. Jardine sees
that the last Fairfield College Preparatory defender has been pulled in
towards the ruck and flicks the ball straight off the ground into the
hands of Ruggeri and there's nobody home for Fairfield College
Preparatory! Serianni tries to smash his shoulder into Ruggeri but he
bounces out of the challenge and now he's away! He makes a dash down the
field with O'Coffey on chase! Ruggeri fires a pass off to Dawes who
can't break away from O'Coffey so he sends the pass back to Ruggeri.
He's struggling to get control of the ball. That'll be a knock-on.
Ruggeri has his hands on his hips and he's shaking his head at that
result. The two front-rows prepare for battle about five metres out from
half way in Fairfield College Preparatory half. The ref warns both
sides to hit up on the engagement...

First Half - 19:21
Douglass bangs over the conversion with some conviction to make the score 7-0 to the Baltimore Blast.

First Half - 17:54
Strag climbs effortlessly to catch this short throw from Castrilli. He
deflects the ball to Jardine off the top of his jump. Jardine slips a
pass to Douglass who flicks it on to Ratu. There's space out wide and
Ratu finds Douglass who's doubled around him. What a glorious offload!
Douglass brushes aside the tackle of Pendred as he hits the hole! He
sprints down the side line with support from Dawes on the inside.
O'Coffey gives chase as the last line of defence. Douglass fires a quick
pass in to Dawes. They should go all the way here! Dawes eases over the
try-line straight in between the uprights as Fairfield College
Preparatory cover gives up the ghost... He roars at the Baltimore Blast
support behind the goal as team-mates engulf him from all
sides!...................Murray says:"Yeah, you've gotta love it,
haven't you? Dawes sees the space and BANG! - he's there. It's such a
magnificent sensation when the gap opens and you burst right through
like that. Great footy!" Fairfield College Preparatory have got to be
kicking themselves for allowing the momentum to shift in favour of the
Baltimore Blast so suddenly. The score is now Baltimore Blast 5 -
Fairfield College Preparatory 0.

First Half - 17:21
The Baltimore Blast captain considers his options with this penalty,
then gestures towards the touch line. Douglass looks at the ref and
marks the spot decisively, and his towering kick goes safely into touch.
The Baltimore Blast will have their lineout about ten metres outside
the 22 inside Fairfield College Preparatory's half.

First Half - 17:21
Coppersmith is still lying on the turf. The physio waves some smelling
salts under his nose, and he jerks upright. Looks of concern from the
Baltimore Blast fans as Coppersmith hobbles from the pitch with the
assistance of the trainer . It looks like he could be out for a while
with that knock. In the mean time Ruggeri has the tracksuit off and is
already on the field and in position.

First Half - 16:50
The Baltimore Blast hit the ruck hard, the Baltimore Blast have no
problem keeping possession at this ruck. Simple one-out football from
the Baltimore Blast. The ball is spun out to Harry who ploughs upfield
for excellent yardage! A three-man Baltimore Blast pod is ready to
support the ball-carrier, That ball is clearly being smuggled back on
the floor by a Fairfield College Preparatory hand. The ref rightly
penalises the hand - it belongs to Serianni!

First Half - 16:40
Thurlow gets up well to field his own kick in heavy traffic! Thurlow
loses the ball, but the ref opens his arms wide and says 'play on'!
Castrilli dribbles the ball on as Thurlow tries to dive on it, now the
Baltimore Blast player picks it up!

First Half - 15:49
That's a short throw which seems to be heading just over the jumper, but
Coppersmith arches backwards and the ball sticks to his fingertips!
Amazing athleticism shown there. Coppersmith delivers the ball to
Jardine off the top of his jump. Dawes takes the ball in after a couple
of Baltimore Blast passes and sets up a fine target for his forwards!
Fierce clashes all the way along the trenches at this breakdown, the
ball is held at the back of the ruck for what seems like an age as the
Baltimore Blast halfback organises the forces outside him! Time for the
Baltimore Blast forwards to roll up their sleeves and get to work!
Coppersmith takes the ball up but a Fairfield College Preparatory player
picks up one of his legs and now he's hopping backwards, he's trying
desperately to stay upright... People from both sides hitting the ruck
from all sorts of angles, the Baltimore Blast scrummie is peering in
after that ball, the urgency on Fairfield College Preparatory side of
the ruck indicates that they have turned over possession... Kerby was at
the heart of that one! Thurlow receives the ball from Robbins and puts
up the bomb. That's gone too far for Fairfield College Preparatory to
put much pressure on the catcher.

First Half - 15:05
The ref shouts "Ruck-time!", Fairfield College Preparatory recycle the
ball smoothly, but Woolman has been spotted raising his foot in a
stamping motion on a grounded opponent! Penalty to the Baltimore Blast.
Douglass holds the ball out in front of him before making a
well-weighted kick into touch. The lineout will take place close to the
half way line in Fairfield College Preparatory half. The Baltimore Blast
hooker walks a few paces towards his halfback with his hand cupped to
his ear to confirm the call.

First Half - 14:27
The call is made, then Guthrie sends a long lob straight down the
middle. The Baltimore Blast don't compete so it's easy pickings for
Woolman as he's lifted high. The ball is quickly tapped down to Robbins,
with possession easily retained. Now it's the turn of Stringer to punch
the ball up, with a pod of Fairfield College Preparatory supporting
players on hand. An excellent drive by Fairfield College Preparatory! At
least twenty possible offences here as players hurtle into contact!
Great body positions on the drive for Fairfield College Preparatory!
Looks like something creative here from Fairfield College Preparatory.
Lymburner receives the pass from Robbins and heads straight upfield,
trailed by Thurlow. As soon as the Baltimore Blast defenders commit to
the tackle, Lymburner pops a short ball off to Thurlow. That pass
travelled no more than two feet but there's a defender in the road and
the ball hits the the dirt. The ref calls 'Play on!' The loose ball
bounces straight into Sleeper's hands.

First Half - 13:48
Thurlow steps forward to take the penalty. Fairfield College Preparatory
captain gestures downfield. Thurlow lines up the punt and sends a
useful kick into the stands. It will be a Fairfield College Preparatory
lineout about 30 metres out from the goal-line in the Baltimore Blast
half. The ref makes sure of the gap before allowing Fairfield College
Preparatory hooker to address the lineout.

First Half - 13:48
A fight has broken out between Serianni and Strag! Ooh... Everyone
loves a good scrap on the pitch, but kneeing someone in their pride and
joy, its just not fair play. The ref steps in to break up the fight,
and calls 'time off' for Serianni to recover before resuming play.

