Collingwood lose semi-final battle

GB Aorere v Nelson Suburbs FC Knights

For what turned out to be their final match of the season, Collingwood travelled to Greenmeadows last Saturday to take on Stoke in a Division 2 semi-final fixture.

Playing at home, the winners of this year’s round robin phase raced into a 12-0 lead after just seven minutes – an advantage they stretched to 19-0 on the 25 minute mark. Collingwood struck back with a try by Brett McKay on 32 minutes, converted by Liam Miller, but the home side scored again to take the halftime score to 24-7.

The first 20 minutes of the second half was tight, with neither side adding points, until Stoke scored a converted try to extend their lead to 31-7. Liam Miller struck back with a try for Collingwood but, minutes later, and with time running out, Stoke scored again to put the result beyond any doubt.

Final score: Stoke 38 vs Collingwood 12.

Speaking to The GB Weekly earlier this week, Collingwood coach Graeme Miller said it was “a tough game“ and conceded that the “well-drilled“ Stoke side “were too good for us“.

With Collingwood’s season now over, Graeme looked back on this year’s campaign, which he said had begun well, with a large squad of 29 players who started their training programme early. “We made a good start, winning games but, as the season progressed with one key player leaving and injuries, it began to

Something which he said also affected Collingwood’s campaign was the stop-start nature of the season due to a combination of bad weather and public holidays, which meant it had been difficult to build momentum.

On the plus side, even accounting for injuries, Graeme said there was “a large pool of diverse players in the squad” including some based over the Hill which had made travelling to away games easier.

Collingwood's Boston Rountree in action last Saturday.

Graeme said he was very grateful to the local community for its support, turning up to games both home and away and helping financially. He also expressed his appreciation for those who make it possible to field a team week in, week out. “I want to thank the families and employers of the players who support them... And I want to specifically thank PhysEx for their continued support throughout the season.”

Turning his thoughts to next season, Graeme anticipates he’ll have another good-size squad to work with. “Numbers are looking good with a number of former players returning to play, and a few extras.”