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QLD GPS Rugby 2011

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Refabit

Darby Loudon (17)
The GPS competition, being so short, makes for an unforgiving competeition. You drop an early game like Nudgee, TSS or BSHS did and you're backs to the wall already.
Wouldn't it be great to see 2 rounds of competition rather than this soccer 1 term rugby the next b/s they have decided upon.
Then we'd see the worthy premiers prevail.
 
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brandonk

Guest
Churchie undefeated? Wait 'till 4.30pm on 23 July at Fursden Road. By contrast NC run in is BGS & BBC.

this game isnt at fursden road, its at brisbane state high school oval for the 90th anniversary of the school
 
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redsfan123

Guest
That will be a gem of a game! Iv'e only heard about the atmosphere at the games played at the school field from the old days and apparently it was electric. Should be a great occasion for both teams and especially the BSHS school.
 

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Peter Fenwicke (45)
I too think BSHS will have Churchie's measure. I've seen the boys in blue and grey play a few times now and they aren't a flashy or brilliant team. Churchie bases their game on doing the bare minimum to win and it has been quite successful of late. Against the stronger teams they lift and against the weaker teams they do enough to ensure victory without being dominant. To say they aren't the best team in the comp would be a lie, top of the table and undefeated suggests that they are not only in form but have the desire to win at all costs. I'm not terribly impressed by their squad and I think the return of Browning and Sautia will give the BSHS a lift. To be undefeated in this competition is incredibly hard but I think wether it's ACGS or NC, both teams deserve the silverware.

Let's hope ACGS and BSHS both play to their full ability and step up, then perhaps we will have an interesting game on our hands
 

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Peter Fenwicke (45)
Anyway, for next fixtures. Remember it is a split round.

Saturday 18th June

TGS v BSHS.
Away fixture for State High, surely they won't be focusing too much on this game. Injuries to Browning and Sautia, and the addition of the freezing Toowoomba weather will surely make this game closer then one would think. BSHS will be looking forward to the ACGS game after the holidays so TGS will be looking for an upset. I think State High may be a little too strong and close out any TGS hopes early on. BSHS by 12

BGS v GT
For mine this is the match of the round. Two rival schools, one excelling the other down in the cellars. GT looked a completely different side against ACGS and would argue that they were in the match, BGS coming off a smashing against a underestimated TSS side. I like GT's chances of an upset in this one, provided Birgin is kept at 7. Expect to see BGS kicking game dominate and perhaps ensure them victory. High scoring game, Greene's boot to be the difference. BGS by 6

Saturday, 16th July

IGS v ACGS
Danger game for the title favourites. Sitting pretty in pole position on the table but expect IGS to rock the boat a little in this clash. ACGS far from impressive against GT but the return of #9 (Jardine) will result in a reshuffle of the backline. The boys in blue and grey will benefit most from the long break and expect them to be rejuvinated after yesterdays dissapointing performance. IGS have been consistently good but to upset a team charging towards a premiership you need to be brilliant, and they fell short against NC and BGS. ACGS boys to step up again in one of the better matches of the season. ACGS by 9

BBC v TSS
Not much to say about this. BBC has been solidly improving but not the same side we saw at the start of the year. TSS has bounced back solidly after a disappointing start and seem to have their problems figured out. TSS would have to be favourites for this one and I don't see BBC overcoming them after a long break. Scoreline depends on where Paraka plays, but expect it to be a comfortable win for the boys from the coast. TSS by 20
 
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leftside

Guest
A lot of talk has been generated in this thread about the dire state of Terrace rugby and Terrace sport in general. Firstly, I do not believe that Terrace sport is well and truly gone by the wayside. GT has set the benchmark in Rowing, Volleyball and Cross Country over the past decade and have been perennial threats especially over the last three years in these sports. Other than that, Terrace remains competitive in every other sport that is played. The reality is that GT does not have the depth of other schools, and I think that in the years to come Terrace will continue to turn out a few Reds/Wallabies players every couple of years, but individual superstars do not win games of rugby.

Personally, I have only praise for the way the Terrace XV have played this year. As I mentioned above, the skipper has been playing out of position at the coach's request. Mark Stevenson (First XV Coach) last year turned Sam Reiser - who had played as a centre in 'B' teams thrroughout his schooling - into an Australian Schoolboy second rower. Perhaps he thought he could do the same for Birgan? However, the fact remains that Ben is far better suited as a loose forward.

