Rugby: Joes’ duel at the Hills ends in draw

St. Joseph’s College took a trip up the Hills for their maiden game in the 2025 Schools Rugby League, following their one-off cameo, but impactful appearance at the Knockouts, to play against the very same team they faced at the previous season’s curtain raiser, but this time with the hope of returning the favour.

However, their indiscipline in the second half consisting of 10 penalties, in contrast to their saintly behaviour in the prior half of just two, invited hosts Vidyartha College to get possession, get back into the game, attack continuously, and equalise at the final minute of the game.

Both teams tackled and defended quite well in the first half, hence the points were scarce to come by for both.

However, game discipline of the two squads declined exponentially in the latter half, making way for tries to be scored against the weary legs of the semi-exhausted defenders.

When evaluating the cause for the scale to be stuck at the centre, instead of tipping towards the Saints, the following could be noted, to be corrected before their next game.

Place Kicking

Two easy conversions were missed depriving Joes four points, with one being a sitter. Placekickers should be trained to never miss kicks that are inside 15 metres from both touchlines, especially when taking conversions.

Crooked Throws

Joes, who excelled in their lineout throws with immaculate precision hooking at the Knockouts with zero crooked throws, raked three strays at this game, which was quite shocking and demoralising even for the neutral spectators. Having devised ploys for offensives utilising burly forwards via mauls, all lineouts must be retained in order to unleash the power of the pack.

Infringements

While Joes maintained four penalties in each half at the last game, what was the reason this shot up to 10 in the second half of the game? Were they too weary to care about the rules of the game, or were they provoked? At the game against Wesley, Joes panicked in the second half after the former scored two back-to-back tries. The reason as to why this occurred in this game must be identified and the cause should be addressed.

Reviewing the above factors and taking corrective measures could take Joes’ game back to the strong ‘A’ class rugby that was showcased at the President’s Trophy.

Vidyartha held St. Joseph’s to a 24-all draw.

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