First Half - 13:30
Guthrie picks out his jumper cleanly, with a long throw to Kerby. That's
good support by Fairfield College Preparatory. The ref likes it and
calls a maul. Castrilli reaches over the top of the maul and clamps the
ball, then drags the whole boiling mass of bodies to the deck! A clear
penalty to Fairfield College Preparatory.

First Half - 12:56
Guthrie throws to the front. Coppersmith has clearly levered himself up
on Serianni's shoulder there, but the ref gives it a long look and
allows play to continue! Coppersmith taps a well-controlled ball down to
his halfback. Douglass tidies things up for the Baltimore Blast with an
impressively long kick into touch. The assistant ref's flag goes up ten
metres out from half way in Fairfield College Preparatory half.

First Half - 12:12
A ruck forms over the tackled Baltimore Blast player. Fairfield College
Preparatory defensive line has had ample time to re-organise after a
very slow ruck ball for the Baltimore Blast. An accurate pass from
Jardine allows Ratu to clear to touch with a nicely-struck punt from
inside his own 22. Fairfield College Preparatory players quickly form up
for a lineout about ten metres outside the 22 in the Baltimore Blast
half.

First Half - 11:40
Fairfield College Preparatory will need to offer rapid support to enable
the next phase. Immediate support from Fairfield College Preparatory
has produced quick ball. Robbins waits for a mate to get in behind him
before picking the ball up and grinding ahead. No go-forward for
Fairfield College Preparatory there. That's the 8th phase, excellent
keep-ball by Fairfield College Preparatory! The ball goes to ground,
good ball at the ruck for Fairfield College Preparatory. Thurlow sends
the ball out wide and the Fairfield College Preparatory player has to
halt his run to collect it. Guthrie drops it backwards, fortunately for
Fairfield College Preparatory. Guthrie tries to go down on the ball but
the Baltimore Blast hack it on and now Coppersmith picks it up!

First Half - 10:17
Players from both sides hit the ruck. An easy ruck as a neat Fairfield
College Preparatory triangle forms above the ball-carrier. Robbins picks
up the ball and comes around the corner. He's made useful progress for
Fairfield College Preparatory. A three-man Fairfield College Preparatory
pod is ready to support the ball-carrier. Fairfield College Preparatory
slowly establish control of that train-wreck! Thurlow picks up the ball
and makes useful ground up the middle with a determined effort.
Fairfield College Preparatory struggling to make inroads from these last
few phases. The Baltimore Blast are defending with great determination.
And again, the players rush to the breakdown. Fairfield College
Preparatory forwards step over the ball. Ryan picks up the ball at the
base. He does well driving a few metres downfield for Fairfield College
Preparatory. "Hands away! It's a ruck" cries the ref, the Baltimore
Blast pull out quickly into defensive positions, easy ball for Fairfield
College Preparatory here! Sleeper quickly picks up the ball and charges
ahead, making excellent progress. What an attractive game these two
talented teams are producing, such great ball-in-play time! Now at the
ruck again, Fairfield College Preparatory obliterate the tackler
quickly! No real gain on that pick-up by Robbins, but it will have
bought Fairfield College Preparatory a little time to re-organise for
their next phase. Good ball retention, but Fairfield College Preparatory
have yet to prove they have the key to unlock this Baltimore Blast
defense. Fairfield College Preparatory recycle the ball well and retain
possession. A Fairfield College Preparatory forward drives ahead hard
and looks for a little offload as he's tackled. Sleeper spots an
opportunity and times his run on to the ball superbly! My word, he's
quite brilliant on his feet! Sleeper completely wrong foots Isaacs and
breaks into the open! The Baltimore Blast are scrambling back smartly as
Sleeper tries to make ground down the middle. Harry takes Sleeper down
from behind.

First Half - 10:03
Guthrie delivers a short throw, and it's met at the top of his jump by
Serianni at the front. His lifters have timed it perfectly and he has
plenty of time to deliver the ball to Robbins. Half a chance here if the
ball can be moved wide quickly! Thurlow has to stretch to reach the
pass from Luttrell and he'll be lucky to hang on to it! The ball veers
away from Thurlow's outstretched hands at the last moment and bounces
behind him. Thurlow wraps the ball up amid a forest of stampeding
Baltimore Blast boots and Sleeper takes it off him to secure possession
for Fairfield College Preparatory.

First Half - 08:46
Godwin takes the ball and throws a pass fully 30 metres across the field
to Dawes and he has space ahead of him! Fairfield College Preparatory
shuffle towards the far sideline and Dawes is caught and thrown down. A
lot of bodies on the floor at this breakdown. A Fairfield College
Preparatory forward is caught right in the thick of that ruck, he has
his arms spread wide as the Baltimore Blast put him through the mill!
He's caused a significant delay in the release of the ball. Coppersmith
picks the ball from the ruck, but Fairfield College Preparatory defense
is like a stone wall and they knock him down before he can gain
anything. A Baltimore Blast pod heads into the tackle, Fairfield College
Preparatory seek to slow down the opposition's advance, and it looks
like Coppersmith has been cautioned for not releasing the ball on the
ground. Penalty to Fairfield College Preparatory. Thurlow steps up and
without further ado sends a neat spiral into touch just inside the
Baltimore Blast 22. Fairfield College Preparatory hooker seems to be
frozen on the sideline at this lineout fifteen metres out from the try
line. The Baltimore Blast forwards are waving their arms at the ref,
they want a short-arm penalty for the delay!

First Half - 08:36
Fairfield College Preparatory front-row looked to be under some
pressure, but their tighthead skilfully took the scrum to the floor and
he's got away with that one! Robbins passes back to Thurlow for a kick.
He's looking for position here, hoofing the ball straight upfield and
waving Fairfield College Preparatory chase after it.

First Half - 07:35
A long throw by Castrilli. Must have been a miscommunication there,
no-one jumped! Some quick reactions there by William who comes away with
the loose ball. The ball is spun out into the Baltimore Blast midfield.
A Baltimore Blast forward takes the tackle and offloads to Godwin for a
good gain. The Baltimore Blast drive into contact. The Baltimore Blast
control the ball confidently with their feet, it was bobbling around
after that tackle... Isaacs takes the ball up on the drive, and he
punches his way between two Fairfield College Preparatory defenders to
set up a positive ruck for the Baltimore Blast. Another phase for the
Baltimore Blast. The ball pops back quickly for the Baltimore Blast
acting half. Jardine and Pellew have their timing wrong on this driving
play and the pass from Jardine is forward. Play will go to a scrum about
fifteen metres from half way in the Fairfield College Preparatory half.


