Game was a good contest with IGS winning 29-19. TGS opened the game with a flurry and dominated possession and territory for the opening 8 minutes but just could not finish it off. IGS got one opportunity and put on a neat try to their winger in the corner 5-0. TGS bounced back immediately scoring a try to 12 after a turnover and spreading the ball wild. This seemed to fire up IGS who then played a possession and recycling game for the remainder of the first half putting on 2 further tries to lead 17-7 into the break.

 The second half started with both sides trying to prove how tough they were. IGS scored out wide through their big centre who then left the field injured not from play but the goal kick. After this, IGS seemed to go into cruise mode and no 10 kicked for territory - they seemed intent on preserving their lead and were thinking about next week's first competition game (need to confirm but believe that is against Nudgee). TGS showed great pluck and struck back with 2 tries - the second from a maul after a lineout to bridge the gap to 22-19. IGS switched back on to score a try from the back of the scrum to make the final score 29-19.

 

This IGS side is not the scintillating side of the past 2 years (which is now kicking on really well in Wests Premier Colts) and relies more on a team ethic rather than individual brilliance - a couple of big outside backs and the steppy full back (who did not get enough ball) will cause troubles for other sides - the pack will be competitive.

 

For TGS, a powerful front row will ensure good scrum possession, the 2 flankers are busy and will win a lot of turnover ball, the centres are gutsy and tough - looks like a side who will make the opposition work hard for their points and won't give in. The Downlands side shows similar work ethic so the O'Callaghan Cup at the end of the month will be a bruising contest.