DAY TWO
William Rafter (screen name RuggasXV) stepped up to the plate to provide his insights to Day Two of the Queensland Schoolboys Trials, and recorded a strong writing debut. If you want to help out with coverage of grass roots Rugby in Queensland, please contact us through leaving a comment on this piece, or messaging ‘TheKing’ on the forums. Enjoy Day Two’s very impressive coverage!
GPS 2 vs Chairmans XV
GPS 2 took to the field looking to post more points and display their ability as the cream of the crop in Brisbane, whilst Chairman’s came out looking to make up for a seven try slaughtering at the hands of GPS 3. However, the ensuring match, whilst entertaining enough, was very one-sided and frustratingly plagued by errors.
Chairman’s started somewhat well, managing to regather the ball off the kick off and a worthy run by the blindside flanker James Ryan (ASH) saw them head further into GPS territory. However a turnover at ruck time gave the GPS their first opportunity to showcase their attack. And attack they did. Some very quick backline movement saw GPS move 50 meters towards the Chairman’s line and despite some good line speed from Chairman’s, they weren’t able to stop the forwards from burrowing forward with prop Gavin Luka (NC) scoring the first points of the match near the posts. Halfback Eli Pilz (NC) slotted the conversion easily and the score was 7-0 in the 2nd minute.
After the kick off, multiple phases in the midfield saw space for flyhalf Liam McNamara (BSHS) to showcase his talent out wide with a fantastic run towards the try line, with the desperate scrambling defence of the Chairman’s only just managing to wrap him up and forcing a knock on over the line. However, GPS weren’t taking the foot off the throat and a dominant effort at scrum time saw GPS win the ball against the feed. Some poor defence out wide saw flyhalf McNamara (BSHS) swing through untouched to score in the 7th minute, with Pilz nailing the kick to make the score 14-0. Things weren’t looking good for Chairman’s.
Indeed, two minutes later, no. 8 Harley Fox (ACGS) made the first of many destructive runs down the pitch, breaking the line with ease and offloading to inside centre Jim Henjak (BSHS) to speed off downfield to score under the posts. Pilz slotted his third of the afternoon, making the score 21-0 in the 9th minute.
The GPS forwards were proving too big and too strong for their opposition, looking extremely dangerous when in space and putting enormous pressure on the Chairman’s pack at scrum time and in defence. A few strong runs by prop Clem Brosnan (ASH) and hooker Darece Anae (SEC) saw Chairman’s move over the advantage line by they were often hindered by handling errors, especially in the back line. Eventually, the Chairman’s earned a penalty at the ruck and some solid runs from the forwards created the opportunity for flyhalf Ryan Cameron (VILL) to throw a beautiful ball to his winger Tyler Van Zanden North (SEC) to score in the corner. Unfortunately, inside centre Jayden Carroll wasn’t able to add the extras and the score remained 21-5 in the 16th minute.
After finally posting some points, the Chairman’s side looked ready to bring it to the GPS boys. Yet the big GPS boys remained unfazed, forcing a knock on. Another destructive run by huge prop Luka (NC) saw him break the line and hand it off to no. 8 Fox (ACGS) who showed a lovely display of skill with a great flick pass offload to McNamara, who zoomed downfield for his second try. Pilz was unable to add the extras and the score was 26-5 in the 20th minute.
By this stage, GPS were dominating their opposition in nearly every facet of the game. Their big forwards continued to break the line and their lightning quick backline proved very dangerous, threatening a struggling Chairman’s side at every touch of the ball. Yet they squandered quite a few chances with handling errors, a chip kick and brilliant chase by inside centre Henjak (BSHS) resulting in a second knock on in goal. However, the cohesion between the inside backs was evident, with Pilz delivering quality ball to his backline and after a break by Henjak, an inside ball to his schoolmate McNamara saw him stroll under the posts for his third. Pilz converted and the score was 33-5.
Fox continued to impress selectors with his barnstorming runs and skilful hands, managing to break the line yet again after the kick-off and offloading to the backs. Some hands play down the right saw them move further into Chairman’s territory and after a few phases of valiant defence by the Chairman’s, fullback Geoffrey Robertson (IGS) crashed over for GPS 6th try, converted by Pilz, to make the score 40-5 with under five minutes left to go in the half.
Some deft hands and feet from GPS saw them push for a 7th try to end the half but another knock on saw Chairman’s with the last touch before they were forced out. Chairman’s retired to their teams bruised and worn out, with GPS only ready to dish out more.
