GPS First XI Football Team of the Week from round 7 action
GPS First XI Football: Who were the best players from round seven after Nudgee College secured themselves a premiership? Story here
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Nudgee College secured their fifth GPS First XI football premiership in the last 10 years with a cracking 4-1 victory over Gregory Terrace at Ross Oval on Saturday.
The First XI continued their superb season winning their seventh consecutive game, producing a blue and white invasion onto the pitch at full-time by the reserves bench, students, teachers and parents celebrating their premiership clinching win.
So after 2022’s biggest round of football to date, who were the round 7 stars?
St Joseph’s Nudgee College:
A terrific performance from Nudgee on Saturday saw them go seven wins from seven, and secure an outright premiership with a 4-1 win over Gregory Terrace.
In front of a bumper Ross Oval crowd, Jhairah Taylor scored a hattrick and assisted another goal in a performance where he was close to unplayable.
Jacob Johnson and Ryan O’Keefe were outstanding out wide for Nudgee as were the back unit of goalkeeper Winston Jory, Dylan Meinicke, Jamie Waddington and captain Luke Blackwell.
Declan Parkinson, Liam Byrne and Ryan Tappouras had excellent performances in the midfield while Ryan Brownlie continued an outstanding run of goalscoring form.
Director of Football Jamie Pybus said: “It was a special day for a group of boys who have a special connection to the school and who have worked hard as a group over a long period of time.”
“It was also a great occasion for GPS Football with as big a crowd as I’ve seen at a school fixture,” Pybus said.
St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace:
It was a difficult game for the GT First XI football team against a very well organised Nudgee College.
GT Sports Activities Coordinator Mitch Edwards said: “The result was fair and Nudgee walked away by far the better team on the day.”
“With this now securing the trophy to Nudgee we congratulate all the players and coaching staff on a great season.”
Edward Ince: Again Ince was brilliant and one of the key players in the midfield looking to regain possession and progress the ball.
Zack Damianakis: Coming on early due to an injury and having limited First XI experience, Zack caused some issues for the Nudgee defence and managed to score his first GPS goal.
Will Dent: Dent asked plenty of questions in the final third and on another day could have had a couple of goals however his efforts were matched by Nudgee goalkeeper Winston Jory.
Brisbane Boys’ College:
After four long years, the wait is finally over for the BBC First XI Football, who broke their 4-year drought without a winning result in the GPS competition.
The last victory recorded was in round 8 of 2018.
Following a narrow defeat in Toowoomba the week previous, head coach Jamie Morgan said: “It seemed a result was not far away with more recent on-field performances showing promising signs.”
BBC travelled to Anglican Church Grammar to face another team who had yet to register a win this season. From the first to the match’s final whistle, the BBC outfit was tireless in attack and dogged in defence.
After a strong start, the visitors should have taken the lead after some excellent wing play down the left side which led to a glorious chance for Sam Bell, who could not convert from 8 yards out.
The away team were left ruing their missed opportunity when Churchie found the back of the net, only for it to be chalked off for an off-side. The teams went into the break level to match an even first stanza.
The second half was highlighted by the goal to break the deadlock from First XI Captain Jack Hogarth, who also opened his account for the season.
With twenty minutes remaining, the BBC side ambitiously pushed forward to try and put the result out of contention. Despite the forays forward, the match was seen out through a disciplined collective effort.
Aidan Lumley: The lively left midfield has had a horror run this season due to injury and illness. The match against ACGS saw a revitalised Lumley, run himself to a standstill. He was ever willing to attack and ensured he contributed defensively by tracking back in every instance. Lumley’s contributions down the left side with Jack Hogarth were a constant attacking threat for the away team. It is no coincidence that the goal to break the deadlock was fashioned from the left flank.
Archie Wisdom: The attacking midfielder, with footwork and flair, finally found the substance that had been missing from his game thus far. Wisdom’s most significant contribution would come in the form of his distribution, and it seems the lively midfielder learnt a valuable lesson that football is best played simple. He had a significant influence on the match, and his leadership of a young midfield boasting two grade nine students (Jack Harris & Tanner Wheeler) was a coming of age moment.
Jack Harris (MOTM): In only his second start for the BBC First XI, it seemed like young Harris had been playing at this standard for many, many years. The central midfielder was the lynchpin for his side, and his maturity and game sense belies his years. Harris was exceptional in breaking up the opposition’s attack, with critical positioning and an awareness of when to step in and cover his colleagues. This young talent has a promising future in the BBC First XI for many years to come.
Toowoomba Grammar School:
TGS had a great win from behind on Saturday afternoon to overcome BGS. The boys from Toowoomba showed great resilience and fought hard right to the end of the game.
Behind 1-0 with minutes remaining in the game, TGS scored two quick goals to put their nose in front on the scoreboard for the first time in the game.
Isaac Browett: As the captain, Browett put in a solid performance leading by example. He kept the boys focused and strived to get the team back into the contest after being behind all game.
Riley Shutz: Shutz came off the bench to provide the spark that TGS desperately needed. He scored the winning goal with the last kick of the game.
The Southport School:
TSS lost to BSHS 2-1, after being down 2-0 at halftime.
Murphy Baker again came on late as a substitute to score a goal and edge his team closer but unfortunately mistakes made in the first half proved costly. Baker has scored two goals in consecutive weeks coming off the bench.
Koen Gemeri, Blake May (centre-backs), Will Barker (left back), Francois Mahu (central midfield) and Lachlan Duke (GK) all had good games for TSS, but it was not enough to get the points on Saturday afternoon.
Anglican Church Grammar School:
BBC started well and had a good chance at their first goal when Churchie’s Wais Nassiry made a fine save to keep the game scoreless.
Max Slaughter: Slaughter played another impressive game for Churchie, with his efforts in defence and attack on display and his willingness to match his opposing player a highlight of the day.
Luke O’Sullivan: O’Sullivan played great as well, working hard in the centre of the pitch to screen the back four and break up numerous BBC attacks.
Brisbane State High School:
Kai Flemington: BSHS’s number 11 has been prolific this season scoring six goals in his first three games.
On Saturday he added to his tally scoring his team’s second goal from the right hand side and firing into the far corner.
He worked tirelessly upfront running into channels and pressing, and was unlucky not to add to his tally in the second-half.
Jordie Meacock: The mercurial number 10 ran the show from the midfield. He covered 11km in the game and was influential in everything good that BSHS did.
In both attack and defence, his hard work and skill shone in the tough slippery conditions.
Honourable Mentions:
Lachlan Nye (Brisbane Grammar School):
Nye led the defensive line well and won his individual duals. He distributed the ball effectively.
Round 7 results:
Brisbane Boys’ College beat Anglican Church Grammar School, 1-0
Toowoomba Grammar School beat Brisbane Grammar School, 2-1
St Joseph’s Nudgee College beat St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace, 4-1
Brisbane State High School beat The Southport School, 2-1
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