Sacred Heart too strong for traditional rival Rostrevor in First XVIII intercol game
The traditional First XVIII intercol between Sacred Heart and Rostrevor was a willing contest in wet, windy conditions. But it produced a one-sided result in front of a big crowd.
Sacred Heart dominated its First XVIII match against traditional rival Rostrevor to reclaim the intercol trophy with a 50-point home win on Saturday.
In wet, windy and muddy conditions, Hearts led at every break on their way to a 11.10 (76) to 3.8 (26) triumph in front of hundreds of supporters of both teams.
The sides have faced off in all bar two years since 1923 and it was clear at the final siren what beating Rostrevor meant to Sacred Heart players, particularly after losing the fixture by one point 12 months ago.
Some of Hearts’ Year 12s became emotional at the final siren on Saturday, knowing it was their last intercol and swan song on the school oval.
Sacred Heart coach Jon Symonds was tremendously proud of his team for the way it not only attacked the contest but played with spirit befitting the occasion.
“Our effort to play to the conditions was exactly what we asked for and the discipline of the group to stay focused on the task at hand was as good as I’ve seen it,” Symonds said.
“That’s as well as we could play against outstanding opposition, so I couldn’t be prouder.
“They’re an enormously close group of lads and that win meant a lot to them.
“It’s a fantastic rivalry and we’re thrilled to play in such a deeply traditional game and come out with a victory after our loss last year.”
It was an even team performance from Hearts, who quelled the influence of highly-touted Rostrevor and Norwood draft prospect Cameron Taheny.
Another draft hopeful, Ben Jungfer, claimed Sacred Heart’s intercol medal but it could have gone to Max Harry, Zac Dumesny, Sam Bruhn, Will Day or several others from the hosts.
“Defensively we stood up, we think our forward line is pretty hard to contain … and I think the work of our midfield was first class,” Symonds said.
“Ben missed some games (playing for the Allies at the national under-18 titles) he would want to have played … so I know how much it meant to him to deliver something for his mates today.”
Sacred Heart finished with a depleted bench after injuries to Jungfer (knee), Dumesny (corked thigh), Max Fitzgerald (concussion) and captain Beau McRae, who played on during the second half with a corked hip and kicked important goals.
Hearts’ victory means they are all but certain to win the Messenger Shield, ahead of Prince Alfred, but they are not in the running for the state knockout crown.
They travel to Melbourne to face Victorian college Assumption next weekend.
Rostrevor coach Ron Fuller said his side had a crack but lacked polish.
“They spread from the ball better, used the ball better and took their chances,” Fuller said.
“We had chances early but weren’t clean enough inside 50.”
Rostrevor’s intercol medal went to Daniel Carbone, while hard-as-nails 2020 draft prospect Xavier Tranfa also shone.
