Ref's Match Report - Nov 11, 2005

Men's Division III
Quake vs. Bend
7 - 53
Referee: David Pelton

Despite pre-match protests that they were not at their old strength, Bend managed to defeat the Quake on a crisp Saturday at Marymoor.

Things didn't always look that way. Bend had jumped out to a quick 12 - 0 lead 6 minutes in, but the Quake's defense stiffened up and it was not until 7 minutes left in the first half that Bend managed another score.

The Quake had the superior scrum at each scrummage, but the backs were unable to take the possession and translate it into points. Lineouts on the other hand were not a Quake strong point, and Bend took almost all throws.

In the second half, the Quake tackling started to suffer and Bend added 6 tries. Their passes back in from the fly to forwards in support sucked in backs and allowed the next phase to find gaps to exploit.

The Quake ended the match on a positive note as one of the best formed mauls I have seen in some time was executed. Bend's apparently only way to stop it was to collapse it, and a quick tap resulted in a Quake try.

I have not seen either team play in a long time, so these thoughts may be known by all. Bend is a hard running team - they take the ball on the run and don't slow down when they go into contact. The result is that they can get the defense on their back feet.

The Quake should really take more advantage of the maul. I think I only saw them consciously work on a maul that they wanted to move once - and that was an unstoppable maul. Their rucks did not produce as good ball as that maul could have had they decided to do that. And their scrums were great - should they decide to, they could take every put in as their wheel was very good, they only decided to use it a few times.

Lots of fun and look forward to refereeing these teams again.