Waverley 24 — Barker 11
by “Lee Grant”
More accurately this should read “compiled by Lee Grant”
This was a thrilling match and the result must have been a surprise to some, but not to the Waverley College First XV and their enthusiastic home crowd.
Here is a list of comments about the match from Green & Gold Rugby forum members. They are light on scoring details but they will give you the vibe of the game:
The Play
– The Waverley boys talked pre-game about getting into the heads of some of Barker stars, and every player welcomed one Barker star to death valley stares at the starting handshake. He was not at his best in the match.
– Waverley came out with far more intensity early on and took two early and deserved penalties to lead quickly.
– An Assistant Referee reported an incident which had a sanction of a red card for Barker. This was unfortunate because the facts of the matter were disputed by forum members. Barker did exceptionally well considering the circumstances.
– Two run away tries from Duffy of Waverley were the killer blows.
– In the final 20 minutes Barker was camped in the Waverley 22 and they received six straight penalties. Waverley got a yellow card for these infringements but the Waverley defence was sterling, regardless.
The teams
Waverley
– Waverley won this game with a lot of heart and determination The men came together as a team and dismantled Barker’s recognised attack with strong and stable defence all game.
– This weakened Waverley squad should never have been underestimated.
– This crowd was possibly the best home crowd response to a game I have ever seen – they drowned out every noise the Barker fans would make, boosting the Waverley boys intensity.
Barker
– It seemed to me that Barker lost the game, not because of some biased refereeing, as some have mentioned, but because of overconfidence in the opposing players.
– In Barkers defence however, they never showed glimpses of giving up, it was a strong battle till the very end.
The Players
– The outstanding players for Waverley College were Thomas Duffy for his 2 run away tries to take Waverley into control mode, Ben O’Donnell to have an unbelievable sense of courageousness to play a confirmed 20 minutes with a broken arm and Nick Koutsoukis for his leadership charge the whole game.
– The outstanding players for Barker College were Devon Stolz for his willingness throughout the game, a never say die attitude on his team even when they were down and his illusive ball skills and Tyson Davis for his impeccable ball running abilities. He rocked the Waverley defence on all occasions when he ran with the ball.
– Hooker Laundry, with a few very nice steals, was probably the pick of the Barker forwards.
The wrap-up
– What a game for the top of the table clash.
– At least it evens up the competition, and should make for an interesting last two rounds.
– The last two games for both Barker and Waverley will be interesting to say the least.
– Waverley suffered several injuries and it will be a nervous wait by the coaches and team to see how serious these are, especially on top of those to Ben Gan and Jake Smirnotis last week.
– Congratulations to the Waverley XV. Unbelievable top of the table clash between the heavyweights Barker College and Waverley College. I was privileged enough to be out there at Queens Park and watch this high caliber CAS schoolboy game. For the Waverley boys to step up a couple of levels was amazing to witness against a very well drilled Barker squad.
Thanks to forum members whose remarks in posts in the CAS forum were used – especially “silverarrow”, “Sadler”, “kingCAS227” and “CAS rugby observer”.
