Baby Rocks Shine
The future of Shamrocks Rugby is in good hands judging by the performance of their youngsters in their 24 – 3 shut-out of Tech Waratahs at Ocean Park on Saturday. With five players under 20 in their side and halfback Ben Ridgeway making his first grade debut at 17 years of age, the Rocks were never troubled by their much more experienced Tech Waratah opponents. Scoring four tries to nil the Rocks will be ruing one or two losses throughout the season as they are destined to miss the finals by one win.

With the experience of Tristram

Storm and Anthony Allport leading the way the young Rocks took control of the match scoring two tries in each half for the bonus point win. Whilst Tech Waratahs were strong in defense, there attack was aimless for the most part and the Rocks very committed defense withstood anything the Tahs had to offer.

Play was tight for the first thirty minutes of the match with both sides defensive effort strong as play moved up and down the field with line breaks at a minimum. After a long raking kick from Tristram Storm found space deep in the Tech quarter, Tech fly-half Pat Logan was sin binned for not releasing the ball when confronted by a barrage of attacking Rocks. From the ensuing penalty the Rocks played on quickly and No. 8 Kurt Davis crossed for the opening try wide on the right.

Nine minutes later the Rocks were in again off another strong kick from Storm

Running with the advantage of the southerly breeze, Storm hoisted the ball from his own half. As the ball swirled around in the strong wind, Tech Fullback Michael Bruton mis-judged the flight of the ball with a wicked bounce favoring the Rocks. Winger Luke Tonegato pounced on the ball and ran the final twenty meters to score the first of his three tries. With the try converted by Ben Ridgeway, the Rocks lead was 12 – 0.

Tech center Tristan Hart got the Tahs on the scoreboard with a penalty goal four minutes into the second half as Tech built some pressure with the wind at their backs. Five minutes later the ever dangerous wingman Matt Gauna broke away for the Rocks and skirted the right touchline, coming within center meters of the touch-line. When he looked to be losing his balance and heading out of play he slung a pass in field which found Luke Tonegato backing up to score his second, with the Rocks lead now 17 – 3.2014 20a August 2 Shamrocks V Tech Waratahs

With twenty minutes left after some spiteful exchanges

Tech center Tristan Hart was sin binned for a high tackle on Allport, who had to leave the field for the remainder of the match. Tonegato scored his third for the day when he left his wing to join the Rocks backline on the right, slicing through for a free run to the line. Ridgeway kicked his second conversion to bring up the final score.

With youngsters Iszak Lunney and Kurt Davis playing strong rolls in the forwards for the Rocks, fly-half Tristram Storm showed all his experience to guide his young team mates around the park. Ben Ridgeways debut game was outstanding, with the 17 year old showing plenty of maturity in his game. Free running Luke Tonegato proved a threat whenever he got the ball in his hands.