St. Augustines win Waratah Shield for sixth time

Waratah Cup

In recent years lower-ranked teams played in the Waratah Cup and the two finalists entered the higher-level Waratah Shield in the quarter-finals.

Usually they weren’t competitive; so in 2014 the two tournaments were run separately with both finals being played on the same day, with the Waratah Cup played first.

Epping Boys High School v. Brisbane Waters Secondary College

This year the Cup final was between the team of Brisbane Water Secondary College (who traveled from the Central Coast) and that of Epping Boys High School (who walked to the ground from the school a couple of kilometres away, using the elevated bridge over Epping Road).

It would be safe to say that Epping was the home team.

It was sunny at the start but the ground was wet which made footing difficult for all 30 lads on the park whether they were attacking or defending.

First half

After eight minutes Epping had a scrum near the Brisbane Water Secondary College [“College” or “visitors”] line and Daniel Cosgrove powered over to score. It was to be the first of many notable efforts from the rangy no. 8.

There were no extras and the arm wrestling started. Neither side could make a decisive impact because there was so much dropped ball.  Then Cosgrove stole lineout ball and soon after Aussie Schools’ hooker Ed Craig made a break and was chased by ten Brisbane Water players.

The points were not coming for the home team but surely Epping would get on top because their opponents’ scrums and lineouts were ropey.

That theory was put to rest with ten minutes to go in the half when the College left-winger hared up on his edge on the field and kicked the ball through. Players raced for the ball but the College flyhalf got there first.

The visitors were level and after the conversion they led for the first time in the match: 7-5 to Brisbane Waters.

After lots of grunt-work for the remainder of the half the visitors were still two points ahead at the break.

Second half

The first chance they got the home team elected to take a penalty kick at goal and the burly THP Tyrell Thorson slotted it for Epping to retake the lead: 8-7.

Time marched on and as the rain bucketed down it was obvious that a nail-biter was in progress.

Towards the end Brisbane Water got a five metre scrum and earned a free kick which they tapped. Their number 4 crashed over to score to stun the home team with only five minutes left in the game.

Critically, the testing conversion missed, but College were ahead 12-8. Epping would have to score a try to win but they wouldn’t have to convert it.

Epping piggy-backed down the field on a couple of penalties and after mauling they moved the slippery ball one way and then the other, which was dicey. College were short on their left hand side and when the Epping right-winger got the pill he dived over near the corner post.

The Assistant Referee said it was a try, but it was close.

Epping Boys High School won in the last play of the game: 13-12.

The teams

You had to feel sorry for Brisbane Water because they fought hard to get the lead near the end, but full marks to Epping who believed in themselves and fought to the death to win.

The players

Epping

Their big two 8 Daniel Cosgrove and 2 Ed Craig had commanding games.

Cosgrove was the lineout general and main receiver; plus he also had several dominant runs and tackles. Craig would burst through tacklers like a bigger player by using his powerful leg drive.

Honourable mention to THP Tyrell Thorson who kicked at goal, kicked from hand and ran over tacklers.

Brisbane Water

Their energiser bunny openside flanker Bruce Waia-Terare deserves high praise. The indigenous lad had a high work rate and was skilful when lifted in the the lineouts when the throws were straight.

The team benefited from the steady play of their fullback Nicho Hynes, who also turned around Epping several times with his booming boot.

The wrap-up

It was a pity that one side had to lose that match because it was a cracking game for its type and the conditions the lads had to play under.
.