However, they started the second half quite well, with more strong runs out wide by the forwards and pressuring the GPS lads in defence, noticeably shutting down Henjak and forcing errors in the forwards. The GPS boys were still strong in their defence but the penalties and handling errors preventing them from most attack opportunities, and the few they had were squandered by selfish individual runs. A glimmer of a chance for points came from a good run down the sideline by winger Jean Charl Smith (NC) but an excellent tackle by his opposition number Jack Treston (ASH) saw the chance quashed.
The Chairman’s forwards were proving effective in their work, gaining meters out wide through their front row as the GPS defence weakened. But GPS would snap at any opportunity they got and after a knock on by the Chairman’s forwards, Fox stormed downfield, creating space for fullback Robertson (IGS) to showcase some fancy footwork and spin it wide. A nice inside ball to outside centre Nikau Taukiri Te Rupe (GT) resulted a huge line break and first points of the half. Pilz kicked the ball through the sticks and the score was 47-5 in the 44th minute.
This set the platform for Chairman’s final decline, as they conceded more points out wide to the fantastic pace of McNamara, playing at fullback, who secured his fourth try of the afternoon. Pilz continued to add the extras and the score was 54-5 in the 46th minute.
McNamara continued to amaze spectators with his vision and pace, making a strong run right after the kick off and offloading to flanker Connor Moroney (GT) who barged downfield before the ball was just lost by the winger.
The last ten minutes of the match saw slow play from both sides, considerably from the Chairman’s as they continued to play on the back foot after a dominant performance by their opposition. Some last ditch defence efforts from Chairman’s was all that remained. Yet GPS still managed to pile on the points with a chip kick from second row Jimmy Gordon (TGS) enabling Robertson to score his second of the match. Pilz was unable to convert and the score was 59-5 with 5 minutes left in the game.
The final scrum of the match saw some slow play before outside centre Te Rupe (GT) offloaded to his school mate flanker Moroney (GT) who ran 40 meters and scored the 10th and final try of the match for GPS just to the left of the posts. Pilz added the extras to bring the score to 66-5 in the 56th minute.
The remaining play was plagued with errors, Chairman’s losing the ball through a ruck turnover and throwing a shocking forward pass in their own 22. The resulting scrum saw GPS send it wide only for it to be knocked on, a fitting end for a game plagued with handling errors.
However it was still an exciting performance from the GPS boys, who proved to be very fast and very strong when in space. The Chairman’s team hung their heads as they finished a game in which they were completely outplayed, lacking structure and the ability to get up over the opposition in the backs. The forwards, however, were able to provide some forward momentum during their brief stages with possession.
SCORING
GPS 2 66 (G. Luka, L. McNamara 4, J. Henjak, G. Robertson 2, N.T. Te Rupe, C. Moroney try; E. Pilz 8 con) def Chairman’s XV 5 (T. Van Zanden North try)
PLAYERS
GPS
#10 Liam McNamara (BSHS) – Outstanding with the ball in hand, amazing pace and footwork, created many opportunities for his team. Steered his team well as well.
#8 Harley Fox (ACGS) – An enormous unit, made ground with every carry and a prominent figure in defence. Nice handling skills as well.
#1 Gavin Luka (NC) – Dominated at scrum time, winning nearly every feed, even opposition. Also made some fantastic runs.
Chairman’s
#2 Darece Anae (SEC) – Consistently crossed the advantage line with his runs.
#16 Clem Brosnan (ASH) – Also consistently making ground with the ball in hand. Some big hits in defence as well.
AIC 1 vs Combined Secondary Schools
AIC took the field on Saturday morning, the player’s eager to prove to the selectors that they were worth of a Queensland jumper after an embarrassing loss to GPS 1 the night before. However, the physicality of the CSS forwards, coupled with the lack of cohesion in the back line, proved to be too much for a crumbling AIC defence.
CSS commenced the match by putting up a high kick to the AIC team. Immediately they punched it up through their forwards, sending them very wide off the ruck. After two phases, they opted to play out of their half through the boot of flyhalf Kenric Rotscheid-Felu (VILL). A good chase ensures and CSS found themselves pinned in their 22. However, the CSS forwards were very aggressive and some strong runs came from second-row pairing Masi Ganita (Sunnybank SHS) and Lorenzo Ainuu (St Francis College). The very effective ruck work of the CSS side gave them a 25 meter gain upfield and they were almost into AIC territory when they gave away a penalty for hands in the ruck. This set the tone for much of the game.
