Match Report: Komodo vs JagoDulu

It was a swelteringly hot saturday as Ed and I stood by ISCI's delightful patio bar, waiting anxiously for anyone not French to arrive. By 3:10 it was not looking good, I admit I phoned former Captain Thomas Elliot to discuss strategy if Ed and I were forced to play the French alone (well with 3 Samurai), "just keep it in the forward," he said with his usual Surrey swagger. Finally by 3:15, the Komodai starting flocking to ISCI in numbers and we had a proper squad. After a ridiculously brief warm-up, we took the pitch and huddled up freshly inspired by the passionate words of a young captain. "It's f-ing hot out," was the jest of it.

The French kicked off, and the play looked lack luster for the first quarter for both sides. Seb 'The Commish' Sharp noted that there is no way we are gonna win the 10's with this kind of effort, " you need to find someone to run a proper warm-up before games." Noted.

I was on the sideline for a moment during the game, because of post-marriage weakness. Apparently everything starts to break down, and you need to stretch before getting in and out of cars. However, the injury to a samurai winger forced this wounded soldier back into play. And the inspired Komodai marched the pitch towards the JagoDulu 22, with a long pass way wide this winger put the ball in for a photo finish, yet questionable try, back spasms and all.

From that point the Komodai began to find their mojo

again. And beautiful phase play with long runs by G and English Scott on the wing, great support by Scott MD., and a well earned finish by Chris Rowe put us ahead by 2 tries.

The 2nd half started with same intensity that the first half ended with as Ed's nifty footwork and chips led to one of our noble Samurai's score on the wing. But things melted down a bit, literally, as the heat began to effect decision making. Jonathan, Frano's prodigy, new to the game surrendered a "shocking" interception (see Fearless' expression)

. Our new boy wonder, G, had enough at this point, and so had the rest of the Komodai. We promptly took possession all the way down to their 5 meter line, and G put a swift finish in the corner. But the French would not surrender like their fore-fathers, they played with more heart than we've seen from any side thus far in the Jakarta 15's Series. Most notably, they scored a beautiful team try off an attacking lineout by mauling it in with the forward pack on all cylinders. We tip our hats to you JagoDulu, all except "The Commish" who retains some of the Anglo-French sentiment of his ancestors. First time a ref has had to have a word to the skipper about Seb's rabid behavior, I hope it won't be the last. Passionate stuff Seb.

All in all, a great game. And great opposition. If anyone has the photo we took together at the end please pass it on.

Captain's Ratings

Frano - 6.5 - Was a force in the scrum and on the run as well, although tackling has gotten a little lazy, we'll have a word with Glenn about that though. Couldn't play the 2nd half

Ed - 8 - Every week it seems Ed establishes himself as a dominant Komodo. If only he could forget about that shocker he released straight out the back of the pitch on a free kick. I can't put you in at 10 with plays like that mate. His chip for try made up for it though

Chris Rowe - 8 - Show's little sign of age, as he always finds himself in the right place. Plays "smart" rugby. Try scorer.

Fearless - 7.5 - He's the voice in the forwards that the Komodai need, a vocal leader with the experience and aptitude to match, a great replacement to Royal Marine

Jonathan - 5 - Sorry mate, can't give you anything higher after that interception, we've all had our horror moments though and you will bounce back next week.

Seb - 7.5 - His green boots have really put some flash in play and some flare in his eyes.

Scott MD. - 7 - We've been looking forward to his come back, and it had it's moments, with complete disregard for his own body and restored knee, he insanely threw his body all over the field.

Jeff - 7 - Ran the ball well, as usual, with his mungrul demeanor. But again could not last the game.

McCarthy - 7.5 - while in McCarthy led the backs pretty well, although he re-aggravated his hammy ... and has been ordered not to return to play until the 10's. That does not mean we don't need you on the sidelines Cap-Coach MC.

G - 8 - Although G admits to having a shocker I still think he played pretty decently. He ran the ball well and his defense was consistent as well.

Daily - 8 - The youngster rarely disappoints, and gets added praise for his performance in the Bandung game - when DAily and Ed were put in they gave the Bantengs a run for their money. No wonder Bobby complained about the 15 year old coming on the field to oppose him.

English Scott - 7.5 - Scott had a great game, showing great running and support play. His hands seem to have improved as well, it wasn't long ago that he had a case of the drops.

Unnamed Samurai Halfback - 7.5

Unnamed Samurai Winger - 7

Unnamed Samurai Prop - 8

Junior - 6.5 - The man is a legend, just his presence makes us humble

URGENT:

We have Training on Thursdays JIS 7pm, and we are really pushing for more Komodo to show up as we have less than 3 weeks till the Jakarta 10's, our 20th anniversary. What better time to win it all... That does take effort however, we always have the talent, the question is, year after year, do we have the heart. Whether you make it to Training or you train on your own, just keep that in mind. YES WE CAN...

JUST WIN BABY

Mike