RC St. Gallen Bishops Defeat RC Luzern 31 - 3

In chilly yet relatively dry conditions, Rugby Club St. Gallen Bishops hosted Rugby Club Luzern for the final match of 2019.
With both teams coming off a loss in their previous matches, the scene was set for a great challenge. Bishops applied and maintained the majority of pressure through out the match with renewed focus and intensity. The Bishops pack provided a solid foundation with a dominant scrum and much improved accuracy at line outs with Johannes Eberle consistently finding Adrian Hildbrand & Istvan Nemeth at the front.

Both teams took time to adjust to the officiating, with Bishops making great inroads into the Luzern 22m zone, only to be undone by simple technique errors at the break down, which let the pressure off their opponents.

After captain Oliver Baumgartner crashed over the opposition try line and was held up, it was number 8, Brad Grobler, who scored first points off the back of the ensuing 5-meter scrum. Fly-half Malcolm Fraser missed the conversion.

After the Bishops worked the ball down field, Grobler bagged another 5-pointer, working a great pick and go with the forward pack, who were all hungry for work. Another missed conversion meant Bishops held a 10-0 lead.

An indiscretion at the opposite end of the field allowed Luzern their only points of the match with a converted penalty kick 10-3. Bishops swung back onto attack with inside centre, Dominik Chiavi, bursting through the defence and scoring under the posts. Fraser was successful with the conversion and Bishops went into the break leading 17-3.

With 4 changes at half time, it took Bishops some time to adjust to the new combinations and Luzern were the first to apply the early 2nd half pressure. However, solid defence and an unfortunate dropped ball with an open line meant Luzern were unable to convert pressure to points.

Sticking to structures and game plan, Bishops were able to swing momentum back in their favour and, following a sweeping surge down field, the forwards kept the ball close with Grobler crossing for his third try of the game. Replacement fly half, Alex Masters, converted - 24-3.

Following an incisive blind-side dart and off-load by Masters in the final minute of the match, Daniel Roduner ran in the final try of the match. Masters duly converted. Final Score 31 -3.

Special mention to our new players Nicolas Motte (man-of-the-match), Eoghan Konstantin & Jonas Engler who have made welcome additions to our squad.

Thanks to RC Luzern, referee Martin Pütter, non-playing team/club members, Cindies, supporters and our sponsors for helping us end the year on a positive note.

Over the winter break, Bishops will be focussed on preparing for the 2020 leg of the season. New players always welcome!