Terrace's results this year cannot be blamed on one particular cause, event or person. Obviously, the College has been extraordinarily unlucky with the loss of the playing fields at Tennyson, and the boys now enter each game as the visiting team - putting them at an immediate disadvantage. Also, alot of people have been saying that this is just a down year in terms of talent - also not entirely true. This age group was extremely good in Under 13, 14, 15 competitions, losing only two games as thirteen year olds, three games as fourteen year olds and at least breaking even as fifteen year olds. However, last year as an Under 16 age group they were winless. Of course, it widely known that many other schools scholarship programs really come into full effect at around this age group. But I do not wish to harp on that. The reason that this age group has struggled is that most of the 'Star' players from the younger competitions have decided to focus on other Sports, left the College, or suffered serious injuries that have wrecked their rugby careers.

However, I believe that GT showed yesterday that they do not deserve to be written off or evaluated by the big losses they succumbed too at the start of the season. If the team continues to play the brand of rugby they played at Churchie yesterday, it is a certain possibility that a few wins are within their grasp after the holidays. Of course, a huge game awaits these men at Northgate this weekend vs BGS. If GT plays with the persistance, passion and determination that has defined Terrace rugby in the past, anything is possible.

I was out at ACGS yesterday and was absolutely inspired by the performance of the Terrace First XV against the highly touted Churchie outfit. As mentioned, the score was 28-10 in favour of Churchie, but GT really showed that they can compete in this competition. The boys played with so much passion, with a special mention going to captain Ben Birgan (#7), who despite playing in the centres all year proved he is one of the best loose forwards in the breakdown in GPS this year. His impact playing in his preferred position was substantial, and he continually harrassed the tackled player - often forcing a penalty or getting a pilfer. Birgan lead by example showing true Terrace spirit and ticker, playing with a fractured hip (he was suppossed to be out for four weeks) and returning to the field after a nasty collision that split his eyebrow. Fantastic turnaround after the 76 point defecit from the BSHS game last week. Possibly a lot of this can be attributed to Birgan returning to the forward pack.

Also, it is interesting that you are talking up the performance of Monty Ioane for Churchie. I am conscious that he scored a try, but it was really nothing spectacular. Other than that, I thought he was shut down rather effectively by Terrace's opposing winger Tom Harvey, a small guy who was obviously at a size disadvantage to Ioane but really crowded him and made some nice covering tackles. Harvey is one of the fastest players I've seen in GPS rugby this season - his acceleration is incredible - and he has defensive skills which simply should not belong to a guy of his size. The video below is Tom Harvey playing for the Terrace 2nd XV against BBC at Ballymore, a great passage of play demonstrating his rugby skill.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUgG8OvooMs
 
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fourgreatkids

Guest
all this focus on the terrace team, is it fair to say htough that they werent playing a full strenth churchie, or if they were, that churchie were way off their game??. if so, thats two weeks in a row, and churchie could be struggling going into a tough game against BSHS
 
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leftside

Guest
As far as I know, and I think I know pretty well that Churchie fielded a full strength team. Their plan was obviously to withdraw some key players early in the game but with Terrace still well in it at halftime (7-3) they kept their team on for the full 70 minutes. Churchie did not appear to be off their game either, as they were not making errors or anything like that, rather Terrace decided they would defend to their ability. I am conscious that Churchie pride themselves on defense, and GT had to work hard to get the try, but it was a completely different red and black outfit this weekend to previous ones.
 
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fourgreatkids

Guest
I heard churchie was focusing more on hurting the terrace boys, then actually playing rugby. Including shoulder chargers and trying to start biffs?
 

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Peter Fenwicke (45)
Agreed, the GT standard yesterday was above and beyond everything I expected. Based on that performance they were a top 5 team but the ladder still stands and they aren't where they need to be, deservedly so. Regardless Churchie did field a full strength team but to say they played to their full potential would be a stretch of the imagination. I think the Churchie boys were a little tired and aren't in the same form as the beginning of the year, the break will certainly favour them. GT played well above their ability and Churchie played quite defensive counter attacking rugby. The referee did keep GT in the game for longer than expected but it was quite clear that Churchie were going to win it from early in the second half.

