Day 1 Standings:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-AK (Andrew Kellaway)-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10629732_859704874063144_9040775107638654449_n.jpg?oh=a980065422a56e16fc1d23a9403ec5e0&oe=54EB81DC&__gda__=1421527040_b52e7bb78ea0d81a370eaf539dd868e5
GIO NSW Gladiators Star Ryley Batt tumbles over. Photo Credit:
@Fierce4Rugby Twitter
Day 1 Wrap up
BY BEAU GREENWAY
Source:
http://fierce4rugby.com.au/#newsfeed
The GIO New South Wales Gladiators and the AAMI South Australia Sharks were the only two teams to get through undefeated on the opening day of the Fierce 4 Rugby Nationals at Sydney Olympic Park on Thursday.
A strong contingent of local school students turned out in force to watch the home side open their campaign against Western Australia.
The Gladiators side stacked with experience including Ryley Batt, and their coach Curtis Palmer, who were both fresh off winning the world championships with the national side, did not miss a beat as they comfortably disposed of their opponents 60-32.
Defending champions, Queensland, were up next on court as they took on New Zealand.
Only three goals separated the teams at the main break but the Queenslanders showed glimpses of their form that won them the title last year to finish comfortable 42-29 winners.
Western Australia had a quick turnaround as they were back on court to face South Australia in the third match of the day.
The West Coast Enforcers started positively as their New Zealand import, Barney Koneferenisi was at his damaging best to hand them a two goal lead at quarter time.
However, it was all South Australia for the remainder of the clash as they outclassed their inexperienced opponents to secure the win 56-48.
Victoria was the final team to make an appearance at this year’s tournament but they didn’t disappoint as they convincingly accounted for Queensland 56-25.
While the result may not have been a surprise to most, the final margin was staggering and shows that the Victorians have a point to prove this week.
South Australia continued their form from their earlier match and handed New Zealand its second loss with a very impressive 54-39 win.
The final game of the day saw the tournament heavyweights New South Wales and Victoria square off for early bragging rights.
The Victorian side featured four of the recent world championship winning squad including Naz Erdem, Jayden Warn, Jason Lees and Jason Ellery.
The two states couldn’t be split at the first change and it was Victoria that snuck ahead 33-32 at half time.
However, the second half was a different story as the experience of Batt and Palmer along with the impact of Andrew Holloway saw the score swing in New South Wales’ favour 48-42 heading into the final period.
Despite a late charge from the Victorians, the home side held its nerve to register an excellent 60-57 win in what was clearly the match of the day.
New South Wales mid-pointer Daniel Savage made his Australian Nationals debut and was extremely happy with the way the team kicked off the tournament.
“I think in the first quarter we just tried to feel them out and see how they were going to play. Once our stamina started to kick in with our high pointers getting the first couple of turnovers we knew we were on top,” Savage said.
“Western Australia is a strong team with the import Barney Koneferenisi, but it was a good game for us to ease our way into the tournament and good to get a win first up.” Savage also commented on how valuable both Palmer and Batt are to this team and are a big reason for their success.
“Having the experience of Curtis (Palmer) as a coach and a player to control the court and be able to translate the message to the other players is fantastic,” Savage said.
“Ryley is just Ryley, he plays his game and helps everyone on the court while Curtis controls the rest of the team which is a nice combination for us.”
The confidence is high in the New South Wales camp after a successful day.
“It is always up for grabs, the Victorian team has such a strong local competition but we are cautiously optimistic that we might have what it takes to win the whole thing,” Savage said.
Action shot from Qld v Vic. Source:
@GIO_GLADIATORS Twitter