Rugby Union: defeated Arks left to rue missed tackles

Rockingham had the wind for the first half and used it well when they needed to. The Arks scrums and line-outs worked well but the Rockingham side were too big and fast and used open play to run through the lighter and younger backline.

Arks’ tackle pressure was not on show and the missed tackle count was too high, with the score at 0-38 at half- time.

The team started well in the second, keeping the ball in the forward line.

They worked their way up the field using short, rushed passes but a dropped ball allowed Rockingham to break through and score.

This set the pattern for the rest of the game, with fatigue and injuries taking their toll on the Arks players, with the final score, 0-85.

The Arks ladies’ team had 14 players available for their away clash against Perth-Bayswater, who fielded a strong side with reserves.

The first half was competitive, with Bayswater scoring the first try 20 minutes in, followed by a try by Arks soon after.

Arks continued to work in the second half but their effort faded as fatigue took its toll and Perth-Bayswater were able to bring fresh players into the game, winning 29-5.

Next week is the final game of the season for Arks at the John Dunn Oval.

There will be a pre-game lunch at the club and the Super Rugby final will be shown after the games.