Churchie's strength is its defence, and ability to counter attack. They play at the level they need to, to win and that's it. There's no extra mile just to score another 20 points but there is the desire to run down teams and to play the whole 70 mins, much like what was seen against TSS, NC and BGS. I don't think Churchie will struggle against IGS, but BSHS may be another issue. If both teams play to their potential and are injury free I think Churchie will walk away with the premiership. If they are one step off then BSHS will punish them and the match will be over quickly, as will any Churchie premiership dream.

GT on the other hand will look positively forward, I think they can expect a good result against Grammar. Unfortunately that probably won't be a win, but to remain competitive in the closing rounds should be their goal and I think they will achieve it with the right mental attitude.
 

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Peter Fenwicke (45)
I heard churchie was focusing more on hurting the terrace boys, then actually playing rugby. Including shoulder chargers and trying to start biffs?

This is almost as good as claiming BGS to beat TSS. Well yes that would make sense as the Churchie 9 started 4 seperate fights. But also no, why would a team defending a premiership lead go out trying to injure the opposition who are bottom of the ladder. Makes more sense the other way around doesn't it?
 

Rafter

Frank Row (1)
I don't think one person playing out of position can be held accountable for 3 70+ point defeats. I also here that churchie rested a few players
 
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fourgreatkids

Guest
arrogance? schoolboy rifts? the better team trying to scare and intimidate the poorer and smaller team? i think its highly likely that hte bigger more impressive team would try to physical bash the terrace boys out of the game, however terrace took it in their stride and were able to remain competitive. and my thoughts on bgs were genuine, i thought they would win, i was wrong.
 

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Peter Fenwicke (45)
and my thoughts on bgs were genuine, i thought they would win, i was wrong.

thats all I wanted, thankyou for having the decency to tip your hat. Meanwhile yes I can see the logic in that argument in regard to ACGS trying to physically bash GT. Both sides however seemed pretty small compared to previous years, and from what I have heard Eason starts a lot of fights generally, the Terrace boys just didn't take it well. Obviously most would have been provoked and terrace had the right to be frustrated and react but I think the referee did control it well. Could have gotten out of hand very quickly with the supporters so close. Regardless, the tackles seemed to be fair and apart from ACGS #8 who's a recking bull anyway the shots didn't seem to be illegal or harder than you would expect.

In regard to Churchie resting players, to my knowledge the only change was first choice #9 (Jardine) not playing. Although this one change had massive effect on the structure as follows:

ACGS v NC,BBC,TSS
9. Jardine, 10. Eason, 11. Ioane, 12. Ninai, 13. Polau, 14. Van Heteran, 15. Davies

ACGS v BGS, GT
9. Eason, 10. Watson, 11. Van Heteran, 12. Ninai, 13. Polau, 14. Ioane, 15. Davies

Only real difference is Eason prefers time and space, against NC at 10 he had this and created many chances by scurrying through gaps and long passes to support players. Watson is smaller in size and doesn't run direct, focuses more on set plays with his 13 and 14. Watson's kicking game is far more superior and his kicking is accurate however Eason at 10 is far more suited to the side that plays defensively as he can defend from 10. Watson drops back to 15 in defence and causes a whole team reshuffle.

Difference will be the return of Jardine at 9 and Eason back to 10. Will completely restructure the team and add more attacking options
 
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leftside

Guest
I don't think one person playing out of position can be held accountable for 3 70+ point defeats. I also here that churchie rested a few players

Did I say that was the case? Sure Terrace probably would have lost the same amount of games with Birgan at #7 but the fact of the matter is that there was a noticeable improvement around the rucks yesterday and I think it can be attributed to the change. Only resting was the Churchie halfback Jardine, who is carrying a niggling injury.
 
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hatman

Guest
Of course the moving of 1 player into the forwards is not the reason for the GT turnaround. Crookes in the backrow had a blinder as did Mellor.
The planets aligned for GT as they have their best players at last playing in position after 6 rounds. This should have been sorted in the trials. (The GT preseason was shambolic for all reasons & this was reflected on the scoreboard.) There were a number of positional changes in the GT backline for the Churchie game also that toughened the defence. Givens kicking & the chase by the fullback Gallagher & winger Harvey two of the fastest in the comp allowed for better positional play & the positioning of Handley & Given in the centers strengthened the inside defence in the backline. However GT & their loyal followers should not get carried away - they still lost by 3 tries & can't score tries. The test will be next week.
 
