Match Overview

Woonoona Shamrocks 2nd Grade delivered their most emphatic performance of the 2025 season, absolutely demolishing Campbelltown 73-10 at home in Round 14. This was rugby at its most ruthless – eleven tries, nine conversions, and a statement that firmly announced Shamrocks as genuine contenders in the business end of the season.

The contrast with last week’s 47-19 defeat to Kiama couldn’t have been starker. Where the Rocks had struggled against the competition leaders, today they were clinical, creative, and utterly dominant from the opening whistle to the final siren.

Individual Brilliance Across the Park

Oliver Alexander emerged as the standout performer with a devastating hat-trick that showcased his pace, positioning, and predatory instincts in the red zone. Each of his three tries came from different situations – close-range power, backline movement, and opportunistic support play – demonstrating the versatility that has made him such a weapon this season.

Ben Ridgway once again proved why he’s been the backbone of this team’s success, not only crossing for a try but maintaining perfect accuracy with the boot. His nine conversions from eleven attempts was a masterclass in goal-kicking under pressure, contributing 20 points to the massive total and extending his reputation as one of the most reliable marksmen in the competition.

Simon Bayley and Bailie Leonard both grabbed doubles, with Bayley’s pace on the outside causing endless problems for Campbelltown’s defensive line. Leonard’s two tries showcased his ability to find space in traffic and finish clinically when opportunities arose.

The Best and Fairest points reflected this effort: 1 point to Simon Bayley, 2 points to Ballie Leonard, and 3 points to Oliver Alexander

Forward Domination Sets the Platform

The forward pack laid the foundation for this demolition job with a set-piece performance that would have made the coaching staff purr with satisfaction. Hagen Degarnham powered over for an early try that set the tone, while the numerous tactical substitutions showed the depth and quality available throughout the squad.

Finn Kiefer’s introduction for Coen Taylor added fresh energy and was rewarded with a try, while Anthony Nicholson capped off the scoring fest with a well-deserved five-pointer that put the exclamation mark on a performance that will live long in the memory.

Tactical Masterclass and Squad Management

The coaching staff’s management throughout the match was exemplary, with wholesale changes that maintained intensity while giving squad players valuable game time. The introduction of players like Fletcher Sutton, Sebastian Buchanan, and Campbell de Montemas showed a squad comfortable with its depth and confident in its systems.

Campbelltown managed just two tries, but by then the result was long beyond doubt. Their inability to convert either effort summed up an afternoon where nothing went right for the visitors.

Season Context and Momentum

This performance represents a massive turnaround from the disappointment of the Kiama defeat and builds perfectly on the earlier season victories that have kept Shamrocks in finals contention. The 38-0 shutout victory against Tech Waratahas and the narrow 30-35 loss to Bowral had shown the potential within this squad – today they delivered on that promise in spectacular fashion.

With the season entering its crucial final rounds, performances like this send a clear message to the competition’s heavyweights that Shamrocks 2nd Grade have found their mojo at exactly the right time. The combination of individual brilliance and collective execution suggests this team could be peaking when it matters most.

The 73-point haul also demonstrates the attacking weapons at coach Ben Ridgway’s disposal, with tries coming from forwards and backs, set-piece and broken play, individual brilliance and team moves. This versatility will be crucial as the pressure intensifies in the coming weeks.