Live stream: Mabel Park SHS host Marsden SHS in rare Langer Trophy match-up on school soil

There was not a struck match between these crosstown rivals at halftime, but Marsden raised their defensive intensity in the second half, helping pave the way to victory. Check out the REPLAY.

Marsden SHS threw a cat among the pigeons ahead of next week’s finals with a rousing local derby win, 24-14, over Mabel Park SHS.

The cross suburb rivalry, which attracted a big crowd to Mabel Park SHS, saw Marsden quartet Tupou Francis, Taylan To’A, Benji Quinlan and Emmanuel Asomau playing big roles in the win.

There was not a struck match between the teams at halftime, but Marsden raised its defensive intensity in the second half, helping pave the way to victory.

Hooker Paea Puleiku also superbly created a try in the second half for his left edge second rower To’A , who finished a 40m movement in style.

That try, and a second effort four pointer by middle forward Benji Quinlan, raised Marsden to 24-10.

But was Mabel going to lay down? No way. Back they came courtesy of runaway centre Dean Tauaa, and from his break, winger Alize Clarke was able to put together a brilliant grubber kick and chase try.

Earlier, Adaquix Luke scored first for Marsden, but it was To’A’s try after the rangy second rower cut back on the inside and unloaded in traffic.

Mabel then levelled the scores when a swift passing chain across the line saw fullback Tawa Simpkins then put his winger, Alize Clarke, over.

And midway through the second half Ezra Leota made a welcome return with a brilliant show and go try, scored from dummy half.

But just as they did last week, Marsden was dug in for the fight, and on the cusp of halftime the team’s perseverance was rewarded with outstanding lock Francis crashing over the line with no thought of preservation. It was 10-all at halftime.

Replay: Mabel Park v Marsden - Walters Cup Round 7

WALTERS CUP

Marsden SHS will storm into the finals on the back of a compelling win, 44-10 over Mabel Park SHS.

After Mabel Park centre Viliami Vea had opened the scoring with a dramatic 40m solo try, Marsden scored 44 points.

With strike on both edges, mobile big bodies around the middle and sharp work through both halves Watene and Phelps, and utility Tippessa Lee, Marsden has a side worth underlining.

Marsden prop Haki Kennedy has made a habit of scoring this season, and his refusal to succumb saw him twist and turn and wriggle his way over for Marsden’s first try.

Big Kennedy then set a platform for his team’s second try 90 seconds later, and a quick shift then saw Marsden left centre Mairangiatea Walker burn his opposition for speed before putting winger Chevy Wiperi into score.

Marsden extended its lead to 16-4 when, off the back of sustained attack, tall fullback Grayson Wharakura injected himself in the thick of the ruck and scored. Helping Marsden in this period was a restart generated by a deft kick from Ziggy Watene.

Close to halftime fullback Wharakura then angled himself wide of the ruck and subtly delivered a pass to his centre Christopher Vaimili toalepai who crossed.

Marsden led 22-4 at the break, although Mabel did score the first try of the second half when middle forward Zah’Kyius Ioane powered over.

However, strong middle running by the Wharakura brothers, and also a magical pass by second rower Brandon Lemalu, set up another two tries.

PREVIEW

Mabel Park SHS will host only their second-ever Langer fixture on school soil when cross town rivals Marsden SHS visit on Wedenesday.

While Mabel Park plan to make their school oval the No.1 venue for all home Langer and Walters fixtures later in the decade, current lighting does not permit this from happening.

So, the school’s partnership with the Brisbane Tigers allows Mabel Park to play home games in Brisbane at Totally Workwear Stadium.

But in the last game before the finals, Mabel Park head back to familiar surrounds - and they can’t wait.

Catch all the action from the Walters Cup/Langer Trophy double header LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on KommunityTV from 1pm.

Check the week-long Queensland Schoolboys draw BELOW.

Mabel Park v Marsden - Walters Cup Round 7

Mabel Park coach Ben Weston said it was an exciting moment for the closely knit community.

“We’re looking forward to it. It’s a great opportunity for the boys to play in front of their friends, family and community,’’ Weston said.

In the corresponding match last season, Mabel Park lowered the colours of Keebra Park and they will be looking to do the same ahead of the elimination final series on August 7.

Marsden SHS, hammered by the loss of up to six of their top 10 players at times this season, were magnificent in defeat against Ipswich SHS in their latest game when their pack bashed their unbeaten opponents from start to finish.

Mabel Park will be playing in front of the school on Wednesday.

“I was super proud of how aggressive we were for long periods of the game,’’ said Marsden SHS coach Krys Freeman.

“It was the best game we have had all season for effort and competing together as a team.

“We lost our winger early and had to go further into the squad depth and everyone played a great role in a really positive performance as a group.

“Some areas to definitely improve on, but I was very proud.’’

Originally published as Live stream: Mabel Park SHS host Marsden SHS in rare Langer Trophy match-up on school soil