Queen City vs. Glendale 10.4.14 - Match Report

Queen City vs. Glendale 10.4.14 – Match Report

Once again the weather gods were smiling on the men in Orange and Black. The day was warm and sunny, picture perfect for a game of footie. City was a bit short handed on the day; but, was determined to get the win over the men in Blue and White.
City kicked off and drove Glendale deep in their half. However, the gentlemen from Glendale were determined to drive City back. Sorties at City's line meant the Orange and Black had to maintain its discipline and hold their line. Defending well, saw a turnover ball by the forwards and the backs started to work their magic. Driving into Glendale's territory and quick ball by the forwards saw Outside Center Hayden Kinnear break the Glendale line for a dot down at the 6 minute mark. Flyhalf Scott Trench added the extras for a 7 - 0 City lead. At this time Glendale once again came alive and put City under tremendous pressure and on the back foot. Unanswered tries by Glendale at the 19th minute, 22nd minute, 31st minute, and 34th minute of which the last three were converted saw City down 7 - 26. But, the men in Orange and Black were determined to get back into the match. Finally able to drive deep into Glendale's territory where the forwards were doing tremendous work inside the Glendale's 22m. Not to be denied, Prop Luke Porter took a weak side pod break and drove across the line just at the half time whistle by Referee Ryan Haggerty. The conversion by Flyhalf Scott Trench was just wide for a 12 - 26 deficit at the half time break.

After half time, Queen City showed its resolve. Taking the kick-off and driving deep into the Blue and White territory. A miscue by Glendale gave City a 5m attacking scrum. The forwards put on a great shove after the ball was won by Hooker Steve O'Malley. The Orange and Black was not to be denied and drove the scrum over the line where No. 8 and Captain Dan Herr fell on the ball for a 5-pointer. Unfortunately, the conversion was again wide to cut the Glendale lead to 17 -26 at the 44th minute mark. Once again City went on the attack. Pressure by the City defense saw Glendale commit an infraction inside their 22m. Scrumhalf Charlie Keener saw a gap, took the quick tap, and scored under the post. Flyhalf Scott Trench was true with the conversion kick to cut the Glendale lead to 24 -26 at the 53rd minute mark. Once again bound and determine to take the lead, the City forwards were putting great pressure on the Glendale forwards at scrum and lineout time. Winning several against the head and stealing lineouts allowed the backs a great deal of running room. A tremendous tactical kick by Flyhalf Scott Trench and good defense pressure saw Glendale's fullback rush the clearing kick which gave City a lineout inside the 22m. A driving maul was in order which the pack drove the ball towards the line. Finally, 2nd Row Lock Forward Ryan Orlowski drove the final meter for a City try. The tough conversion kick by Flyhalf Scott Trench split the uprights to give the men in Orange and Black back the lead 31 - 26 at the 61st minute. Glendale had one more surge in them and were rewarded a converted try at the 68th minute mark to regain the lead at 31 - 33. However, the men in Orange and Black were not done. Continuous pressure by City saw the backs attack the Glendale line. Good defense by Glendale was denying City pay dirt. But finally, a tremendous break by Centers Dishner and Kinnear with a fill by Fullback Alex Knorr put Winger Josh Evans into space that he dotted down in the corner just ahead of the Glendale cover defense. The conversion was missed; however, City was back on top at 36 - 33 with 4 minutes left in the match. Once again City drove deep into the Glendale territory where the men in Blue and White committed a penalty infraction of not rolling away from the tackle. Captain Herr opted for the lineout as time was ticking away. However, Glendale was able to steal the lineout and make one final attempt to steal away City's victory. City's defense was bending; but, not breaking which was making the coaching staff very nervous. However, Center Scott Dishner alertly "jackeled" the ball at a break down. His clearing kick was a bit feeble but got the job done as the ball rolled into touch. Referee Ryan Haggerty's final whistle came and victory was in the bag for the men in Orange and Black at 36 -33 at full time.

This was the first time Queen City has beaten Glendale in a very long time and was well deserved. Tremendous defense, great tackling, and good ball retention were keys to the victory. His hard running, good tackling, and line breaks earned Outside Center Hayden Kinnear Back Man-of-the-Match. Their hard work at breakdowns, ball retention, recycling, and tremendous pressure at set pieces earned the entire forward pack the Scrummie Man-of-the-Match. A big hip-hip-hooray for Ryan Orlowski for his work of obtaining the great Club sponsorship. This was on display with the new set of jerseys from Lionheart being worn by the team showing the The Air Force, Nallen's Irish Pub and Action Spine a Sport Medicine sponsorship.

Coach Charlie