After winning the resulting lineout against the throw through the tall timber of second-row Ganita (Sunnybank SHS), CSS kicked to the dangerous AIC fullback Clifton Setu (SEC). However he was pinned down on his return run and the CSS forwards once again displayed their dominance at the ruck, earning a penalty and gaining a lineout 5 meters from the AIC line. After several phases of pick and drive the AIC boys manage to gain a turnover but the resulting box kick failed to go out and CSS find themselves back in the AIC 22. Seeing the opportunities in the poor AIC defence prop Jordan Tupai-Ui (St. Columban’s College) crashed over in the 7th minute. The kick by flyhalf Chris Morgan (St Teresa’s College) was successful and CSS are up 7-0.
The next couple of minutes were played in much the same fashion for both teams, with the forwards rumbling it up wide of the ruck before a kick into the opposition half. The kick chase from CSS was excellent, as they managed to effectively shut down the AIC fullback Setu (SEC) and their forwards put enormous pressure on the AIC pack. The AIC backline looked very poor, lacking structure during most of their attacking opportunities and a pushed pass or dropped ball would cut their runs short. Undoubtedly, their best phase of play came from an excellent kick chase by second-row Daniel Byrne (ASH) who managed to ground his opposition fullback and create loose ball, upon which the AIC swarmed, resulting in a scrum to AIC and eventually a penalty. Another penalty within 10 meters of the CSS line saw them gain a lineout on the 5m mark and a rolling mall provided an easy try for second-row William Sankey (VILL). The conversion by inside centre Brock McNulty (SEC) was unsuccessful and the score was 7-5 in the 11th minute.
The CSS struck back in the same fashion, working their way into the AIC 22 through their forwards. Again, the second-row pairing proved very effective with Ganita winning nearly every lineout ball thrown to him and Ainuu (SFC) proving hard to stop when on the run. AIC were hampered by the small errors in their own territory and after conceding a free kick at scrum time, prop Tupai-Ui rumbled over for his second try of the day. Flyhalf Morgan (STC) was unable to add the points and the score was 12-5 in the 19th minute.
However, AIC weren’t the only ones making mistakes. The meters gained by the CSS forwards were often hindered by giving away a penalty at the ruck, or a lineout throw going askew or even over the back. On the rare occasion that the AIC forwards would secure a turnover, their backs would fail to capitalise on any opportunity and their poor handling and lack of structure would lead to the ball back in CSS hands. This proved costly, as a fantastic individual effort by CSS winger Chris Afamasaga (St. Francis College) saw him weave through the several defenders to run 60 meters to score. Morgan’s kick was unsuccessful and the score was 17-5 to CSS in the 25th minute.
The AIC defence only got worse as CSS continued to make linebreaks, yet failed to add any points through their lack of discipline at the ruck. An outstanding display of skills by Ainuu saw him break the line and throw a magnificent spiral ball to his winger, which unfortunately saw him drop it.
Occasionally, there would be some remarkable individual efforts from the AIC boys. Winger Steven Tapitata (SPLC) displayed a strong palm and hard running out of his 22m. Fullback Setu (SEC) showed why he was the favourite for the Queensland jumper, kicking well and chasing even better. However the CSS forwards are still too strong and their work provided a solid platform inside the 22 for the outside centre Kailab Coventry (Kirwin SHS) to barge through and score. Conversion unsuccessful, score 22-5 in the 28th minute.
A threatening run from Setu down the left hand side before being tackled out saw and end to a disappointing first half for AIC who were starved of possession and lacking in structure.
The second half was a noticeable step down for both teams, with the AIC defence leaking like a rusty boat and the ruck discipline of the CSS forwards going down the drainpipe. Some holes left in the AIC backline saw a line break from centre Coventry (Kirwin SHS) who handed it to fullback Jack Rogers (Palm Beach Currumbin SHS) before he was pulled down in AIC territory. The forwards rumbled towards the try line before a huge hole outside the ruck saw hooker Navar Herbert (Keebra Park SHS) run 20 meters to score. Fullback Rodgers (Palm Beach Currumbin SHS) slotted the goal to make the score 29-5 in the 35th minute. CSS showed no signs of stopping.
However that would prove to be the last of the points for CSS, as the number of penalties they conceded increase to exorbitant levels, at lineout and scrum time as well. However, their defence remained unaffected, managing to secure a number of turnovers.
Eventually, another penalty at the ruck saw centre Lorenzo Tapenai (Marsden SHS) shown yellow and after a lineout 10 meters from the CSS line, the AIC forwards pick and drove their way to a try in the corner to hooker Will Dowd (SEC). McNulty’s conversion is unsuccessful and the score was 29-10 in the 42nd minute.
