The Kendall Blues defeated the Beechwood Shamrocks 26 points to 4 in Saturday's match at the Kendall Showground in front of a large crowd.
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Spectators witnessed an old-fashioned but effective style of football from the Blues in which defence was the feature with all players standing up in a physical confrontation. Solid contact led by enforcer Jake Bignell and skipper Jacob Cook set the tone for the match.
After the Blues won the arm wrestle and started to take advantage of quality field position, they concentrated on taking their opportunities with fullback Jahbe Latham accepting the challenge with a strong run through the Shamrocks line to get the scoreboard started. Alex Pearce converted the try from out wide to take the score line to 6 - 0.
The kick off was received by Jimmy Kennedy, after handing it to front rower Arnold Turnbull who blasted his way over the halfway line setting up the next passage of play. Ball movement from side to side with quality passing saw the Blues out-class the Shamrocks for width and once again Jahbe Latham crossed the try line to score his second for the day. Pearce kept his record in tack taking the score to 12 - 0.
While the Blues were on a roll they were able keep the pressure on by making positive metres with their go forward. Contributing with quick play the balls that led to their next try scored by Tom Wigman who managed to use his speed to split through the Shamrocks to score a well constructed 4 pointer. Alex Pearce kicked the extras from the other side of the field making the halftime score 18 - 0.
The second half started the same as the first with the intensity proving to be quite evident from the outset.
Beechwood didn't take a backward step in giving it to the Blues but their respect for their defensive line was again the highlight of the second half. Beechwood kept the Blues in their own end for a long time but couldn't crack them and when Alex Pearce took a magic 80 metre intercept to put the match out of reach for the Shamrocks. Tom Wigman converted the try from the side line to bring the score to 24 - 0.
The Blues continued the match with positive involvement across the board but when a penalty was awarded in front, the Blues also demonstrated maturity in taking the points on offer. Alex Pearce converted the penalty into points to take the lead to 26 - 0.
Beechwood ran in a consolation try to get on the scoreboard but the Blues looked to be in control from the initial whistle.
Next week the Blues have the bye so their next match will be on Saturday April 23 against the Comboyne Tigers at the Kendall Showground scheduled for a 2:30 kick off. All supporters are urged to come along and watch a fine game of football.
