Illawarra 1st Grade – Round 5 Campbelltown Rugby Club, May 10, 2025

The Shamrocks First Grade faced a challenging afternoon at Campbelltown Rugby Club, ultimately falling 51-21 to the home side in Round 5 of the Illawarra 1st Grade competition.

A Game of Two Halves

Despite the final scoreline, the Shamrocks showed considerable resolve and character, particularly in their ability to cross the white line three times against strong opposition. The visitors demonstrated attacking capability that will serve them well as the season progresses, but it was the number of tackles the Shamrock players were called on to make that really demonstrated the true character of this team.

Hat-Trick Hero in Defeat

Bailie Leonard had a great afternoon for the Shamrocks, bagging an impressive hat-trick that showcased his finishing abilities. Leonard’s treble kept the visitors in the contest and provided the highlight of their afternoon, proving he’s a threat at this level of competition, all this while obviously carrying a significant injury.

Goal-Kicking Precision

Fullback Isaac Murray was flawless from the tee, converting all three of the Shamrocks’ tries to maximize their scoring opportunities. Murray’s 100% success rate with the boot ensured the visitors made the most of their attacking forays. Despite the score line, Isaac was the standout performer for the side, switching to ball distributor in the second half. His chase down of a runaway Harlequin Player heading for a certain try was a bright spot on a dismal day for the side.

Tactical Adjustments

Coach Paul Ridgway made several tactical substitutions throughout the match as the Shamrocks sought to gain a foothold. The introduction of impact players Will Ridgway, Simon Bayley, Ryan Schoupp, and Tyreece George from the bench demonstrated the coaching staff’s willingness to adapt their approach.

Discipline Concerns

The match’s physical nature saw the Shamrocks lose Lucas Leonard to the sin bin for repeated infringements, forcing the side to play portions of the game with reduced numbers. This proved costly against a Campbelltown outfit that capitalized on their numerical advantage.

Campbelltown’s Dominance

The hosts proved clinical in attack, with Glassie Glassie matching Leonard’s hat-trick for Campbelltown, while Viliame Naura crossed for a double. Their ability to convert pressure into points ultimately proved the difference between the sides.

Looking Forward

While the result wasn’t what the Shamrocks hoped for, there were positive signs in their attacking play and the emergence of Leonard as a genuine try-scoring threat. The challenge now is to tighten their defense and maintain discipline for the full 80 minutes.

Assistant coach Damien Trevillion will be encouraged by the team’s ability to score three well-constructed tries, but will undoubtedly focus on defensive structures and game management in upcoming training sessions.

Team Spirit Remains Strong

Despite the setback, the Shamrocks showed admirable spirit throughout, never dropping their heads even as the scoreline mounted. This character will be crucial as they look to bounce back in their next outing.

The 30-point margin doesn’t tell the full story of a Shamrocks side that competed hard and showed glimpses of quality that suggest better results lie ahead.

Final Score

Campbelltown 1st Grade 51 – Shamrocks 1st Grade 21

Scoring Summary

Shamrocks Tries: Bailie Leonard (3) Shamrocks Conversions: Isaac Murray (3/3)

Campbelltown Tries: Glassie Glassie (3), Viliame Naura (2), Semi Valemei, Elijah Sa, Benjamin Faavae, one unattributed Campbelltown Conversions: Anthony Tyrell (3/6), Isaac Murray (3/3)