The match between CMK Senior As and Southern started scoring an easy try to lead 7-0.
Another converted try pushed the lead out to 14-0 before Stratford finally gained some ball and threatened to score. An infringement by the Southern player allowed Stratford to kick a penalty and bring the score back to 14-3.
Southern continued to dominate however and scored another 2 tries to lead 26-3 after 30 minutes. The momentum then changed and Todd Curtis was able to score from a lineout drive. The confidence lifted and with Southern under pressure, they again gave away another penalty. Nick Childs took a quick tap and was able to burrow over from close range. From 26-3 down, the half time score was now a more respectable 26-13. Stratford continued to attack in the second stanza and put pressure on Southern. With Southern in their own territory, they tried to kick out but Donald Maka effected a charge down into Child's hands and he went through untouched to bring the score back to 26-20. Zack Taitoko then threw a dummy and went through and scored taking the lead 27-26 with 15 to play.
With 8 minutes to play, Stratford were penalised at the breakdown and Southern took the easy penalty to lead 29-27 which ended up being the final score. It was a fantastic fightback, but still another loss for CMK Senior As. Standout players were Ricky Pepper, Jack Jordan and Donald Maka. From the 22 players in the squad on Saturday, 13 of the players were in their first season of Senior Rugby. Only 1 player is close to 30, and 17 of the players are 21 years or younger. This I think would make us the Youngest team in the competition. A big thank you to all those supporters who have followed the team throughout the season. Onwards and upwards for next year.
