Colts rugby round 1: Floyd Aubrey (GPS), Lastus Auakai (Brothers) star, Tigers big winners
Floyd Aubrey made a sensational debut for GPS, Brothers’ Lastus Auakai was impressive while Easts shone in an all action start to the colts 1 rugby union competition.
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Floyd Aubrey made a sensational debut for GPS, Brothers Lastus Auakai was almost as good while Easts flexed its muscles in an all action start to the colts 1 rugby union competition.
Bond Uni also started with a bang, inflicting a 22-12 loss on Norths on the Gold Coast.
In blazing heat at University of Queensland, it was Brothers who drew first blood in the 2020 grand final rematch, winning 32-19 after eclipsing Uni 27-7 during a first half onslaught.
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Brothers could barely have been more impressive in the opening half, firstly absorbing Uni’s excellent defensive net, then branching out on the back of ball control and clinical forward play.
Inside centre Auakai, the 2020 Nudgee College First XV captain, took less than 10 minutes to stamp his authority on the match with a midfield break, followed shortly after by a deft pass which sent his No.8 Jonte Connelly careering into score.
Off the back of aggressive ball winning and lovely service from halfback Louis Werchon, Auakai had options to pass or run or even grubber kick behind the line.
It was another silky pass down the left side by Auakai which started an astounding 50m team try by Brothers which was finished by Flynn Johnson after Brothers had supported in numbers.
Facing a 27-7 halftime deficit, University matched Brothers for try of the match honours with an equally impressive team try over 75m, with the movement gaining momentum after Uni fullback Patrick Elekana had put his winger up the sideline.
Lock Cooper Bridgeman then loomed in support to score and University had scored first in the second half.
Bridgman’s try was the start of a recovery by University which pushed Brothers.
With a weight of possession, a rejuvenated University were positioned into an attacking lineout but an outstanding offence set piece by Brothers turned ball over.
University did score next when flanker Sam Kelly-Knowles capitalised on a territorial advantage to plunge over and reduce the margin to 27-19, but in the end the better side won.
“Our efficiency was not where we wanted it to be, so that is something to work on,’’ said Brothers head coach Tony Wall.
“In attack we did well in the first half.
“We came into the match with a focus of controlling our footie and I thought we did well.’’
University coach Derby Malaulau praised Brothers after taking advantage of a nervous start by his squad.
“We have a lot of new guys who we have been trying to introduce into the system,’’ Malaulau said. “The instructions in the second half was to just try and go forward and be quick off the back of that.’’
At Ashgrove, Aubrey made such a stunning debut that GPS coach Sio Kite was unsure if he would remain in colts.
GPS won 43-14 over Souths, with fullback Aubrey flourishing in attack alongside his winger Harry Barker after inside back Bas Ward had delivered service behind his hungry forwards.
Although GPS scored 43 points, it was the manner in which his side recaptured momentum off Souths which most impressed coach Kite.
“Souths really put in a good effort and had us under the pump, but the boys were able to ride that momentum out,’’ Kite said.
On the Gold Coast, Bond University were impressive in beating a Norths side which did well in patches, but which was unable to sustain good play for long periods.
“We have a young group trying to rebuild some key habits,’’ said Eagles coach Daniel Ritchie.
“When we had field position and followed our game plan we looked quite dangerous.
“But when we went away from that, we were uninspiring.’’
Best for Norths was flanker Okaw Obonno who was so good, “he kept us in the contest’’ at the breakdown.
At David Wilson Field, Bottomley Park, the Tigers flicked into gear early and went on with the job to win 57-5.
With the backline fluent and forwards Tau Tuisamoa and James Durham outstanding, Easts displayed the type of team work and understanding most clubs could only dream about in round 1.
“For a lot of the boys, it is probably their third year playing together and they know each other really well. It is something we have been working on in the pre-season,’’ said Easts coach Tyrell Barker.
“Our attack went along really nicely off start plays, the forwards carried really well and scrummed really well.’’
Sunnybank coach Eddie Keepa praised Easts but said the score did not entirely represent the effort of his side.
“Full credit to Easts, but we were our own worst enemy, “It is round 1 and we will look forward to where we want to be in round 18.
“We are still encouraged in what we have done, there were some encouraging phases of play we got through.’’
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