The final 20 minutes of the match saw sloppy play from both sides as the game was frequented by penalties and scrums. A brief flash of brilliance by the AIC outside centre Regan Glynn saw him make an amazing try saving tackle down the left hand side. But for the most part, the game was about retaining possession, something neither side managed to do, with the AIC team kicking away the ball or losing it to the CSS forwards and CSS giving away penalties.
Another yellow card to No. 8 Ryan Audas (Tom Ignatius Park College) in the final five minutes gave the AIC team a slight chance at adding more points but the sloppy handling and poor defence proved to be their downfall. The ref blew the whistle and CSS secured the match 29-10 after a very scrappy and slow second half.
SCORING
CSS 29 (J. Tupai-Ui 2, C. Agamasaga, K. Conventry, N. Herbert try; C. Morgan, J. Rodgers con) def AIC 10 (W. Sankey, W. Dowd try)
PLAYERS
CSS
#5 Lorenzo Ainuu (St Francis College) – Very strong in attack and at the ruck and also solid in defence.
#13 Kailab Conventry (Kirwin SHS) – Excellent linking play with his wingers and a strong runner with ball in hand.
#4 Masi Ganita (Sunnybank SHS) – A work horse at the ruck and lineout, winning most balls thrown to the front.
AIC
#5 Daniel Byrne (ASH) – proved to be an asset amongst a struggling team, prominent in defence and made life difficult for CSS at lineout time.
#15 Clifton Setu (SEC) – the most threatening player in a dismal backline, great kick chase abilities and lead his team well.
#11 Steven Tapitata (SPLC) – Whilst not getting many opportunities in attack, he made the most of the ones he did get with strong running, a nasty palm and an nearly managing an intercept try.
GPS 1 v GPS 3
The all GPS clash between GPS 1 and GPS 3 was looking to be an intense match after dominant performances by both teams last night. A gutsy effort from the 3s proved threatening but in the end, it was the almighty 1s who ran out the somewhat lucky victors through. Please note that several players were wearing different jerseys so it proved difficult to identify some of them. Apologies for the inconvenience.
The match began with the kick off resulting in a line out for the 3s. After a very fast paced backline move that is so common in GPS rugby, the forwards punched it up wide of the ruck. Flyhalf Hamish Stewart (TGS) handled his pack around him well. They drove into the 1s territory and showed no sign of letting up but the 1s defence was holding firm. Eventually, the hard work of the 3s secured a penalty. Yet after a quick tap and some very good ruck defence from the 1s a penalty went the other way. The teams were looking very even in the forwards, with the back yet to showcase any real talent.
Eventually, the 3s managed to secure a lineout 5 meters out from the 1s line thanks to another penalty. Eager to be granted the first real try-scoring opportunity, the forwards put the hammer down. Yet the 1s defence was still as solid as ever. After a third penalty for the 3s in centerfield, the ball was spun wide to winger Jean Charl Smith (NC) who dived over the try line in the corner. Flyhalf Stewart (TGS) was unable to slot the kick and the score was 5-0 in the 9th minute.
The following kick off resulted in a disappointing knock on from the 3s but in a valiant effort they were able to win the scrum. However the 1s defence was able to force the winger into touch. The 3s had brought a gutsy performance with them as the underdogs but they lacked consistency and the 1s capitalised with a classy spin out wide off the lineout before a few phases of forward play created space for flyhalf Alex Horan (GT) to throw a beautiful ball to winger Tyrone Hussey (NC) to score. Halfback Harry Nucifora (ACGS) was unable to add the extras and the score was tied up at 5-5 in the 12th minute.
The 3s piled on the pressure after the kick off, gaining a turnover at the ruck before being pushed into touch. More pressure on Horan saw his kick only just pass the 22 meter mark, creating a good attacking opportunity for the 3s. However a botched lineout at the back saw them pack a scrum. However, the 3s were proving their worth at scrum time with props Josvyn Sokimi (IGS) and Luke Peterson (BBC) working hard to win yet another scrum against the feed. Inside centre Matt Smit (BSHS) crashed through the 1s back line, only to be called back for a forward pass. By this stage, the 3s were looking very dangerous and an upset was definitely not out of the question.
The 1s continued to remain on the back foot as the 3s ran back a kick, only to knock it on and win the scrum against the feed again. A brilliant run by the flanker Agassi Stowers (NC) moved the 3s into the 1s 22 and it was only a matter of time before they secured a centre field penalty and a try through a strong run from Stewart (TGS). The conversion was unsuccessful and the score remained 10-5 in the 24th minute.
