Late missed chance proves costly as Abbey triumph

ABBEY survived a late scare to defeat a competitive Gosford All Blacks side at Rosehill last Saturday.

In the final play of the game Patrick Mackenzie broke clear and was tackled just short of the line. Replacement Ethan Mackenzie was up in support but he just failed to take what would have been a try-scoring pass. Had he scored, a simple conversion would have drawn the game. Abbey’s victory puts them in sixth place in Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern North, while Gosford remain winless.

The visitors took the lead in the ninth minute when outside half Paddy Fitzgerald scored a try after a break from flanker Gabriel Knopp. Winger George Pamenter could not convert, and Abbey drew level with a try from fullback Tom Martin, courtesy of a well-placed long pass from outside half Reuben Norville. They then forged ahead with two tries in rapid succession.

First, prop Zac Mayo powered over from a line-out drive, and then centre Max Boucher scored a brilliant try following sprint and a superb change of direction. Centre Iwan John converted Boucher’s try to put Abbey 17-5 up, but just before the break a great 40-metre run from skipper Rhys Andrews gave Gosford their second try. Pamenter missed the conversion, and Abbey led 17-10 at half-time. Gosford drew level early in the second half when Knopp surged through a gap in the home defence to score, with Pamenter adding the extras. Abbey found another gear in the final quarter of the game, and hooker Tom Wilkinson got their bonus point try from a tapped penalty.

Iwan John converted, and despite the late drama this was enough to secure a home victory.