Day 2 – Australian Schools National Championship

Queensland I   55 – ACT 0

Eight tries to nil says enough about the game. There wasn’t a lot that Qld did that the ACT couldn’t do but they just did it earlier, and made thing happens more, and much of that came from quicker thinking and always having supporting players on attack and defence.

First half

It took just four minutes for Qld to get on the board with a try to reserve prop Jordan Tupai-Ui after relentless pressure. Then after a penalty goal settler, impressive fullback Jayden Ngamanu got his fend ready to use but there were no tacklers in his face to apply it to in the ACT 22 because the long pass had beaten them.

At 12 minutes the Red guys were ahead 17-0—it was like a training run.

Then there was a quick double: first when an sweet inside ball beat defenders and 14 Dylan Riley benefited elsewhere, and next when 12 Liam Moseley, who had been kicking conversions for everybody else, backed up Ngagamu out wide.

With Moseley slotting most of the extras Qld led 31-0 with about eleven minutes left in the half. It looked like a bloodbath was coming up but the Brumbies steadied their ship. Though they didn’t score when they had decent possession and territory they caused a bit of cheek before half-time and showed what they were capable of.

But when an ACT exit kick did not go out the ball was spun wide to the other side for Moseley to get his second before the break.

Half-time score Queensland I 38 – ACT 0.

Second half

To their great credit the ACT lads contained the Queenslanders to just three tries after the break, though they didn’t start well after reserve back James MacMillan scored not long after the kick-off, following a bullocking run by Tupai-Ui . T

ACT had a good period of play early in the second half but could not score. Nor could Qld because the ACT had found a bit of starch in their defence and kept the northerners off the scoreboard for 15 minutes.

But eventually Angus Allen, one of the several quality openside flankers at Riverview this week, spun his way around a few wannabe tacklers to plant the ball down.

Soon afterwards 23 Willie Malala scored in the corner after a long break-out run, though the try was “given” to somebody else. He was nearly chased done by 11 Caleb Malisauskas coming from the other side at top speed.

Final score: Queensland I 55 – ACT 0.

The wrap-up

Queensland confirmed their top billing for the pool and look set to play NSW I in the final. It won’t be easy to pick the favourite for that game because the form guide needs tomorrow’s matches to set the odds.

The players

11 Caleb Malisauskas deserves credit for chasing down Qld try-scoring opportunities. To be honest he didn’t stop a lot of them but he deserves full marks for never giving up.

Reserve prop Jordan Tupai-Ui had an influential game and 22 Tyler Campbell did a fine job starting at flyhalf. 15 Jayden Ngamanu confirmed that he was one of best fullbacks at Riverview this week.

Queensland II 34 – Victoria 18

First half

The game looked even at the beginning: they had swapped penalties and tries to 4 Latu-Meafou (Qld) and14 Nicolas Donghi (Vic) had evened things on the scoreboard 8-8 at about 15 minutes.

22 Lawson Creighton was making a handy fist at starting at flyhalf for the Reds in this game subbing for Reuben Wall and was leading the troops well around the park.

After a highball was not taken cleanly by Victoria and a tap and go penalty kick was taken by Queensland, 8 Sam Wallis scored under the posts. Ahead 15-8 at about 20 minutes in, Qld looked on top, but Victoria soon got to the other end. Instead of going for goal a couple of times they went for glory but got turned over.

That chance was lost but it didn’t seem to matter when 15 Josh Coward nearly scored a brilliant individual try after a run if 50 metres, but his kick for himself went into touch. It was ironic when the Queensland fullback scored in a similar mission at the other end.

Half-time score Queensland II 22 – Victoria 8.

Second half

Victoria had to be the first to score but it was big reserve Qld prop Lachlan Foulds, who did after Vic box kick was returned with interest.

There were attacking the Vic line and but the southerners turned them back time and time again. They turned the ball over and the next thing you knew, big bopper reserve prop Felekoni Talafungani-Lotulua, scored at the other end.

The conversion missed for the score to remain at 27-13; and was there worse to come when one of Victoria’s best players, Robert Leota got a yellow card.

Although tries were swapped before the final whistle, the binning of Leota was a bridge too fare for the Victorians and Qld II won handily.

Final score: Queensland II 34 – Victoria 18.

NSW II  45 – Combined States 17

First half

After the pleasantry of penalties being swapped there was a charge by lock Lachlan Swinton from a handy NSW scrum but it was reserve Nick Brown that got on the scoreboard. The irrepressible Ethan Nisczcot grandson of the fabled “Ziggy” in the other code, converted.  He nailed most of the other kicks during the day; so I will call him Ziggy, or something.

The Zigster had a good run and threatened to score.  He regathered his kick and chase but was nailed on reception; never mind, because as THP’s do, Will McRae loomed, looking for meat; over in the corner. Ziggy converted from wide out and NSW was ahead 17-3, 21 minutes into the match.

Then replacement flyhalf Patrick Pellegrini, subbing at flyhalf, did a no-account innocent dummy but found nothing but grass in front of him in the Combined 22 and he scored also.  He had slotted into the position seamlessly and his partner at 9, Matthew Long, subbing for the injured Theo Strang was also playing well.

It was a tad too easy for NSW II and their dominant scrum was part of their superiority,

Half-time score:  NSW II  31 – Combined States 3.

Second half

Nuggety winger Jake Prindiville went over for NSW but Combined scored a cracking try when nobody was going to stop 13 Joe Williams in his quest for meat, and he scored their first try.  There was a slight re-balance of the ledger when they got to 10-38.

As though stung by shame NSW scored when Prindiville got his second. Ziggamundo was kicking everything so NSW lead 45-10.

But Combined got the last laugh when reserve Patrick Carrigan went over the chalk.

Final score:  NSW II  45 – Combined States 17.

The Wrap up

What a goal kicking display by the Zigmernator.  It was a decent display from NSW II, and six tries to two was a good measure of their superiority, but it wouldn’t have worried the po-faced Qld I coaches who were watching the game, too much.

The Players

Combined – 13 Joe Williams and 15 Ryan Longville looked decent and LHP Austin Latu made a noticeable difference to the scrums when he came on.

NSW II – 22 Patrick Pelligrini looked every inch a flyhalf and nuggety 11 Jake Prindiville played beyond his years.

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