Rebels' attacking flair accounts for Rats

Bursts of counter attacking flair combined with sustained periods of composed defence led Southern Districts Rebels to overcome the Warringah Rats 35-28 in front of a large gathering of Forshaw faithful on Saturday. Fly-half Rohan Salfoloi was simply extraordinary in all facets of his game, directing the Rebels attack with a crisp passing game and also producing his best running game of the year. The Rebels measured and superbly organised defence was exemplified by workhorse props Conor Young and Duncan Chubb in the tight, and wingers Ben Connelly and Alex Gibbon continually shutting down attempted wide raids from the Rats.The match started at a ferocious pace, and the atmosphere had finals intensity. Warringah dominatied territory and possession in the early going, but Souths’ defence held firm and they only conceded a penalty goal in the opening 10 minutes. Through astute tactical kicking from Salfoloi and fullback Jamie Verran, the Rebels were then able to gradually gain better field position.Hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa was held up over the line by last gasp Rats defence around the 15 minute mark, but this attacking facet was only able to deliver a match levelling penalty goal. The Rats then forced an error from the kick-off and built their own momentum with plenty of energy sapping phases, crossing for the first try of the day out wide to lead 8-3. The Rebels however were matching the Rats at the breakdown, and when opportunities presented they took every opportunity break the defensive line. Saifoloi made a terrific run from near half way, before inspirational back-rower Jed Holloway crashed over from an ensuing ruck to bag a try for an 10-8 lead. Southern Districts extended the lead out to 17-8 when outside centre Luke Smart ran the perfect line for his incredible 16th try for the season. After a Rats penalty brought scores to 17-11, an equally impressive swerving and explosive run from Verran saw him touch down to put the Rebels in command at 24-11 approaching half time. Warringah bridged the gap back to 24-18 with a “coach killer” right on the half time siren, seizing another try and conversion. Whatever coach Matt Barr instructed the players in the sheds had the desired effect, as the Rebels exploded out of the blocks in the second half. Lock Jake Douglas sliced through several defenders with a cracking run from 30 metres out. (Note From FSH - Goose Step Included) From the next play Saifoloi caught sight of an overlap and rather than passing, stabbed a precise cross field kick that was caught by a flying Hollaway in the 4th Grade Family Hill corner to rapturous applause. This play was equivalent to Cooper Cronk at his best! After a missed conversation, the Rebels had skipped out to 29-18 as the battle raged on. Warringah hit back with their third try and it narrowed to a six point game. Another Saifoloi penalty gave the Rebels a nine point cushion at 32-23, and that remained until the final five minutes.The Rats hammered the tiring Souths line and their experienced scrum-half Josh Holmes wriggled over from close range for a fourth Rats try and bonus point, but with a missed conversation they still trailed 32-28. Saifoloi slotted a clutch penalty from 35 metres as the full time siren sounded, but the Rats were afforded one final kick-off to salvage a draw. Despite regathering possession and testing the Souths defence for seven phases, a turnover was forced and it was Saifoloi who booted the ball out high over Favourite Son Hill to end the game. The eighth consecutive win elevates the Rebels to third on the Shute Shield ladder, and pushes the Rats back to fourth on for and against (39 point difference).Southern Districts turned at the half way mark of the season with a 4-5 win-loss record when they lost a see-sawing match away to Sydney University in Round 9, and slipped to 7th place. The run of form since has been outstanding and built tremendous momentum for a finals tilt. Randwick (currently in second place) await this week at Coogee. The winner is guaranteed of a home semi-final.SECOND GRADESecond grade nabbed a crucial 18-7 win over Warringah and are similarly placed, sitting second but face a determined Randwick who are looking to rise up the ladder from sixth position. Winger Fineula Finau suffered a terrible broken leg injury in the second half and has now had surgery. The entire club and supporter base have him in our thoughts.Scribed by FHS writer Brendan MacNamaraSUPPORTER BUS TO RANDWICK$20 return - Selling fast - Contact Rids 0418 400 121 (ONE BUS ONLY - Limited to 50 people)