First Half - 06:51
Guthrie delivers a medium-length throw, and it's met at the top of his
jump by Lymburner at the middle. His lifters have timed it perfectly and
he has plenty of time to deliver the ball to Robbins. Some relief for
Fairfield College Preparatory defense as Thurlow finds touch from within
the 22. A safety-first punt from the boot of Thurlow. The Baltimore
Blast hooker seems to be frozen on the sideline at this lineout a short
way beyond the 22. Fairfield College Preparatory forwards are waving
their arms at the ref, they want a short-arm penalty for the delay!

First Half - 05:40
Castrilli waits for the call, then sends a long ball straight to the
back. A lot of movement up and down the line by the Baltimore Blast, and
Plater arrives on time to pluck the ball out of the air for the
Baltimore Blast. He delivers it back to Jardine. Now Ratu drives the
ball in for the Baltimore Blast. Excellent yardage on that play!
"Ruck-time!" calls the ref as he ushers Fairfield College Preparatory
line backwards. This is slow ball for the Baltimore Blast halfback.
William hits the ball up into Fairfield College Preparatory line, and
puts a nice spin move on Fairfield College Preparatory defender near the
ruck! William slices past Ryan with a swish of a sidestep! Poor Ryan is
left spreadagled on the turf, staring at the spot William ought to have
been! He sprints down the side line with support from Agnew. Two
defenders are hot on chase! William sends a pass off to Agnew just as he
gets tackled by the fullback O'Coffey. Agnew is pushed over the right
sideline by Fairfield College Preparatory cover defence. He just avoids
crashing into the concrete moat a few metres beyond the pitch! That
would have added insult to the injury of failing to convert that
linebreak! Lineout just inside the twenty-two in Fairfield College
Preparatory half. The ref shouts "Get it in!" as Fairfield College
Preparatory hooker looks to be frozen motionless on the sideline!

First Half - 04:59
That's a good shunt by the Baltimore Blast, Fairfield College
Preparatory have been driven back 1 metre! Robbins is trying to dig the
ball out at the back. Thurlow has only one thing in mind, and that's
clearing to the safety of touch. That was a pretty good punt by Thurlow.
Lineout about 30 metres out from the goal-line in Fairfield College
Preparatory half. I can see the TJ telling the Baltimore Blast hooker to
keep his feet behind the sideline as he sets up for the throw!

First Half - 03:44
Castrilli sends a short throw to the front of the lineout. The Baltimore
Blast show great class with Coppersmith who takes possession cleanly.
Play goes into a maul, the Baltimore Blast look to drive Fairfield
College Preparatory downfield and drive forward at a brisk tempo. The
Baltimore Blast are bringing the ball out wide, but the defence slides
straight on to Harry. He isn't able to find a hole anywhere and is
stopped near the gain-line by Fairfield College Preparatory. It's
crunch-time at the first ruck in a new sequence, great body positions on
the drive for the Baltimore Blast! Jardine drifts a hopeful ball from
the right. Isaacs meets it and flicks it on to Coppersmith. The
Baltimore Blast have men out wide if they can use them. Instead,
Coppersmith tries to break away down the middle on his own but he takes a
fierce hit and the ball shoots ahead without him! Fairfield College
Preparatory have to make a huge effort here. They need to be rock-solid
on their own put-in. Losing control of the ball only 5 metres out from
their own line would be a dreadful mistake, with the Baltimore Blast
set to capitalize on any opportunity!

First Half - 03:08
Fairfield College Preparatory win this scrum with ease. They opt to
drive it again but without any real success. Robbins makes a quick pass
back to Thurlow who is inside the Fairfield College Preparatory
twenty-two. He makes a modest kick down field putting the kick out on
the full. A lineout is forming just inside the twenty-two in Fairfield
College Preparatory half. The ref is telling both sets of forwards to
maintain the gap...

First Half - 02:04
The Baltimore Blast tighthead is boring in on Fairfield College
Preparatory hooker there and he can't even strike for the ball! The
Baltimore Blast flanker reacts first and sweeps the ball back into the
Baltimore Blast scrummage to complete the turnover... Jardine now with a
reverse pass to Douglass who charges into the defensive line. He stands
up in the tackle long enough for Harry to loop around him and take the
offload! He looks to be through but the strong Fairfield College
Preparatory defense takes him down. A ruck is formed, the Baltimore
Blast clear Fairfield College Preparatory out of there in double-quick
time! The Baltimore Blast bring the ball out to Isaacs who smashes into
Fairfield College Preparatory defenders around the ruck. Some heavy
collisions at this breakdown. The Baltimore Blast are building a fast
attacking tempo with quick ruck ball! Jardine with the ball now, pops a
hopeful pass off to Pellew. The ball hits Pellew high on the shoulder
and bounces forwards. It will be a scrum to Fairfield College
Preparatory fifteen metres out from the try line. The ref gives some
final instructions to the two front-rows. They are nodding but the eyes
are telling a very different story!

First Half - 00:20
Douglass jinks right and left, looking for a gap in the advancing
Fairfield College Preparatory chase. Nothing doing and Douglass ducks
his head down into the contact! "Leave the ball!" comes the instruction
as the ruck forms, the Baltimore Blast support pod drives well over the
tackled player. The Baltimore Blast work the ball wide. Dawes on the
wing ends up with the ball but no space, he put on a great move just to
stay in play on the tackle - Dawes made the best of a bad situation
there! The Baltimore Blast will be looking to run their phase-chain
here, the ball pops back for the Baltimore Blast acting half. Sleepy
marker defence at the back of the ruck allows Jardine to pick up for a
good gain. It's crunch time at another ruck. The Baltimore Blast recycle
the ball well and retain possession. As one of the Baltimore Blast
centres crashes down on the dummy run, Agnew is already making his move
to the outside, Fairfield College Preparatory defence is struggling to
stay with him! He makes a half-break before he's hauled down, it was a
shame for the Baltimore Blast that support wasn't immediately on hand. A
furious exchange as players from both sides drive in. A Baltimore Blast
hand appears and places the ball firmly amid a forest of legs! Isaacs
gets in behind a Baltimore Blast forward as he drives ahead, looking for
the offload! A gap opens for Isaacs and he blasts through it! He tries
to break away as Fairfield College Preparatory begin to turn and chase.
Pendred and Thurlow start to close, and Isaacs drops the ball on to his
foot... He gets to it first, but he's well and truly tangled up with
Thurlow and the ball goes forward off an arm or a shoulder. The ref
thinks for a moment and calls a knock-on! It's scrum-time with Robbins
holding the ball ready for the put-in. The front-rows are eyeing each
other up with faces like buckets of smashed crabs. Can Fairfield College
Preparatory retain possession here fifteen metres out from the try line
in Fairfield College Preparatory half?

