South Sydney v Wests Tigers
Gosford
3pm Saturday 20 July, 2024.
Saturday afternoon football! What many of us grew up with. However, in these days of the Thursday to Sunday weekend, the broadcasters rule the draw (remember Monday Night Football? Mario Fenech brawling at Belmore against Canterbury?)
This was not a top of the table clash by any stretch, this was 15th v 17th. The half-time score of 22-18, with the Tigers scoring on the bell to slice margin back to four points, meant 40 points had been scored in 40 minutes!
Souths scored the first two tries of the game before the Tigers struck back to lead 12-10.
Similarly, in the second half, the Tigers found themselves in front 28-24 before a sin binning and several unforced errors saw Souths score a couple of late tries for an unconvincing win.
By full time, Souths prevailed in a see-sawing, seven tries to five contest, with Souths capitalising on what was a lop sided 7-2 penalty count.
The Clive Churchill-George Piggins-Sam Burgess most inspirational play (er):
200-gamer Damien Cook: kicked 7/8 goals, played centre after Kennar had to leave the field; has lifted a notch recently after signing with St George-Illawarra for the next two seasons.
The Phil Blake chip n chase best attacking moment:
This game did not reach any great heights: both Cody and Alex Johnston scored doubles, with AJ closing in on 200 NRL tries.
The Rampling brothers-Ian Roberts-David Boyle tackle of the match:
Not awarded.
Souths leaked 28 points against the last-placed team. The Tigers were in front 28-24 when Sezer was sent to the sin bin for a hip drop tackle on Jye Gray, before Souths skipped away with three late tries.
Full Time: South Sydney 42 d Wests Tigers 28.
Souths: Gray, Johnston, Milne, Kennar, Gagai, Wighton Cody (capt.), Moale, Cook (200th NRL game for Souths), Keppie, Chee Kam, Duncan, Koloamatangi. bench: Mamouzelos, Burgess, Havili, Le Blanc.
Souths points: tries (7) Moale 6’, Cody 9’, Johnston 26’, Johnston 35’, Cody 59’, Mamouzelos 63, Gray 71’ goals: Cook 6/7 conversions, 1/1 penalties.
Alex Johnston try scoring tally: 195 (Ken Irvine 212)
Salute: Joe O’Callaghan, Souths’ 2023 premiership coach in the NSW Cup, is leaving the club at the end of the season. 2023 will be remembered as the season the NRL team fell off the cliff and missed the finals, whilst Joe’s Reserve Grade team did the exact opposite – the boys went on an amazing run to the Grand Final (a win over North Sydney), then defeated Brisbane Easts to win the NRL National Club Championship.
Thank you, Joe.
Souths remaining games: Canberra (A), Sharks (A), Storm (H), Tigers (A), Newcastle (H), Penrith (A), Roosters (H).
Highlights:
NRL 2024 | Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers | Match Highlights – YouTube
Press conference:
RITV player of the year points:
3 – Cook, 2 – Cody, 1 – Koloamatangi
Progressive points:
Wighton 14, Cook & Koloamatangi 12, Murray 11, Burgess 9, Latrell 7, Gray, Cook and Duncan 6, Arrow 5, Gagai and Latrell 4, Moale and Hawkins, 3 Havili, Cody 2, S Mitchell and Milne 1.
BAROSSA VALLEY RED WINE OF THE WEEK:
In the absence of the suspended captain, Cameron Murray, it seemed appropriate to visit the Murray Street cellar door at Greenock on game day:
Another wonderful cellar door, the 2021 Cabernet Shiraz was a perfect accompaniment for the Saturday afternoon fixture:
Murray Street Vineyards – Hand crafted wines from the Barossa – Murray Street Vineyards
Add this winery to the list of must visits!
Russel Hansen, South Sydney football club diamond member 6199, lives in Nuriootpa, Barossa Valley, South Australia. His golden retriever, Murray, is named after the South Sydney captain. Twitter/X: @Rabbit in the Vineyard @Russel_Hansen
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About Russel Hansen
Russel Hansen Has worked in schools for over thirty years – as a teacher, coach, coach educator, sports coordinator and in pastoral care roles. Whilst at Brisbane Boys’ College as Director of Athletics, he led teams to six GPS premierships in track and field, and cross country. He has coached (athletics) at all levels from school to international. His squad at the University of Queensland (to January 2023) included Lachlan Kennedy OLY, Paris 4x100m relay runner, Australian record holder. He is married to Heidi, a Primary school principal, and is father to two adult daughters. Twitter: @Russel_Hansen
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Russel, that list of ‘must visit’ wineries is growing and growing. Perhaps we’ll need a triple pack for the Almanac dozen(s)!
I think the Rabbitohs can do it again this weekend sand keep the dream alive for a little bit longer. But we’re both one game away from the exit queue.
Ian, the ‘must visit’ list is possibly longer than Souths’ issues at present – back to leaking 30+ points and looking rudderless in attack.
Bennett has a huge task.