Shamrocks 1st Grade Overcome Adversity for Impressive Away Win

Shamrocks 1st Grade 33 – Home Team 17

Against the Club’s nemesis, the Woonoona Shamrocks 1st Grade demonstrated remarkable resilience and character to secure a convincing 33-17 away victory, overcoming the serious injury to star player Robbie Coso with just 12 minutes before full-time. Robbie has recovered and was discharged from hospital later that night, and everyone wishes Robbie a complete recovery. The Club thanks Seb Buchanan’s Mum, Tanya and Team Physio, Ethan Emmett who both stayed with Robbie while he was kept immobile on the ground for over 30 mins while waiting for an ambulance – THANKYOU.

Ben Ridgway stepped up magnificently in the face of adversity, following an early injury and the replacement of Sam Ridgway. Ben went on to score a crucial double that provided the backbone of Shamrocks’ victory. His first try came during the early exchanges and set the tone for what would become a dominant team performance. His second try demonstrated the clinical edge that has made him such a valuable asset to the squad.

Isaac Murray proved to be equally influential with his own double, showing the pace and finishing ability that makes him such a dangerous attacking weapon. His tries came at crucial moments in the match and helped Shamrocks maintain their momentum when the home team threatened to build pressure.

Thomas Connell added the fifth try for Shamrocks, capping off a well-structured team move that highlighted the squad’s ability to create scoring opportunities from multiple phases. His finish demonstrated the depth of attacking talent available to the coaching staff.

Ryan Schoupp was immaculate with the boot, successfully converting four of the five tries to contribute eight crucial points to the victory. His accuracy under pressure and ability to maintain concentration despite the early setback with Sam’s injury showed the mental strength that defines this Shamrocks side.

The home team responded with tries from Tommy Sawden in the 26th minute and Lewis Brown in the 41st minute, with Sawden adding his own conversion. Whakahonore Mita also crossed the line to keep the scoreboard ticking over for the hosts, but their efforts were ultimately insufficient against a Shamrocks team that had found another gear.

Despite the early concern over Sam’s injury, Shamrocks maintained their composure and executed their game plan with precision. The forward pack provided solid platform ball, while the backline took full advantage of the opportunities created to cross the line five times.

This away victory represents another significant step forward for Shamrocks 1st Grade, who continue to show the mental fortitude and tactical awareness that separates good teams from great ones. The way they responded to adversity and maintained their focus throughout the game bodes well for the challenges ahead.

The performance will give the coaching staff tremendous confidence in the squad’s ability to adapt and overcome obstacles, while the players can take pride in a victory that was built on teamwork, determination, and clinical execution when it mattered most.

The three take-aways from the game were:

1. The tackling defence of both grades continues to demonstrate the players’ commitment to put their bodies on the line. Both teams consistently face much bigger opponents and are determined to not let this huge disadvantage impact on their defence.
2. The Shamrock scrums (both grades) against Vikings were more settled and it was great to see the packs going forward in the set pieces allowing the backs to get that initial momentum, so vital in creating attacking opportunities, and
3. Thirdly, despite a number of serious injuries to players (Six players unavailable for these games?), each week players are asked to play up and out of position and do so with great willingness. This points to a Club Culture that gives the Coaching Staff and all supporters a great amount of pride.