First Half - 00:00
Wow, there's a full house here today for Fairfield College Preparatory.
It seems the whole city has come out to watch this game! Theres
something here for all the family, even the kids. This is sure to
encourage them to take up the game and help with grass roots rugby in
the area. Douglass holds the ball ready for the kick-off. Thurlow will
take this mid-length kickoff from the boot of Douglass. He goes to
ground. A furious exchange as players from both sides drive in, three
Fairfield College Preparatory forwards drive in low and hard to win
quick possession. Robbins sends a low, scudding kick across the turf,
it gallops towards touch but with the final bounce the ball
unexpectedly kicks back infield.

Second Half - 80:11
The players bind and Robbins puts the ball in for Fairfield College
Preparatory. They instantly recycle it and send it to the back of the
scrum. Robbins sends it back to Thurlow who without delay boots it into
touch to end the match. And that's the end of the match! Fairfield
College Preparatory come out on top by 15. Lots to ponder for both sides
as they go on to next week. It's finished Fairfield College Preparatory
32 - Baltimore Blast 17.

Second Half - 78:53
Castrilli waits for the call, then sends a medium-length ball straight
to the middle. A lot of movement up and down the line by the Baltimore
Blast, and Strag arrives on time to pluck the ball out of the air for
the Baltimore Blast. He deflects it back to Jardine. The Baltimore Blast
send Chinn into the heavy traffic, and he stays on his feet and spins
out of a challenge to make good yardage down the sideline. A clash of
players into the ruck. An easy one-man ruck for the Baltimore Blast as
Fairfield College Preparatory back off. A Baltimore Blast forward takes
the ball strongly to the line and turns in the tackle. Agnew receives
the offload and plunges on down the nearside tramlines! An excellent
gain for the Baltimore Blast. At the breakdown again, poor body
positions on the drive for the Baltimore Blast. They were too upright
coming into that tackle. Jardine eases out a few metres from the ruck
before firing the ball into midfield for Harry. He waits until Fairfield
College Preparatory defense is almost on top of him before threading a
slide-rule grubber through the line for Plater to chase! A bad case of
the butterfingers for Plater and he knocks it on. It was an easy catch
too! The Fairfield College Preparatory and Baltimore Blast players are
cleaning their sprigs in preparation for a scrum at halfway.

Second Half - 77:52
As the long throw from Guthrie comes in, Woolman is bumped out of the
line by a Baltimore Blast forward. Strag is ready and waiting to collect
it just behind him! Nice coincidence. That's good support by the
Baltimore Blast. The ref likes it and calls a maul. A Fairfield College
Preparatory forward pulls the maul down immediately, the ref is quite
happy with that... A clash of players into the ruck. It looks like a
turnover at that ruck, but at least two Fairfield College Preparatory
players went to ground and sealed off that ball! Accusing fingers are
being pointed by the Baltimore Blast forwards... A penalty to the
Baltimore Blast. Douglass takes a deep breath before dispatching the
penalty-kick into touch. That was a solid punt by Douglass. Both teams
are forming up for a lineout about ten metres outside the 22 in the
Baltimore Blast half.

Second Half - 76:55
As Castrilli makes his lineout call, the Baltimore Blast players look
confused. Oh dear- they've lifted the wrong man, allowing Serianni to
collect the short throw easily! A cheap turnover there for Fairfield
College Preparatory. A rolling maul is formed by Fairfield College
Preparatory, The Fairfield College Preparatory move the ball to the back
of the maul and begin to churn forward like a Roman legion! They're on
the march but Ruggeri of the Baltimore Blast pulls it down and he's done
it right in front of the referee. Penalty to Fairfield College
Preparatory and that must deserve a yellow card! Thurlow prods the ball
straight into touch. Baltimore Blast need to man up here, Fairfield
College Preparatory will be looking to score from this position only 10
out from the try line. Lots of shuffling in the line as the hooker
prepares to throw.

Second Half - 75:58
Great rhythm between thrower and catcher as Serianni picks off the throw
by Guthrie to the front of the line. The ball is in Robbins' hands
before the Baltimore Blast even know what's happened! A superb pass from
Fairfield College Preparatory first receiver has opened up the
Baltimore Blast midfield like a tin-opener! Pendred is able to make
excellent progress before the Baltimore Blast can get to him. "Leave the
ball!" comes the instruction as the ruck forms, we can see a Baltimore
Blast body bouncing around as Fairfield College Preparatory run right
over the top of that tackle. The battered Baltimore Blast player clings
on to Fairfield College Preparatory ball-carrier for dear life, and the
ball only emerges slowly for Fairfield College Preparatory halfback...
Robbins quickly makes a hefty kick downfield getting the ball to roll
nicely into touch. The Baltimore Blast hooker collects the ball from the
ball-boy midway between the ten metre line and the twenty two in the
Baltimore Blast half.

Second Half - 75:00
After heeling the ball, the Baltimore Blast choose to keep the ball in
and launch a second, and then a third drive! That's 3 extra metres
gained by the power of those Baltimore Blast forwards! Looks like
something creative here from the Baltimore Blast. Both Godwin and Harry
hit the line at pace. Jardine hands the pass to Godwin who cuts inside
and sends a flat pass to Harry as their paths cross. Brilliant handling,
and Harry immediately drops the ball on to his foot for a diagonal kick
out to the wing! Harry has overcooked that one and it goes out on the
full... He needed the pitching wedge then, not the 7-iron! The players
gather at the spot about ten metres outside the 22 in Fairfield College
Preparatory's half for a lineout.

Second Half - 74:34
The throw from Guthrie reaches Serianni at the middle, who taps it back
loosely for his halfback... The ball bounced forward off one of Robbins'
limbs, and the ref signals a knock-on. The Baltimore Blast are awarded a
scrum fifteen metres in.

Second Half - 73:33The ref shouts "Ruck-time!", the ball is buried
beneath an avalanche of bodies. Finally it's freed up for Fairfield
College Preparatory dummy-half. Fairfield College Preparatory halfback
runs away from the ruck flat before dumping the ball off to Sleeper
charging up the middle, and Sleeper meets a solid wall of resistance
right on the gain-line. A Fairfield College Preparatory pod heads into
the tackle. The ref looks up from the ruck. Castrilli and one other
Baltimore Blast player are obviously offside. The ref blows up and makes
the call. With the penalty now, Thurlow steps up to kick for touch. He
makes an unimpressive punt down the sideline, but it's not gone out.
Look at that! The ball bounces between two Baltimore Blast defenders
and springs over the touch line! This lineout will take place just out
from half way in Fairfield College Preparatory territory.

