1992
Joeys v Scots at the Death Star with yours truly present and witness to the events
This is from the College record. My comments are in bold)
A large crowd, estimated between 8,000 and 10,000 assembled at Bellevue Hill to witness what was to be a memorable match. The Scots team easily out-weighed the small St Joseph's pack and their distinct height advantage ensured plenty of possession for Scots from line outs. (keep this in mind)
Scots led 3-0 at half time with the Joeys boys tackling themselves silly. Scots had five brand new "musical scholars" players in the team in preparation for the following year. Even though they were young they were enormous. Back to the game
As the match continued both sides realised that the final score would depend on what happened in the last 10 minutes of the game. From a lineout on the halfway line Gavagna tapped the ball back to O'Brien who made a strong run into the Scots half
(Scots had been camped in the Joeys half all game). Hannon set play up in the midfield from which the attack was switched through Prior, who with Highfield took play to within 5 metres of the Scots line. The line-out which followed was the chance St Joseph's had been waiting for. Attacking field position had been gained, possession was vital.
(As the line-out formed 5m from the Scots line, Joeys Old boy and father of the blue wiggle called out, "Hey Scots boys, hope you can grab a ball as well as you grab a sch..........(word that shall not be used). The crowd had quietened at that very moment and you could see that the Scots players had heard him. They were distracted. This is what happened next)
The Scots hooker threw into the line-out and Kennedy jumping high won a
rare ball for St Joseph's (
over the very tall Tom Bowman). Isaac threw a wide pass to Hannon who made good ground, beating two Scots defenders and finally being tackled just under the posts. Crick picked up and drove just short of the line where Isaac picked up and scored the match winning try.
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The St Joseph's supporters were delighted. Clarke converted to give St Joseph's the lead 7-3.
The pressure continued. The atmosphere was exciting as both schools cheered on their team and the players from both sides continued to give their very best right up till the final whistle. St Joseph's in winning the match 7-3 ensured the GPS Premiership for the 46th time.
To celebrate the win both Anthony Field and his father marched up and down the eastern touchline playing their Irish bagpipes to the delight of the Joeys crowd.
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