Greg White | 24th August 2009 - Coffs Coast Advocate
IN the real estate game, they talk about 'position' being the key to success.
But in the Abigroup Mid North Coast Rugby major semi-final on Saturday, it was 'possession, possession, possession' which caused Coffs Breakers to upset Coffs Crushers 22-12 and become first team into the grand final.
From the opening whistle Breakers took risks, both calculated and downright reckless.
They wasted no time putting the ball through the hands or kicking it to the opposite end of Rugby Park and that simple strategy of putting the Crushers on the back foot and forced to constantly move their giant forwards about worked a treat.
Finally the game plan came together and with so much possession we were able to create a platform up front, and then get the ball to the backs so they could spread the attack, co-coach Nick Joyce said.
Late in game we ran into trouble by getting bogged down when they came back at us ... and it got scrappy because this is the hardest game all year ... but the commitment was there, close to the best this season. And we're almost there, fitness wise.
After the euphoria of coming from back in the pack to clinch the minor premiership, losing such a tight contest left head Crusher Rob Hoy feeling severely deflated.
Without sufficient early possession to put their own tactics into play, compounded by an almost complete washout in the line-outs, the match favourites had to give away a start and they rarely looked likely to forge to the front.
Joel Riddle could have locked the scores up when he thundered across the goal line midway through the second half but a thumbs down from referee Andrew Birch soon wiped the smile off Hoy's dial.
There was also a moment of confusion when prop Craeg Pow appeared to be on his way to the try line, only to be recalled and a penalty awarded following the yellow-carding of Breakers hooker, Lachlan Chubb - all adding to the sense of frustration.
Craeg was close but I don't think he managed to ground the ball, Hoy groaned.
The game was very stop-start with a lot of penalties which didn't suit, but that's not an excuse.
We didn't win clean ball, our line-outs were atrocious and we have to make major changes there, and without any ball to play with, we had few chances to move forward.
Hoy has promised a return to form for next weekend's elimination final.
By the same token, opposite number Nick Joyce has gleefully threatened more surprises if the home town rivals make it through to the decider but whatever they are, he's not revealing any secrets.
You'll have to turn up here in a fortnight to see what we're up to, he laughed.
The Crushers will turn out at home again next Saturday against Hastings Valley who upset Port Pirates A in the minor semi yesterday.
RESULTS Coffs Breakers 22 (Chris Kent 2, Ben Wallace, Mitch Walton tries; Chris Kent conversion) def Coffs Crushers 12 (Will Guest 2 tries; Brendan Robbins conversion).
PRESIDENTS CUP: Hastings Valley Vikings 20 def Port Pirates A 12. South West Rocks Gaolers def Kempsey Cannonballs 36-24. Bowraville Goannas 43 def Port Pirates B 6. UNDER-19s: Kempsey Cannonballs def Port Macquarie Pirates 24-15. South West Rocks Gaolers 43 def Coffs Rugby 8.
