AIC league’s thriller finish; Best Players from round 5
AIC First XIII rugby league’s thriller finish; best players from round 5 revealed as the premiership race hots up.
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Villanova College’s sensational 28-24 win over Padua has thrown a cat among the pigeons and set up the prospect of a drawn premiership in the AIC First XIII rugby league competition.
With two rounds remaining Padua and Villanova have eight competition points, but both school teams will have a bye over the next fortnight.
On Saturday Villanova will play their last match against Iona College in a local derby grudge match that is sure to bring the crowd flocking in, while Padua will have a bye.
Then on September 9 Padua College will play St Laurence’s College, while Villanova will have a bye.
It is tense stuff making both matches must-win affairs for Padua and Villa.
In other results last weekend Marist College Ashgrove defeated St Patrick’s College 36-10, while St Laurence’s twice came from behind to beat St Edmund’s College.
The full premiership ladder is:
Padua 8
Villanova 8
Ashgrove 4
St Laurences 4
Iona 4
St Patrick’s 2
St Edmund’s 0
PLAYERS OF THE ROUND
Cameron Bukowski (Villanova)
The Queensland schoolboys hooker rose to the occasion in the biggest match of the season, icing a great game by sparking, and then finishing, the winning try. “Captain Cameron Bukowski was instrumental in leading the team to victory, contributing with an outstanding hat trick of tries,’’ said coach Blake McLauchlan.
Fynn Dalton and Jayden Solien (Padua)
It takes two to tango in a mini rugby league classic and these boys both excelled for Padua in a game they seemed to have won.
Not for the first time the highly skilled Solien has been mentioned as a best player.
Keli Law-Palm (Marist College Ashgrove)
Very safe under the high ball, Law-Palm made some strong defensive plays and carried the ball strongly into contact.
Indeed the tall Ashgrove boarder has enjoyed a nice growth spurt over the last few years.
Connor Moloney and Riki Taylor (Villanova)
Moloney may have made the decisive break to help get Villa to 24-all, but he and his teammate Riki Taylor earned praise from coach Blake McLauchlan for their defensive efforts. He termed them “notable defensive performances’’.
Jude Knapp (Marist College Ashgrove)
Playing his first game at fullback, Knapp had a hand in everything, including setting up a try and scoring two himself.
Jack Chandler (St Edmund’s)
Chandler was immense again, setting up a try and scoring one as well.
His running game was at its creative best.
Ben Puller (St Edmund’s)
Puller organised the line and was a solid support runner who scored off a Chandler line break.
Jack Tuite (St Laurence’s College)
Back rower Tuite was the best player on the field with his barnstorming runs and crushing tackles.
“Whenever we needed a tough carry, he was there,’’ praised his coach Paul Boase.
Leon Karena (Marist College Ashgrove)
Here’s that name again. Not for the first time the young forward is given high praise in this story, with his energy for go forward driving his team toward victory.
Lews Blaikie (St Laurence’s College)
Blaikie just had to get a mention for his 80m solo try on debut. What a run it was.
Jasper Barry and Nate Roberts (Marist College Ashgrove)
The big and the small shone for Ash. Halfback Roberts was outstanding, challenging St Pat’s with his speed and quality decision making. He also defended above his weight.
Barry was a handful with every carry and strong in defence.
THE MATCHES
Villanova College v Padua College
There were three tries in the last five minutes, including two by Villanova who came from behind to pip Padua at the post 28-24.
After Padua had extended its lead to 24-18, Villanova College’s Benny Lawrance scored after a run from Connor Moloney. Roman Dunne converted to make it 24-all with 90 seconds left.
Then Cameron Bukowski made a break and backed up to score with no time left, winning the match for his side.
“Facing Padua, who had entered Round 5 undefeated, the odds seemed stacked against us when we were reduced to 12 players after a send-off just 15 minutes into the first half,’’ said Villanova coach Blake McLauchlan.
“Despite the adversity, our boys displayed remarkable grit and determination throughout the match.
“With only a minute remaining and the score tied at 24-24, they exhibited brilliance by executing a well-timed play down the short side that led to a matchwinning try.
“The Round 5 win now sets the stage for a thrilling premiership clash against Iona College in Round 6.’’
The St Laurence’s College v St Edmund’s College
This clash was an entertaining, high scoring affair which Laurie’s won 36-22 after storming home.
Eddie’s had a fly start and twice in the game led by 16 points before St Laurence’s patience paid off.
“The players kept their heads and were patient and stuck to the game plan and came away with the win,’’ said St Laurence’s coach Paul Boase.
Marist College Ashgrove v St Patrick’s College
Marist College defeated Paddies 36-10, with Ashgrove’s performance a nicely round team effort.
Forwards Leon Karena and Jasper Barry laid a platform off which halfback Nate Roberts excelled.
Out wide Jude Knapp was a revelation at fullback and winger Leli Law-Palm strong with his runs, but it was a good team effort.
Coming off a bye, Paddies were not as refreshed as coach Brian Pollich had hoped they would be.
“We did not come prepared to compete or win many skills the game of rugby league offers,’’ he said.
He said the side fell short in all areas, including communication, but he did praise Ashgrove for its performance.
“We will reset and get back to training this week and hold our squad accountable and keep working on the training paddock,’’ Pollich said.
“We look forward to hosting AIC rugby league at Curlew Park and we wish all Colleges the best for round 6.’’
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