Second Half - 73:10
Strag gets first touch to the medium-length throw from Castrilli and
palms it down to Jardine. Both Chinn and another Baltimore Blast
midfielder are running a very straight line as Jardine looks up. Jardine
whips a long miss pass out to Chinn, who's heading into the thick of
Fairfield College Preparatory defense. At the last moment, Chinn flicks a
ball out of the back door to Harry slanting towards the right
cornerflag, but the ball flies straight past him! He never even got a
hand on it! Wiggins is first to the ball.

Second Half - 72:11
Pendred receives the ball from O'Coffey and begins to pick his way
upfield through the dense forest of players in no-man's-land. One of
Fairfield College Preparatory players has his hands above his head, I
think he's unintentionally created a corridor for Pendred but he has
been brought down by the Baltimore Blast chasers. Fairfield College
Preparatory try to keep control as a ruck is formed. A controlled
clean-out by Fairfield College Preparatory forwards there. Thurlow makes
sure of touch after receiving the ball from Robbins - a poorly-weighted
kick from Thurlow. The assistant ref's flag goes up about fifteen
metres from half way in Fairfield College Preparatory half.

Second Half - 71:59
Dawes calls for the ball from Chinn and steadies himself for the kick.
Dawes makes a hefty kick downfield but it hasn't found touch.

Second Half - 71:33
Both teams bind and Robbins feeds it into the scrum. Fairfield College
Preparatory come under immediate pressure, but the ball is quickly fed
back to the base of the scrum and cleared. Good work from Fairfield
College Preparatory to get that one away. Fairfield College Preparatory
send Stringer into the heavy traffic, and he stays on his feet and spins
out of a challenge to make good yardage down the sideline. A three-man
Fairfield College Preparatory pod is ready to support the ball-carrier.
An easy ruck as a neat Fairfield College Preparatory triangle forms
above the ball-carrier. Thurlow looks like he's just trying to get rid
of the ball! Rather agriculturally, the ball's been booted upfield,
let's see what the Baltimore Blast can do with the return now.

Second Half - 70:15
As soon as the Baltimore Blast tighthead gets up on his opposite number,
Jardine puts the ball in. That's a very clean ball for the Baltimore
Blast. Jardine picks up for a short charge but he's comprehensively
stuffed on the advantage line by Fairfield College Preparatory! No gain
there I'm afraid. At the breakdown, the ball is worked back slowly on
the Baltimore Blast side. The acting halfback slips the ball on to
Douglass who flicks it to Chinn. The Baltimore Blast have men to spare
out wide if they can use them. Chinn lobs a perfect ball over the top of
Fairfield College Preparatory towards William! William has been held up
near the right sideline. At the post-tackle now. The Baltimore Blast
player rolls the ball back for his scrum-half under the protective
umbrella of his forwards. Jardine tries to bludgeon his way through the
close defence, gaining a few metres before hitting the ground. At the
post-tackle now, the Baltimore Blast secure the ball. Baltimore Blast
look to put some width on it. Chinn drifts a line-ball out towards
Godwin. The ref's bringing it back for a forward pass. Inside the
Fairfield College Preparatory half, both packs prepare to engage in a
scrum right on the 10m line.

Second Half - 69:01
Back at half way now with the restart from Douglass of the Baltimore
Blast. Douglass puts up an angled kick-off to left-center. A Fairfield
College Preparatory forward rises expertly to tap down the ball to
Guthrie waiting in support. The two packs clash, and a maul forms.
Fairfield College Preparatory are looking to set a stable platform here
for the drive, they get the drive moving along nicely. Fairfield College
Preparatory halfback has been pulled into that ruck. Berthet has to
take the ball in and set up another ruck. It looks like he fumbled the
ball as he went for the pick-up... Inside the Fairfield College
Preparatory half, both packs prepare to engage in a scrum close to the
half way line.

Second Half - 68:38
Thurlow's conversion attempt misses to the right.

Second Half - 66:36
Fairfield College Preparatory fake a jump further up the line, but
instead Guthrie throws long for Kerby who takes the ball beyond the 15m
line. Pendred runs hard up the inside channel, but finds little room. He
makes a few metres before the Baltimore Blast defense shuts him down.
At the first tackle, That's a good cleanout by Fairfield College
Preparatory. And Fairfield College Preparatory look to be running a
clever little switch play here with Luttrell running on the angle and
popping the ball inside to Thurlow who charges up the middle, but the
Baltimore Blast defence has read that one like a book and the hole shuts
on Thurlow. People from both sides hitting the ruck from all sorts of
angles, the Baltimore Blast trying to slow the ball down, but an
energetic Fairfield College Preparatory clean-out forces a quick
release. Lymburner now. He charges straight upfield, a piston-like
hand-off dumping the first Baltimore Blast tackler on his backside. That
drive has really turned the Baltimore Blast defence around! At the next
Fairfield College Preparatory ruck in this sequence, that's very fast
recycling by Fairfield College Preparatory forwards. Luttrell takes a
long pass and has a wide open path to the try line! The Baltimore Blast
are trying to make up ground, but the first defender to get to Luttrell
can only wrap him up in the action of diving over the try line. An easy
five points for Fairfield College Preparatory. The score is 32-17 after
Luttrell's try.

Second Half - 65:59
That's a good shunt by Fairfield College Preparatory, the Baltimore
Blast have been driven back 1 metre! Jardine is trying to dig the ball
out at the back. Douglass calls for the ball, and receives the pass from
Jardine. He takes a couple of steps infield to improve the angle
before clearing safely to touch. That was a somewhat unconvincing kick
by Douglass. Fairfield College Preparatory have a lineout just inside
the twenty-two in the Baltimore Blast's half.

Second Half - 65:59Apparently the earlier hit was as hard as it looked.
Woolman is writhing on the ground. This is a real concern for Fairfield
College Preparatory. Woolman gets up slowly, he has his hands on his
knees. He looks none too sprightly, but the ref is already waving time
back on. No place for faint hearts on the paddock today!

