Prince Alfred and St Peter’s set for battle in intercol clash of traditional college football rivals
It’s the oldest rivalry in SA college football. But St Peter’s and Prince Alfred are just relieved to continue nearly 150 years of tradition this weekend, after COVID-19 threatened their annual intercol fixture.
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Bragging rights are up for grabs when the longstanding rivalry between St Peter’s and Prince Alfred is played out on the footy field.
But both sets of players are thankful for the opportunity to represent their proud schools in the traditional intercol fixture, after COVID-19 initially put it in doubt.
Princes has the recent edge with six straight wins in the annual First XVIII clash.
Skipper Luke Pedlar said his team would not be complacent heading into Saturday’s encounter.
“It’s just great to be playing football for our school with everything that’s been going on with the coronavirus,’’ Pedlar said.
“We all certainly value and appreciate being able to continue our season, knowing that many players do not have this privilege.
“The year 12s are really embracing this knowing that it is our last year at Princes.
“The atmosphere that the Princes and Saints supporters create is electrifying and exhilarating.
“It is a tradition that has a rich history and means a lot to our school and all students involved.”
The Messenger Shield match will be played simultaneously with Rostrevor’s intercol game against Sacred Heart, to be live streamed on advertiser.com.au at 2.15pm.
Saints co-captain Lachie DeCesare said this weekend’s fixtures were a prestigious occasion for all schools involved.
“The intercol is a historic tradition dating back nearly 150 years of fierce rivalry against PAC,’’ DeCesare said.
“After watching my first intercol back in 2015 I was inspired by the passion and determination by both the players and spectators.
“Playing in an intercol is a privileged experience, as we represent not only ourselves but also the school and past players.”
Fellow skipper James Higgins said “intercol was about coming together as a school to display who we are as well as the pride we have for our school and ourselves.”
Saints’ coach Sam Elliott said while his team was keen to end its intercol losing streak, there was huge relief that the annual game could go ahead despite COVID-19 restrictions.
“I am from Victoria and with everything happening there we are just so lucky to be able to play footy – we are just so thankful,’’ Elliott said.
“Gamewise we are a young side and they (Princes) will go in favourite, but we hope to give it a shake.’’
Princes coach Matt Slade said his side could not wait to represent their school in the match.
“The rivalry and game are so important to the players,’’ Slade said.
“If you asked them at the start of the season what their goals are they would say to play in this game.
“Before COVID hit, we had already started training. Now we are back, we are developing that bond again but you really get it playing in games.’’
Slade said key defender/forward James Borlase, who debuted recently with Sturt, defender Kallis Freer (North Adelaide) and onballer Lewis Cowham (Central District) had been among his team’s standout performers this campaign.
Borlase, in his final year at PAC, was in no danger of missing this game thanks to an agreement between Sturt and Princes.
Victory to PAC would likely see it advance directly to the State Knockout final.