The rest of the half was played out in 3s territory. A turnover by hooker Johann Koortz (IGS) proved vital as the 1s forwards drove hard towards the try line, courtesy of some neat passing from halfback Nucifora (ACGS) and flyhalf Horan (GT). The defence was firm from the 3s but again a momentary lapse of consistency proved costly as a wide ball to fullback Fred Dorrough (TSS) saw him slip through untouched to score. Nucifora successfully slotted the conversion and the score was 12-10 seconds before half time.
The 3s manage to regather the ball off the kick off and secure a penalty, but opt to kick it out and end an exciting first half. The determination of the 3s was proving to be a threat for the 1s but the class of the top GPS players was showing when they enter 3s territory. Both flyhalfs were steering their teams well into the gaps out wide.
The start of the second half saw the continued strong defence of the 1s and some burrowing runs by the 3s, noticeably from prop Sokimi (IGS) and outside centre Hiale Roycroft (GT). Eventually the 1s secured a penalty and found themselves in a good attacking position in 3s territory. Their huge forwards drove their way towards the try line and into the 10 meter zone but a clumsy knock on saw the 3s regain possession and boot it downfield. However, the 1s managed to work it back into the 3s 22 after multiple phases. Some big runs by the inside centre Calvin Pritchard (NC) tested the 3s tackling ability to even greater limits and eventually Horan swung it wide to the weak links in the 3s defensive line and second row Darcy Tai-mua-Swain swarmed over in the corner. Horan was unable to convert and the try is 17-10 in the 37th minute.
The 1s were starting to show more promise and structure with the ball in hand. Yet the 3s were still looking dangerous, making their way towards the try line after regathering the kick off and a nice run from winger Quillan Pritchard-Malaki (GT). Unfortunately, they gave away a penalty 10 meters out from the try line. Luckily, the ensuring kick from the 1s didn’t go out and a promising box from halfback Max Dempsey (BBC) forced 1s centre Nikau Taukiri Te Rupe (GT) to take the ball into touch. After some scrappy play, the result is a scrum on halfway, during which the 3s secured a penalty and deftly placed a kick towards the 1s goal line. Fullback Dorrough (TSS) is forced to ground it but it is deemed to be taken back, granting the 3s with a scrum 5 meters out and a prime opportunity to strike back on the scoreboard.
The scrums looked to be more even in this half as substitutions have been made, yet the 3s still win their feed and rumble it up through their forwards. Some impressive defence by the 1s, including a brilliant tackle by Horan, saw their pick and drive efforts result in being held up over the goal line. Eventually, the 1s secured a turnover and kick it downfield, only for winger Pritchard-Malaki (GT) to run it back to within 5 meters of their goal line. However, they turn it over again the following kick is massive and definitively goes into touch around half way.
Some sloppy knock-on’s prevented much free-flowing rugby from happening throughout the remainder of the game and kicks were far more frequent as each team didn’t want to defend in their own half. Finally, a strong run from centre Pritchard (NC) saw the 1s 5 metres from the try line. The big forwards rumbled it ahead once more and created an embarrassingly huge gap for Horan to run straight through and dot the ball down to the left of the posts. However, his kick is unsuccessful and the score was 22-10 in the 56th minute.
In a last ditch attempt to put their hands up for selection, the 3s managed to regather the ball from the kick off and work their way into the 1s 22 before losing the ball, yet winning the resulting scrum, only to lose it again in the backline. A final kick from the 1s from inside their 22 sees the ball roll downfield and a poor chase from tired 3s defenders gives fullback Tyrone Southorn (BSHS) the opportunity to speed downfield, scoop up the ball and tumble over the try line to extend the 1s lead. Horan is unsuccessful with the kick and the game ends with the score 27-10 after a gutsy performance by the 3s let down by inconsistency in the second half which the 1s capitalised on.
SCORING
GPS 1 27 (T. Hussey, F. Dorrough, D. Tai-mua-Swain, A. Horan, T. Southorn try; H. Nucifora con) def GPS 3 10 (J.C. Smith, H. Stewart try)
PLAYERS
GPS 1
#19 Alex Horan (GT) – Orchestrated his team well around the park, able to put players into space, and also able to tackle those much bigger than him.
#12 Calvin Pritchard (NC) – Destructive running with ball in hand, constantly gaining meters, and an effective defender.
#8 Reece Hewat (NC) – Spoiled the ball for GPS 3 at rucks numerous times.
GPS 3
#20 Hamish Stewart (TGS) – Also orchestrated his team well, provided forward momentum with ball in hand.
#6 Agassi Stowers (NC) – A very strong ball runner, also made numerous turnovers.
#1 Josvyn Sokimi (IGS) – Also a very strong ball runner, able to make metres with every touch.
