01/10/2010
Macklin Magic not enough
Print by Huw Cushing.
A whopping 25 point haul from Falcon’s superstar Jack Macklin wasn’t enough to seal a win against Victoria, 32-25.
Macklin tried and converted his way through the match with great speed and agility, looking a pedigree above the rest, being the sole scorer for the under 20s Falcons.
Victoria gained possession early and held onto it, generating blazing run onto the ball on the right wing from backs Lani Tiatia, Noa Noa and Toese Mose, who would challenge Falcons defence for the entire match.
Mose scored the first try from the dangerous trio just two minutes in.
A quick counter from the Falcons was made in dazzling style, with fullback Ryan Tromans passing off to Macklin on the right wing 20 metres from the try line, as Macklin juggled the ball above his head with one hand until he gained control and tries, converting to take the lead.
Another try from the Vic’s highlighted the strength of their mids and forwards with blindside flanker Reuben Rolleston and fly-half Scott O’Gilvie making short work of falcons defence.
Between the ferocity of the forwards and the speed of the backs, the Vic’s met resistance in the form of some great tackling from John Carver and Paddy Fahy.
Another try from Mose would give the Vic’s the lead at the half, but O’Gilvie’s inability to convert for the entire half left the Falcon’s with a chance.
Another two tries from Macklin, who continually intercepted and burst through the Vic’s defence, kept the Falcon’s spirit up, but the Vic’s always looked the better team.
Dangerous running from Mose continued until he pulled a muscle in the middle of a 30 metre sprint on the left wing.
His absence didn’t bring the team down though, as the Vic’s forwards lifted to bring home the bacon as prop Reg Stowers marched over the try line for the last phase of the match, winning by a converted try.