For the second year in a row the two NSW teams contested the final.
NSW I 38 – NSW II 24
by “umbrella_defence”
A stunning first-half blitz from the NSW I [N1] boys left many in attendance disappointed that NSW II [N2] didn’t have more to offer with players like Guy Porter (#15), Angus Crichton (#8) and Lachlan Anderson (#7) all impressing for the Ones.
However, an unexpected resurgence from N2 in the second-half added some respectability to the scoreline, with captain James Lough (#8) leading from the front with the tough stuff, while the two unrelated, Wrights – Jayden (#23) and Tom (#14) caved it up in the backs.
First Half
The half began with N1 gaining ascendancy through the ball-carrying skill of Angus Crichton (#8) and Sepesa Loga-Tarogi (#11). The pace of N1 was impressive, and, unlike the last game this writer saw, their execution was flawless. Porter chopped up the backline and eventually the fly-half Connor O’Shea crossed easily.
A similar pattern of play ensued from the restart with N1 sucking in defenders up the middle through their designated ball runners. Also N1 alleviated any pressure N2 created with their flawless exit plays. Their confidence in running rugby was rewarded when Crichton offloaded to a blistering Henry Hutchinson (#13) who managed to put Luke Lough (#12) in space for a try under the sticks. 14 – 0 to NSW I.
This kind of process was repeated many times.
The third try was after Harrison Goddard (#9) streaked up the right hand touch, and facing ahead, passed behind his back with his right hand, infield to Hugh Summerhayes. The ball went to the other side of the field after that and Anderson scored running through some soft defence.
Despite being down three tries to none there were signs of promise from N2 through some outstanding work by Declan Moore (#7), James Lough (#8) and Jum Woodhill (#20).
Off the back of these efforts N2 began to develop some momentum, however a loose pass was intercepted by Angus Crichton who then passed it off to a hot-stepping Loga-Tarogi. who almost went the length of the field. A scrum ensued and the attacking maestro Porter took a sneaky straight line, couldn’t find a tackler so he scored under the posts. 28 – 0.
NSW II again attempted to insert themselves into the game, and just as it seemed that they’d made a break a superb tackle by #14 Connor Watson saved N1. They quickly turned the tables and a well-placed grubber by O’Shea sat up nicely for a flying Loga-Tarogi who touched down to take the score to 33 – 0.
The only thing remarkable about this try was that Goddard didn’t convert it as he had all the others.
The subs began to pour in for N2 as Beau Petterson (#19) and Francis Brown (#18) replaced the starters. Their impact was limited, but they provided a bit of energy with a few big-hits and some strong carries into a team that was flat.
This period in the game was marked with some fundamental errors – throws not straight, dropped balls, and tighthead scrums, though this was largely attributable to the pressure the teams put on one another in defence. Henry Hutchinson put on a particularly big hit on that resulted in a dropped ball.
Just before oranges the powerful Andrew Vatuvei (#19) scored. He was impressive in the game, and he deserved his Australian schools selection which was announced later that afternoon. His try took the score to 38 – 0, and it seemed that N2 were out of it.
Or were they?
Second half
Thankfully, for the N2 team and the spectators, they came back after the break raring to go. Despite a few initial stumbles and defensive misreads, N2 managed to capitalise on their momentum in a way they failed to do during the previous half.
After a shaky N1 scrum N2 turned over their ball and broke upfield. Soon after reserve winger J. Wright opened the scoring for N2 with a try. The kick missed but at least they were on the board 38-5.
Down in the N1 half for a while and after some excellent draw and pass skills by N2 including runs by T. Wright, reserve opensider Jum Woodhhill and reserve lock Petterson, the play was switched to the other side and Jack McGregor (#15 but playing #10 now) scored twelve minutes in. When fullback Sam Renton converted it looked like a comeback at 38-12.
This was confirmed a couple of minutes later when, after a straightening run by Declan Moore (#7), he passed to T. Wright who was able to round under the posts for a tally of 38-19. T.Wright had stepped up to the challenge and was one of the most electrifying players on the field with his powerful right foot step and general agility,
It was too easy and it looked like the NSW boys had swapped jerseys at half time. Either that or the people at the Harbour side of the ground had paid double money because all the tries were being scored down their way.
N1 responded well with Goddard impressing with an excellent break followed by another flick pass out the back, but N2 managed to regroup and stifled this attacking effort.
It was clear that N1 was in need of some refreshment, and the subs began to come on. The two Riverview boys – hooker Fotukava (#17) and, to most people’s surprise, the Combined States tighthead prop, Jack Bowditch (no number), came off the bench. At some stage flanker Jack Hayson also came on. These were timely subs as the injuries became more prolific, with many players cramping up or nursing niggles from a week of intense playing.
T. Wright continued to impress with his ball-running, and N2 was rewarded for their persistence with J. Wright crossing in the corner. The conversion was missed but the score went to a more respectable 38 – 24.
With that the 2014 Australian Schools Championship concluded, with N1 walking away with the championship!
However the celebrations were muted: NSW I had played a poor second half.
Wrap-up
The tournament was played to a high standard and all involved should be proud of their efforts. Queensland must be disappointed with their failure to get either team into the final, but they were lucky to get a fair few into the Australian Schools’ team.
On that note, I’m sure there are many disappointed boys/families—and personally, I am surprised at some of the selections and non-selections. These boys shouldn’t be disheartened as there are always plenty of opportunities to prove their worth, and in this particular instance there are three vacant positions available.
NSW I should be proud of their efforts as they deserved to be tournament champions again.
NSW II should also be proud of the way they hung in during the final and came back. They’re a team of players with lots of character.
Best players of the week
NSW I
3 points – 13 Henry Hutchison – plays like a schoolboy Brian O’Driscoll. What he does before he gets the ball could be instructive even to senior players. His supports must love playing with him. There’s not much of him but he can drop opposing ball runners because of his peerless technique.
2 points – 3 Vunipola Fifita – the best prop of the tournament could not play in the final because of injury but he was like a colossus before he was hurt.
1 point – 15 Guy Porter – the best fullback of the competition. His omission from the Australian Schools team was bewildering.
NSW II
3 points – 7 Declan Moore – one of the best opensiders of the week, particularly regarding work rate and ball running.
2 points – 15 Jack MacGregor – was outstanding when he got a chance to play at flyhalf: his best position.
1 point – 14 Thomas Wright – was elusive, and once opponents stopped to watch what he was going to do they were usually well-beaten.
See next page for more matches earlier in the day
