Week 8 GBR MS Recap

Saturday at Stone Creek Park in Rancho Cordova proved to be tough sledding for the Granite Bay Middle School team. In the first of two matches, the boys in green were up against a bigger, more experienced Concord Broncos side. GBR was on their back foot the entire match as the Broncos were able to constantly pressure each ruck and lineout with a tenacious effort that the Granite Bay side had not seen all year. The Grizzlies knocked on the door on several occasions in the first half, but each time were turned away by mistakes in the lineout or by penalty. The score at the half was 10-0.

In the second half the match looked to be going the same way until the Granite Bay forward pack was able to provide better support and force several penalties from Concord. Trey C. scored GBR’s lone try in the match with time winding down in the second half and Deacon O. converted the try to finish up the scoring at 27-7. The boys learned a great deal from this match including the importance of strong support and body position in the rucks. This will be an emphasis in training this week.

The second match of the day saw the sun come out from behind the clouds in Rancho Cordova and the team’s fighting spirit was back on display as well. SacPal had another large Pacific islands contingent of players who were tough and determined opponents. Granite Bay was down several starting players to start the day and injuries at key positions in the Concord game continued to haunt Granite Bay. Granite Bay gave up two tries to SacPal before Trey C. opened up the scoring for Granite Bay. The Grizzly forward pack would dominate the scoring in this match as tries from JT M., Jackson D., and Trey C. (2 tries) powered the Granite Bay offense. Joey F. also had his first try of the season on a cheeky scrum half pick near the line. The match was back and forth until the final 5 minutes when two late tries put the game away for Granite Bay. Final score Granite Bay 34, SacPal 22.

Focus Points of the Week

1. Get Healthy – Injuries plagued the team on Saturday. Players need to rest and recover to finish the season strong.

2. Forward pack needs to get to the breakdown and maintain possession. 2nd and 3rd Lineout options will also be emphasized.

3. Back line needs to run with more depth and straighten up the attack lines.

Forward of the week – Cole T. – Cole was a defensive spark for the team and is consistently a standout around the breakdowns. He continues to take on players twice his size and cut them down in the tackle. Cole’s heart and work on the pitch make him a leader for the forward pack and team.

Back of the week – David A. – Because of injuries David played fullback this week and held up very well. He made several try saving tackles and was great in the counter attack. David also had some very nice kicks to turn the field position in our favor. Keep up the good work David!