And that's what a team under pressure does. Wins with style (except for Webby), wins with grace (except for Webby), and wins without players we thought we couldn't do without (except for Jones). Last week Christchurch defaulted to Linwood because they had guys up in Auckland for the Lions test. This week we had guys up in Wellington for the Lions test. But we hardened up and stuck it out showing just what sort of resilience we have. Plus, Webby brought half the freezing works with him.

We jigged the forwards about in different positions but with no untoward results, but a lot of New Boys in the back line made running calls difficult so the plan became simple. Kick, pass and run your way through an opposition like they were a team which we kicked, passed and ran through regularly. Class players will always adapt to an unusual situation and we adapted well.

Webby wanted to prove his alpha dominance at the works so in front of all his boys he scored first, albeit on the back of some excellent running play from others before hand. After that display, Trent nipped through a gap and ran 99 metres down the sideline unopposed to score on debut. Webby, in lieu of anyone who could kick (even Cal) missed the conversions by a huge margin ending the half 10-0 up.
That doesn't mean we had it all over Christchurch. They pressured us in the scums and our lineouts weren't always straight down the middle and the referee was a typical Classics referee. Good and bad play from both teams was the norm with a slight penalty count in Christchurch's favour. They, however, could not capitalise on any advantage they were given.

Chief gave a good half time speech, and after the second half started Christchurch scored. Make of that what you will.
Ross then became more Ross like and scored of which through a fluke of the wind Webby's conversion attempt went over. Pressure, constant pressure became our watchword from then on with Paunga scoring from good solid forward play.
Ross then sought medical help via nicotine intake to sooth his injured arm, but he was generally the only casualty of the day.

It's become clear at this sharp end of the competition that team work under arduous circumstances bring us results and bring us together more and more. Hopefully teamwork like the last few weeks can bring us glory when it counts.

Two hard games left in the competition round so let's all be Keithly and do your bit.