Toowoomba Grammar School at Brisbane Boys College
By Will Rafter (RuggasXV)
BBC were looking for redemption after a horrible first round performance and a travel weary TGS side coming off a narrow loss seemed the best chance they’d get. However, the boys from the Range had something to prove and a gutsy defensive effort was all it took to shut down a still-struggling College team. BBC narrowly ran away with the win by a conversion but their lack of structure and cohesion didn’t bode well for the rest of the year.
1st HALF
It took more than twenty minutes for the first points to be put on the board. BBC were constantly inching their way downfield, yet almost always ended up let down by silly errors, an aspect of their game that plagued them all the way up to full time. TGS were putting the hurt on in defence, but much like BBC, their attack lacked structure. Set piece was a blunder for both teams. Occasionally, the game was punctured by moments of brilliance by the BBC backline, like when #12. Lachlan Foulds ran a hard line and shot through the defence. Yet the team lacked cohesion and were unable to put anything together.
A missed penalty goal attempt in the 19th minute by #11. Joe Steade of BBC set up an exchange of kick’s from the drop-out. BBC #10. Jayden Ngamanu showed brilliant pace and footwork to beat his defender and speed down the right wing before spinning it to #14. Nathanael Carswell, who touched down under the posts in the 22nd minute. Steade nailed the conversion attempt and the score was 7-0 in favour of BBC. It was moments like these that showcased the talent BBC possessed.
More errors marred the game and prevented any threatening attack from both teams, although occasionally BBC would gain 30 meters downfield through strong runs from the likes of #13. Sam Edwards and #15. Kris Verevis. A dropped ball by the fullback put a halt to a fantastic try scoring opportunity, but he redeemed himself by running a great line from out of his own half to shoot downfield and score, displaying some fantastic pace right before half time. Steade was unable to add the extras and when the whistle blew it was 12-0.
There was potential for this BBC team to ignite against a static TGS team if they could just click and work together but their silly decision making was costing them and if they didn’t watch out, TGS could make them pay with their dominant ability to force turnovers.
2nd HALF
TGS did just that and came out firing when they kicked off the second half. A couple of strong malls and structured attack off their flyhalf put them into opposition territory and it only took three minutes for #8. Rhys Martin to crash over from close range. #12. Hamish Stewart was unable to add the extras and it was 12-5 in the 38th minute.
That was the extent of Toowoomba’s flare for the remainder of the game as they were plagued by more errors. Whilst their defence prevented any more points from being scored against them, they gave away a lot of possession. A number of kicks for touch failed to go out for both teams. Steade missed a second penalty attempt.
BBC were still average in their attack, their backs acting as individuals rather than working as a team. Verevis and Edwards continued to threaten at times but were often isolated and shut down by the dominant TGS defence. A nice little TGS set piece move in BBC’s 22 gave TGS their second try after #11. Bill Very wrestled his way over the chalk in the corner. Again, Stewart was unsuccessful with the boot and the score remained 12-10.
TGS would’ve posted more points had they held onto the ball, their forwards working hard in attack, particularly big #1. Harry Hoopert, and their defence was working well against the dismal BBC attack. The last five minutes saw BBC camped inside their opposition 22, Steade missing another shot at goal, unable to score a single point despite the multiple opportunities they got.
Finally, after Edwards was held up over the line, the ref called full time on a scrappy game that left much room for improvement for both teams. BBC were lucky to get the win.
SCORING
BBC 12 (N. Carswell, K. Verevis tries; J. Stead cons) def TGS 10 (R. Martin, B. Vary tries)
PLAYERS
BBC
#15. Kris Verevis – Some nasty feet and explosive pace helped secure an impressive individual try, but he was ocassionally hampered by some poor decision making.
#6. Christian Malaulau – Lead from the front of an average forward pack, working hard in defence against boys much bigger than him.
#10. Jayden Ngamanu – Good ball skills and linked well with his centres.
TGS
#1. Harry Hoopert – Consistantly made meters for his team with a powerful drive with ball in hand.
#10. Brendon Dann – Steered his team well from flyhalf and good passing ability.
