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A large crowd gathered at Ballymore for what could only be described as a game that could have gone either way, despite AIC’s being written off as easy-eats following their loss at the hands of GPS 2. With cold and dry conditions set for the night, running rugby was the theme with both sides showing from the opening kick that they were there to show the Queensland selectors what they were capable of.
The game began with GPS on the attack, punching at the AIC goal-line only to knock the ball on after a number of phases — a theme that GPS maintained for the rest of the night. After a nervous start from both sides a brilliant chip kick from AIC No. 10 Tkatchenko (SPLC) put No. 13 Humphries (SEC) through for a fantastic try, with Humphries showing a great pair of hands to regather the kick and finish with style.
Throughout the first half, GPS really struggled in communication and cohesion with many a pass going to ground. No. 10 Darcy Eason (ACGS) battled to get anything out of his backline, with the AIC defence closing down on any sniff of an opportunity. The AIC pack led the way and seemingly got the better of the GPS boys who looked as though they didn’t want to be there, caught off-guard by the fire that AIC directed at them.
With four minutes remaining in the first half, GPS found some form and rolled forward with some strong runs from their forwards, which really put the AIC goal-line under pressure. After numerous phases, No. 3 Sikimeti (NC) barged over for GPS’s first points. GPS went into the break 7-5 up, despite AIC arguably having had the dominant half.
The second half picked up where the first half began with AIC forwards Manu (SEC) and Perese (SEC) showing brute strength with some big barging runs up the middle of the field. GPS defended well, however, and AIC turned the ball over after a number of phases on the GPS goal-line. GPS lacked direction from Eason (ACGS) all game and failed to sufficiently use the size advantage that they had in the backline. This showed when a lack of communication from the GPS backline led to an overlap 50 metres out, with big AIC winger Duma (SPLC) barging down the sideline to score the try of the game, capped off by a fantastic swan dive and a salute to his supporters up on the hill.
Following the kick-off, GPS regained the ball immediately and had 10-plus phases on the AIC goal-line, with No. 7 Hood (BBC) and No. 2 Postale (NC) showing some great heart with a number of quality runs through the heart of the AIC defence. Finally, GPS fell over the line following some soft defence from the AIC forward pack. Eason (ACGS) converted and with 12 minutes remaining GPS 1 led 14-12.
In what was a very even second half, AIC looked to want it more than the GPS boys but it came down to the extra class that GPS showed, staying cool and calm in a pressure situation which eventually led to the final try off the back of a rolling maul with only two minutes remaining. Eason missed the conversion and the final score remained GPS 1 19 – AIC 1 12.
Standouts from GPS 1: 2. Postale (NC), 3. Sikimeti (NC), 6. Gunn (ACGS), 7. Hood (BBC) 9. Deck (TGS).
Standouts from AIC 1: 2. Manu (SEC), 8. Perese (SEC), 9. Briskie (PAD), 13. Humphries (SEC).
The Queensland Schoolboys selectors have named the following teams for the coming National Championships to be played in Sydney:
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