Match Report and Photo's: Game 2 versus Higashi Fukuoka High School

Match 2 Report: Trinity Grammar School v Higashi Fukuoka High School @ Global Arena

The conditions today at Global Arena were ideal for rugby. The rye grass was mowed to 3.4cm, the ideal length for running rugby.

Today's fixture was against Higashi Fukuoka High School, our host school here in Fukuoka. The first fixture between Higashi Fukuoka and Trinity Grammar was in 2002 when Mr Ikeuchi was a student. Over the years, the two schools have been exchanging tours and students for the international Australia-Japan program.

The first game was played by the 1st Squad which is an unusual format for the boys. Nevertheless, the preparation was the same. The players warmed up in their usual fashion building up to kickoff.

The 1st XV Squad received the ball in the first half from the kickoff and built pressure early on. The continuity and physicality resulted in an early penalty allowing the Trinity boys to enter Higashi's half. A couple of quick breakdowns resulted in a try to #1 James Wayland.

Besides a penalty kick from Higashi Fukuoka, Trinity lead 5-3 for the majority of the first half. Defensively, the 1st XV had to work hard and appeared to be up to the challenge.

As the game wore on and Trinity began to tire, the Phoenix (Higashi Fukuoka mascot) appeared to awaken. Higashi Fukuoka showed their class as the game progressed and it was clear that their preparation for the National High School Rugby Tournament at Hanazono (in 2 weeks) had been going well. Their execution and willingness to put their bodies on the line for the team was evident when they were tackling and being battered by the likes of James Wayland and Harry McLennan.

The second half was all about the running rugby of Higashi Fukuoka. The ability of the Higashi players from #1 to #15 to consistently hit their target with long passes was clearly wearing out the Trinity boys as they played and executed a very expansive game. Although the second half resulted in many tries being scored against Trinity, it was a great learning experience in terms of team work, urgency, fitness, execution and commitment.

The 2nd XV, clearly had a large task against them heading into their fixture. Despite focusing on defensive shape and pressure at the breakdown, the speed and agility of the Higashi Fukuoka team proved too difficult with missed tackles hurting Trinity. Paul Orphanides, Charlie Howard and Paddy Venables worked extremely hard in defence and attack. A highlight of the game was a line break down the far touch line by Paddy Venables searching for his second try in two games, only to be dragged down inches short of the try line. A spirited effort by the 2nd XV with many positives coming out of a difficult game. The line out and scrimmaging work was certainly a strength and will be necessary for the next fixture against Kobe Science Technology High School.

Final Result:
1st XV Trinity Grammar School 5 Higashi Fukuoka High School 51

Tries: Wayland
2nd XV Trinity Grammar School 0 Higashi Fukuoka High School 69

Our next fixture will be on Wednesday against Kobe Science Technology High School in two full 1st and 2nd Grade games at Kwansei Gakuin.