Despite the loss of nine frontline players, Alhambra-Union gave an impressive forward display to overcome a spirited Zingari-Richmond at Montecillo.
Alhambra-Union 19
Zingari-Richmond 8
Despite the first half becoming a dire, error-riddled and at times ill-tempered affair, it was the cool command from first five-eighth Peter Breen and a committed forward pack that handed Alhambra-Union a well-deserved 9-3 lead at the break.
The scoreline was a fair reflection of the frustration illustrated in the stop-start nature of the first 40min.
Despite the second half beginning with Breen adding a fourth penalty goal, the game settled into 40min of good rugby, with both sides displaying talented attacking and defensive abilities as the match evolved into a game played error-free and at pace.
Caleb Gray cleared some good ball, delivered by a committed Alhambra-Union pack that for the most part had the edge in the set piece. Breen used this to good effect from first five and kept the Zingari-Richmond defence guessing with his option taking. Fullback Noah Cooper impressed with his defensive and counterattacking ability.
Chris Bell played a key roll in providing the Zingari-Richmond pack with momentum, as did prop Colin Enright, who was a tower of strength defensively and at the break-down. In the backs, Christian Walker and David Dan put in some great work.
Alhambra-Union 19 (Jeremy McKee try; Peter Breen 1 con, 4 pen)
Zingari-Richmond 8 (Kelly Moore try; Shaun Driver 1 pen).
Halftime: 9-3 Alhambra-Union.