Second Half - 64:24
Guthrie delivers a short throw, and it's met at the top of his jump by
Serianni at the front. His lifters have timed it perfectly and he has
plenty of time to deliver the ball to Robbins. Now Pendred drives the
ball in for Fairfield College Preparatory. Excellent yardage on that
play! It's crunch-time at the first ruck in a new sequence, nice ball
for Fairfield College Preparatory. Robbins slips a pass to Thurlow who
flicks it on to Serianni. Fairfield College Preparatory have men out
wide if they can use them. Instead, Serianni tries to charge down the
middle on his own and he's been tripped up before he can offload.
"Ruck-time!" calls the ref as he ushers the Baltimore Blast line
backwards, the Baltimore Blast trying to slow the ball down, but an
energetic Fairfield College Preparatory clean-out forces a quick
release. Woolman waits for a mate to get in behind him before picking
the ball up and grinding ahead. Excellent go-forward for Fairfield
College Preparatory! A three-man Fairfield College Preparatory pod is
ready to support the ball-carrier. A Baltimore Blast defender is on his
feet contesting the tackle ball, but he's wiped out quickly by Fairfield
College Preparatory. Wiggins has moved right up to the line as Robbins
looks up at the base. He's playing incredibly flat, right in the
Baltimore Blast's faces! Any kind of short ball will break the line
here, and it's Pendred who offers himself! He tries to take the ball
one-handed as he bursts through, but he just can't hold on to it. The
ref blows up for a knock-on. The pressure will be intense at this
scrummage, as Baltimore Blast look to secure the ball just 5 metres out
from their own line.

Second Half - 63:44
Douglass retrieves the ball for the Baltimore Blast. Douglass gets his
kick away just as two Fairfield College Preparatory defenders bear down
on him. That unimpressive kick from inside his 22 has gone safely into
touch on the full. The battle of the airwaves will recommence with a
lineout between the 22 and the 10 metre line in Baltimore Blast
territory.

Second Half - 63:19A medium-length throw by Guthrie reaches Lymburner at
the middle who delivers the ball to Robbins. Kerby picks up the ball at
the base. Great leg drive, a good advance for Fairfield College
Preparatory! At the first point of contact now, Fairfield College
Preparatory have no problem keeping possession. Robbins shapes to kick
for the corner. The ball bounces outside the tramlines, then gallops
ahead. It rolls on and on, finally coming to rest only metres from the
Baltimore Blast line!

Second Half - 62:41
Yet another Baltimore Blast phase, the Baltimore Blast halfback has to
drive his foot into the ruck like a jackhammer to free this ball from
the mass of bodies. The pass from Jardine gives Douglass enough time to
clear his lines with a decent punt. That's what I call the law of 'no
wasted effort' - the ball actually hit the sideline there! Fairfield
College Preparatory have a lineout a short distance beyond the 10 metre
line in Fairfield College Preparatory's half.

Second Half - 62:28Castrilli sends a high lob to the back of the line.
Plater is lifted high to flick it down one-handed to Jardine. A smooth
play all round by the Baltimore Blast! Jardine sends a quick pass to
Douglass. Maybe a bit too quick. Douglass only just gets a hand to it.
That ball hasn't found its target, it's rolled behind the entire
Baltimore Blast attacking line! Douglass gets another touch to the ball,
enough to deflect it into the path of Isaacs.

Second Half - 62:28
Chinn looks a bit dazed and confused here.... Must've been a clash
somewhere in that last passage of play. After testing to see that his
body parts are all still functioning, Chinn rejoins the action rather
warily.

Second Half - 61:00
As soon as Fairfield College Preparatory tighthead gets up on his
opposite number, Robbins puts the ball in. Fairfield College Preparatory
drive on a further 1 metre before Robbins calls for the ball at the
back. As one of Fairfield College Preparatory centres crashes down on
the dummy run, Wiggins is already making his move to the outside, the
Baltimore Blast defence is struggling to stay with him! He makes a
half-break before he's hauled down, it was a shame for Fairfield College
Preparatory that support wasn't immediately on hand. A ruck forms, the
ball comes back on Fairfield College Preparatory side. Fairfield College
Preparatory halfback runs away from the ruck flat before dumping the
ball off the Ryan charging up the 5 metre corridor, and Ryan has made
terrific progress on the drive while staying in play! It's ruck-time
now. Fairfield College Preparatory control the ball confidently with
their feet, it was bobbling around after that tackle... Wiggins barges
his way forward for good yardage before setting up the ruck for
Fairfield College Preparatory, but the assistant ref's flag has gone up
almost unnoticed! Wiggins must have put a foot on the line somewhere
during that charge. A line out will be taken about 30 metres out from
the goal-line in the Baltimore Blast half.

Second Half - 60:36
The throw from Castrilli reaches Strag at the middle, who taps it back
loosely for his halfback... Jardine has spilled it forwards. He didn't
keep his eye on that one... Play will go to a scrum 15 metres in field.

Second Half - 59:50Fairfield College Preparatory scrum pushes straight
through the mark and on for a further 3 metres before releasing an
excellent ball for Robbins. Some relief for Fairfield College
Preparatory defense as Thurlow finds touch from within the 22. A
poorly-struck punt from the boot of Thurlow. The Baltimore Blast hooker
seems to be frozen on the sideline at this lineout about 30 metres out
from the goal-line. Fairfield College Preparatory forwards are waving
their arms at the ref, they want a short-arm penalty for the delay!

Second Half - 59:02
At the breakdown now, the Baltimore Blast looking for support, the
Baltimore Blast ball-carrier is turned the wrong way before eventually
freeing the ball up for his halfback. That really slowed the tempo of
the attack! Jardine spins the ball out to Isaacs in the centre. He heads
upfield purposefully before flicking a pass out of the back door
towards Pellew who's circled around behind him, but Pellew looked
surprised to see the ball and he's promptly dropped it! Knock-on called.
Both front-rows lose their footing and collapse at this scrum fifteen
metres out from the try line in Fairfield College Preparatory half. The
ref patiently brings them back up and starts the process again.

Second Half - 58:26
The Baltimore Blast win this scrum easily and then drive forward. That's
a 4 metre gain. Jardine spins the ball out into the centre. As a
Baltimore Blast player surges upfield on the decoy run, Godwin holds up
the ball for Douglass on a long arcing run towards the corner flag! The
Baltimore Blast have given Douglass an one-on-one with Robbins, and he's
beaten him all ends up! He hasn't shaken off the attentions of two
Fairfield College Preparatory defenders near the sideline. The swarming
Fairfield College Preparatory cover will get to Douglass now, how on
earth did Luttrell make up so much ground to make that play!? Terrific
stuff!

Second Half - 57:42
Douglass holds the ball up for the kick-off. Both sides have a chance to
get underneath this short kick by Douglass. Sleeper looks favourite.
Sleeper extends himself fully to take that ball, but it just bobbles
forwards out of his grasp. That was very unlucky. Inside the Fairfield
College Preparatory half, both packs prepare to engage in a scrum midway
between the ten metre line and the twenty two.

