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. A large and roaring home crowd advantage was favouring the Double V, which may have paid its tolls during the game. For the Waverley boys to step up a couple of levels was amazing to witness against a very well drilled Barker squad.
These Waverley men came together as a team and dismantled Barker's recognised offense with strong and stable defence all game. It seemed to me that Barker lost the game, not because of some bias reffing but because of overconfidence in the opposing players.
This weakened Waverley squad should never have been underestimated. In saying that I cannot say the reffing was at its best, missing some foul play.
As an unbiased spectator, I really think Waverley won this game with a lot of heart and determination. As said earlier as well, the fans at Waverley drowned out every noise the Barker fans would make boosting the Waverley boys intensity.
This crowd was possibly the best home crowd response to a game I have ever seen. In Barkers defence however, they never showed glimpses of giving up, it was a strong battle till the very end. Although not enough to beat the Double V at home, to leave them undefeated at home all season at "Death Valley".
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. This did rock the Waverley defence on all occasions when Tyson ran it.
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.
Again, congratulations Waverley College Firsts.