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brandonk

Guest
for anyone wondering BSHS got up over Downlands 50-24, with State High fielding a full strength team with the exception of injuries, Curtis and Chris

Bshs did not field a full strength team, Ben Meehan did not play. obviously Curtis and Chris through injury. but also Joseph Swan.
 

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Peter Fenwicke (45)
1st XV Table After Round 6

style="width: 800px;"
|- style="background: #e9e375; font-weight: strong;"
|| Position || Team || Played || Wins || Draws || Losses || Points
|-
||1|| Nudgee College || 6 || 5 || 0 || 1 || 10
|-style="background: #e7edbe;"
||2|| Anglican Church Grammar School || 5 || 4 || 1 || 0 || 9
|-
||3|| Ipswich Grammar School || 6 || 4 || 0 || 2 || 8
|-style="background: #e7edbe;"
||4|| Brisbane State High School || 5 || 3 || 0 || 2 || 6
|-
||-|| Brisbane Grammar School || 5 || 3 || 0 || 2 || 6
|-style="background: #e7edbe;"
||6|| The Southport School || 5 || 2 || 1 || 2 || 5
|-
||7|| Brisbane Boys College || 5 || 1 || 0 || 4 || 2
|-style="background: #e7edbe;"
||-|| Toowoomba Grammar School || 5 || 1 || 0 || 4 || 2
|-
||9|| Gregory Terrace || 6 || 0 || 0 || 6 || 0

16A Table After Round 6

style="width: 800px;"
|- style="background: #e9e375; font-weight: strong;"
|| Position || Team || Played || Wins || Draws || Losses || Points
|-
||1|| Anglican Church Grammar School (ACGS) || 5 || 5 || 0 || 0 || 10
|-style="background: #e7edbe;"
||2|| Brisbane State High School (BSHS) || 5 || 4 || 0 || 1 || 8
|-
||-|| The Southport School (TSS) || 5 || 4 || 0 || 1 || 8
|-style="background: #e7edbe;"
||4|| Brisbane Boys College (BBC) || 5 || 3 || 0 || 2 || 6
|-
||-|| Nudgee College (NC) || 6 || 3 || 0 || 3 || 6
|-style="background: #e7edbe;"
||6|| Ipswich Grammar School (IGS) || 6 || 2 || 1 || 3 || 5
|-
||7|| Toowoomba Grammar School (TGS) || 5 || 2 || 0 || 3 || 4
|-style="background: #e7edbe;"
||8|| Gregory Terrace (GT) || 6 || 0 || 1 || 5 || 1
|-
||9|| Brisbane Grammar School (BGS) || 5 || 0 || 0 || 5 || 0

Well if this is any indication of next year, expect Churchie to be on top and State High close behind. Grammar and Terrace look to be in a close fight for the wooden spoon.

With the exception of 'new talent' into the equation I reckon a little like this
ACGS
NC
TSS
IGS
BSHS
BGS
TGS
BBC
GT
 

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Peter Fenwicke (45)
I have taken that into account and am aware many BGS U16 players are playing 1st XV, however so are many other schools. And just based on talent in the firsts and what they have coming into the 1st XV next year I think that table will be close. Sure, BGS may have more U16s in the 1sts than any other school but if the talent coming into the team next year isn't at a similar level and has a culture of losing (i.e 0-8 in grade 11) they won't find much success.

That and it's impossible to replace the likes of Grant Davies (Aus. Schools) and Sam Greene (Best kicker in GPS). No matter who they have coming through that cannot be replaced. The likes of Churchie, NC, TSS have a nucleus of players to build around and the players they lose, are replaceable.
i.e Churchie 2010 biggest loss will be: 7 Mitchell (C), and incoming from 16A's will be either 7 Gunn (Qld U16s) or Georgiou (Qld U16s). That combined with a backup Qld 10 (McClanahan), a backup Qld 14 (West).

I don't mean to point out the obvious but it is Churchie's centenary year next year. The sudden abundance of Qld players in the 16s is quite phenomenal. To have every position covered by another representative player shows they have been planning this for quite some time.. That or it's a coincidence
 
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razzle dazzle

Guest
It's not a coincidence. However playing Qld U16's will not win you the competition. For example in 2009, State High had 7 of their 1st XV players representing the Australian Schoolboys. This was the year state high beat BGS 103-0. Churchie will do more than just Qld 16's, because they need to do more than that to win the competition.
 
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