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Sub-18: JAGUARs maul Cascais!!

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Hunting together - JAGUARs Zé Vieira and Gabriel Pop Hunting together - JAGUARs Zé Vieira and Gabriel Pop

Seismic result takes JAGUARs through to A league and consigns Cascais to play-off with CDUL.

 

 

 

 

Click here to view Michael Hultén's images from the game.

Match Report by Dave Bell

JAGUARS

Cascais

 

5

0

Zé Vieira try

8

0

João Caneças penalty

11

0

João Caneças penalty

18

0

João Caneças try + conversion

18

5

 

18

12

 

21

12

João Caneças penalty

21

17

 

 

A lot rested on the result of the game against Cascais. The winners would be guaranteed a place in the top league whilst the losers would face a play off for the same privilege. The build up to this crucial game has been progressive, enabling the JAGUARs to develop their team structure and fundamental skills. It was now time to put these to the ultimate test. The players knew they had the potential to win and were clearly focused on the game with strong words being spoken by the senior players. Would these just remain words or would their actions follow suit? 

The JAGUARs kicked off playing into the bright sunshine and for the next 35 minutes they were relentless. The forwards work tirelessly to make themselves available to carry the attack forward. They broke the gain line, rucked hard and drew in the Cascais defenders. On the few occasions Cascais had possession the Jaguars forced them to kick aimlessly, scrummaged them off the ball, disrupted their line out or won the turn over within two phases. The attitude, commitment and decision making of the JAGUARs  could not be faulted. The pressure they exerted came to fruition ten minutes into the game when a turnover, won by the forwards, allowed the backs some space to attack. With Cascais disorganised, Gabi Pop kicked a perfectly weighted grubber in the Cascais 22 and the pressure in the chase forced the Cascais full back to pass directly to Zé Vieira to score the first try of the game. 

The following 15 minutes followed much the same script with Jaguars dominating both possession and territory. Two further penalties converted by João Caneças opened up an 11 - 0 lead. 

The final ten minutes of the half saw Cascais apply their first consistent period pressure on the Jaguars defensive line, and a series of penalties allowed Cascais to kick deep into JAGUARs' territory. Cascais were clearly growing in confidence in their driving game and threw everything at the Jaguars close defence, which was not going to fold. As soon as Cascais attacked wider the JAGUARs pounced, forced the ball loose and Vieira had an open pitch to run into. Cascais scrambled back to haul Zé down short of the line but an offload and one ruck later João Caneças was fed the ball on blind side and he strolled in unopposed to score and convert his own try. The significance of this passage of play was immense. What could have been 7 points for Cascais became 7 points to the JAGUARs and an 18 – 0 half time score line. 

Unsurprisingly the second half saw Cascais play a tighter game and much of the second half was played out in the JAGUARs' half. It was becoming clear that the monumental efforts of the first half were beginning to take their toll on the JAGUARs energy levels, particularly in the pack. However, their defence remained resolute and determined. During this 20 minute period Cascais could not be denied, and two tries from driving play brought the score back to 18 – 12. 

The JAGUARs kicking game, which had been so well applied in the first half, was less effective in the second. However, with ten minutes to play a couple of well placed grubber kicks pinned Cascais inside their 22 and a final surge of effort was rewarded with a penalty and 3 more points from the boot of João Caneças taking the score to 21 – 12. With Cascais now needing two scores in the final few minutes surely the game was won? Cascais still believed and, following a series of kicks from both sides, a favourable bounce allowed Cascais to run in the final score under the posts but it was too little too late. The relief and pride as the referee blew the final whistle was tangible with the final score JAGUARs 21 Cascais 17.

It is impossible to single out any particular player for making a greater contribution than any other. The victory was earned by not only the 17 who competed during the game but the entire JAGUARs squad who have trained with commitment and intent. The spirit and bond that they have formed is visible and  crucial when the going gets tough on the pitch. It is also important to credit the JAGUARs of 2014/15 who were the pioneers in creating this fantastic environment. It was fitting that so many of them were supporting and celebrating the victory alongside their JAGUAR team mates.

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