Second Half - 57:18
Thurlow places the ball ready for the kick. He walks through his
routine, four steps back and two to the side. He steadies himself. He
strikes it beautifully!... The flags go up and Fairfield College
Preparatory extend their lead by 3. Fairfield College Preparatory
27-Baltimore Blast 17.

Second Half - 55:59Guthrie sends a medium-length throw in towards the
middle and it's Lymburner who rises to meet it. He protects the ball
well as he's brought back to his feet. Fairfield College Preparatory
stay on their feet and knit together for the drive. The Baltimore Blast
are struggling hard to hold Fairfield College Preparatory drive, they
drive forward at a brisk tempo. My word, he's like a bull in a china
shop! Robbins is shattering his way through the defence, he's made
superb ground with that pick up and go. Players from both sides converge
on the tackle. Fairfield College Preparatory pick off all the Baltimore
Blast predators and recycle the ball. The ball is transferred to
Fairfield College Preparatory first receiver. He pops a quick inside
ball to Woolman who rumbles upfield for an excellent gain! Fierce
clashes all the way along the trenches at this breakdown. Fairfield
College Preparatory trying to get quick ball from this ruck, William
folds right over the top of the ball and goes to ground on Fairfield
College Preparatory side of the ruck. He's clearly blocking release.
The refs are very hot on this offence this season! Fatally, the whistle
blows.................Murray says: "I don't like this new law, because
your first instinct when you see a man on the ground is to go down on
him!" Thurlow drops to one knee and places his tee carefully. He's
going for three points here.

Second Half - 55:16
The ball is won from the scrummage by the Baltimore Blast but they're
getting no change out of a secondary shove. Jardine drops off and calls
for the ball. The Baltimore Blast moving it out now, and a long cut-out
ball puts Harry down the sideline with a man to beat. Only some
excellent last-second defence by Fairfield College Preparatory full-back
sees him pushed out of bounds. It will be a line-out a short way beyond
the 22 in the Baltimore Blast half.

Second Half - 54:29
That's a short delivery by Guthrie. Serianni makes a clean catch despite
interference from Ruggeri. He flicks it down to the halfback. Pendred's
like a cart-horse, he's so strong! He uses his power to pick and go to
great effect, gaining Fairfield College Preparatory a few metres and
setting up the next phase of play on the front foot. A lot of bodies on
the floor at this breakdown. The Baltimore Blast pull out quickly into
defensive positions, easy ball for Fairfield College Preparatory here!
Robbins nips down the left-hand shortside with Guthrie and Serianni
trailing him. Robbins misses out Guthrie and gives the pass to Serianni!
Serianni gets man-and-ball together, and the pass has been spilled
forward. Jardine will feed the scrum as the two sets of forwards pack
down about fifteen metres from half way in the Baltimore Blast half.

Second Half - 53:16
Jardine feeds the ball into the scrum. You wouldn't believe it,
Fairfield College Preparatory have whipped that scrum through ninety
degrees and regained the ball for Robbins... Robbins passes to Pendred
who breaks out from the left with Wiggins curling round from the
blind-side behind him. Real danger for the Baltimore Blast as Wiggins
straightens on to the pop pass from Pendred! He's only just been
tap-tackled by a Baltimore Blast defender - that was a mighty close
call. Fairfield College Preparatory trying to keep control at the
tackle, That ball is clearly being smuggled back on the floor by a
Baltimore Blast hand. The ref rightly penalises the hand - it belongs to
William! With the penalty now, Thurlow steps up to kick for touch. He
makes an unimpressive punt down the sideline, but it's not gone out.
Look at that! The ball bounces between two Baltimore Blast defenders
and springs over the touch line! There will be a lineout about five
metres out from half way in the Baltimore Blast half. Fairfield College
Preparatory hooker moves a couple of TV cables before addressing the
lineout.

Second Half - 52:41
Jardine feeds the ball in and the ball is held at the Baltimore Blast
no.8's feet. The scrum has gone down but the ref wants play to continue.
Two hurried passes as the ball is moved towards Agnew in the Baltimore
Blast midfield. Agnew tries to take the ball one-handed but the chances
were always slim! The ball has fallen behind Agnew, and he's looking for
it in panic! Sleeper attempts to claim the ball for Fairfield College
Preparatory but loses it forwards. The two front-rows prepare for battle
about fifteen metres from half way in Fairfield College Preparatory
half. The ref warns both sides to hit up on the engagement...

Second Half - 52:07
Castrilli throws, but Fairfield College Preparatory players have read
this well, with Serianni lifted in front of Strag to get first touch. It
looks like Serianni has lost hold of the ball! He knocks it forward,
and now his team has to get ready to play defence. The Baltimore Blast
will get the ball for a scrum fifteen metres in.

Second Half - 50:57
The Baltimore Blast players jog back to the half way in preparation for
the restart, while Fairfield College Preparatory await the ball with
renewed confidence. Guthrie receives that kick to left field in heavy
traffic. Fierce clashes all the way along the trenches at this
breakdown, Fairfield College Preparatory support pod smashes on well
past the tackled player! Pendred sends an unimpressive torpedo kick away
over sideline. It will be a Baltimore Blast lineout a short way beyond
the 22 in Fairfield College Preparatory half. The ref makes sure of the
gap before allowing the Baltimore Blast hooker to address the lineout.

Second Half - 50:28
The score is now Fairfield College Preparatory 24 - Baltimore Blast 17 after that successful addition of two points by Thurlow!

Second Half - 49:23
Fairfield College Preparatory win the scrum in total comfort and then
proceed to shunt the Baltimore Blast a further 3 metres downfield.
Robbins is whipping his forwards along like a latter-day charioteer! A
couple of Fairfield College Preparatory players break off and surge
towards the line. Thurlow is launched over the try-line by his team-mate
like a Polaris missile! Thurlow went over despite the attentions of two
Baltimore Blast tacklers there. Fairfield College Preparatory have
taken the lead over the Baltimore Blast by a margin of 5 points.

