[SOC] Sport

[Ian C. Purdie]

JMcAulay wrote:

> At 01:05 PM 06/26/2003 +1000, Ian wrote:
>
> >We won 27 - 4
>
> Sounds like a walkover.  Not that it matters, especially with things that
> lopsided, but how were the scores made up?

Sensible question, sometimes scores don't really reflect the game. It's not
unknown for one team to try their hearts out and be rewarded by bad luck when
it really counts, the score not a reflection of each teams performance on
merits.

In this case 27 - 4 truly reflected the game.

1. Points [4] are awarded if you carry the ball [*AND* ground it] over the
opposing teams line. Many a player has had the ball physically held up [my
forte in the late 1950's], so it doesn't count.

2. Points [2] are awarded when your team does that and you then you get to kick
the ball over the goal posts. Sounds easy but you must be parallel to the
sideline to where the ball was carried over and grounded. Often this is within
inches of the sideline. Only super supreme experts can kick from there and earn
the two points. The "top gun" NSW Captain missed two such kicks last night, no
disgrace.

Ditto 2 above if the opposing team infringe the rules and you are awarded a
penalty, kick for 2 points goal or play on, your Captain's choice.

3. An often unused  - points [1] - is accrued if your team, in play, kick the
ball over the goal posts in a special way [drop kick - sounds easy - it isn't
on the run]. Tactically the NSW Captain did this within 30 seconds of half time
being declared. His intention of changing the score from 16 - 0 to 17 - 0 at
the time was purely psychological. Only one point difference, but as a matter
of practicality, another mountain to climb for the opposition. It really breaks
the strongest hearts.

Many a game has been decided on that one point tactical advantage and the
effect, mentally, on the opposing team is often colossal.

FWIW

Ian

PS - contrary to popular belief, it's not "brawn" which wins these games.
Skill, fitness, game plan and tactics win out every time.