Second Half - 47:49
Fairfield College Preparatory will be looking to run their phase-chain
here, Fairfield College Preparatory fire out aggressively over that
ruck, flattening a couple of Baltimore Blast forwards. Sleeper waits for
a mate to get in behind him before picking the ball up and grinding
ahead. Good go-forward for Fairfield College Preparatory! Fairfield
College Preparatory forwards home in on the tackle. Over the top of the
tackle Fairfield College Preparatory go. Robbins slips a pass to
Lymburner who flicks it on to Woolman. Fairfield College Preparatory
have men out wide if they can use them. Instead, Woolman tries to charge
down the middle on his own and he's been tripped up before he can
offload. People from both sides hitting the ruck from all sorts of
angles, a Baltimore Blast body fell on the wrong side, preventing quick
release there. Fairfield College Preparatory forwards give him a
terrific shoeing, and he's churned out of the back of the ruck as if
he's just been through a combine harvester! Luttrell sees an opportunity
as Fairfield College Preparatory look to put some width on the ball!
That was a good advance on that play. "Ruck-time!" calls the ref as he
ushers the Baltimore Blast line backwards, the Baltimore Blast are
really over-competing at the breakdown and making life difficult for
Fairfield College Preparatory, and Plater finally peeps out with the
ball for his halfback! Jardine fires off a pass as Douglass is still
organising the men outside him. He gets a hand to it but can't quite
gain control... Douglass drops it backwards ingoal! Dawes, under
pressure from the attackers, dives on the ball in goal. A good
opportunity for Fairfield College Preparatory here with a scrum just 5
metres out. Robbins is geeing up the home crowd before the put-in!

Second Half - 46:58
Thurlow with the restart from half way. Guthrie controls the ball well
from the kickoff and keeps his feet as the forwards collide. Fairfield
College Preparatory forwards lock on to the ball-carrier immediately. A
maul is formed. The Baltimore Blast are struggling hard to hold
Fairfield College Preparatory drive, they churn forward for a good gain
in territory. An optimistic play by Fairfield College Preparatory sends
the ball out wide. The final pass by Robbins is wild! That looked very
much like a knock-on, the ref's quite happy as Pendred looks round in
mild surprise! The ball's loose on the deck. The ball takes a hop away
from Pendred and straight into the hands of Serianni. He goes to ground
immediately.

Second Half - 46:34
Douglass takes the kick. It looks good... the flags are up! That's three
points to the Baltimore Blast. They draw level with Fairfield College
Preparatory at 17 points apiece.

Second Half - 45:19
Fairfield College Preparatory get themselves into position as Douglass
of the Baltimore Blast restarts the match. Isaacs climbs high to catch
the chip kick-off from Douglass. He waits for support as Fairfield
College Preparatory close in. Play goes into a maul, the Baltimore Blast
roll the maul infield. They haven't made any significant ground. It
looks like Serianni has been penalised for entering the maul from the
wrong side. Fairfield College Preparatory have conceded a penalty to the
Baltimore Blast. The captain decides to go for 3 points.

Second Half - 44:54
Thurlow comes up and gives the ball a good thump. Yeah, he really smoked
that one! Fairfield College Preparatory pull out to a 3 point lead with
that conversion. It's 17-14.

Second Half - 43:11
Good co-ordination between Guthrie and Lymburner as Fairfield College
Preparatory win possession easily. Now Robbins has it. Now it's the turn
of Kerby to pick up and roll around the edge. The whole Fairfield
College Preparatory line takes a step forward as he's made good
progress! Fairfield College Preparatory forwards head towards the
tackle, a Fairfield College Preparatory forward picks up the leg of a
Baltimore Blast player with hands on the ball and topples him backwards.
Good ball for Fairfield College Preparatory. Woolman takes the ball
and is tackled right on the advantage line. His support gets in behind
and boosts him a few metres down the field. Fierce clashes all the way
along the trenches at this breakdown. This is slow ball for Fairfield
College Preparatory halfback. A Fairfield College Preparatory forward
drives ahead hard and looks for a little offload as he's tackled.
Sleeper spots an opportunity and times his run on to the ball superbly!
Sleeper gives a little hop and a skip just before he approaches Strag
and Castrilli. He's bamboozled both of them! He passes quickly to
Robbins who hands it on to Thurlow near the touchline. Thurlow drags the
Baltimore Blast cover across towards him before firing the ball back in
to Robbins. Now Robbins for the corner flag! He can see he's not going
to make it... a beautiful reverse pass back to Thurlow just before he's
up-ended by Harry! Thurlow coasts in straight in between the uprights
and is immediately joined by a cluster of team-mates. They all leap up
for a 'high five' above the crossbar... I don't think I've seen that
one since the 'Fun Bunch' Murray! That try from Thurlow has given his
team the lead, creating a 1 point gap between the teams in favor of
Fairfield College Preparatory.

Second Half - 42:27
Jardine puts the ball in for the Baltimore Blast, and it's quickly
hooked back. Looked like Baltimore Blast tighthead was angling in and
down there, but that particular example of the 'dark arts' was missed
by the ref and play carries on. Douglass clears his lines neatly after
getting the ball from Jardine. He's produced a somewhat unconvincing
spiral. Fairfield College Preparatory hooker seems to be frozen on the
sideline at this lineout a short way beyond the 22. The Baltimore Blast
forwards are waving their arms at the ref, they want a short-arm penalty
for the delay!

Second Half - 42:00
Guthrie delivers a long ball but Woolman is under all kinds of pressure
at the back. Two Baltimore Blast jumpers are contesting the throw and
Woolman will need superglue on his hands to take it cleanly... Woolman
never had control of that one. That'll be a knock-on. The referee has
called them back for a scrum 15 metres in field. Jardine to feed into
the Baltimore Blast scrum.

Second Half - 40:32
Fairfield College Preparatory tighthead drops his shoulder just as
Robbins feeds the ball in, that scrum is rock-solid. The ball is
transferred out into Fairfield College Preparatory midfield where
Luttrell straightens up the play beautifully! A ferocious scrap at this
breakdown, Fairfield College Preparatory ball-carrier has to roll a
couple of times on the ground before releasing the ball. That's slowed
up everything considerably. O'Coffey looks up and comes around the edge.
That's just what Fairfield College Preparatory scrummie wanted, he
claps his hands enthusiastically! "Leave the ball!" comes the
instruction as the players fly into contact for the umpteenth time.
Plater takes a huge step through the middle of the ruck and on to the
ball! The whistle goes immediately and Plater gets a lecture from the
ref.... With the penalty now, Fairfield College Preparatory captain
signals towards the touch line. Thurlow steps up for the kick, sending
an excellent kick into touch close to the Baltimore Blast try line. This
is a real pressure position, Fairfield College Preparatory will really
be wanting to squeeze out a score only 5 metres from the try-line.

Second Half - 40:01
And welcome back to North Benson. Thurlow will be kicking off to start
the second half. The Baltimore Blast can set the tone for the second
half with an early score. Thurlow makes the restart out to left-center.
Both sides contest possession in the air, it will be difficult for
Ruggeri to make a clean catch. Ruggeri makes a couple of grabs at the
ball as it reaches him. The ref calls a knock-on. Scrum to Fairfield
College Preparatory between the 22 and the 10 metre line in Baltimore
Blast half. The two front-rows are bristling for action as the ref
starts his sequence, "Crouch...touch...pause...."