TAS First XV rugby: Ormiston prevail; Canterbury get cooking
The TAS First XV rugby season heated up today with an Ormiston- Columban’s blockbuster. See how it panned out as a St Paul’s fullback star shone against a Canterbury side fighting to keep their season alive.
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Ormiston College claimed a thrilling win today when they toppled a hungry St Columban’s side 24-19 in a Pink Day blockbuster in Caboolture.
Winger Dylan Penniket turned early pressure into a nail biting five-point-victory, sealed in the 67th minute when pouncing on loose ball and striking away for a match-defining try under the sticks.
At Canterbury the home side defeated St Paul’s 49-21 with Bailey Murphy relishing the captaincy role.
At WestMAC, CHAC came away 17-10 victors in a scrappy affair, while John Paul College blooded some new talent when defeating St John’s 38-10.
But at St Columban’s a bumper crowd was treated to a riveting grand final preview, one that took 30 minutes before the first points were scored.
But once Ormiston’s Dylan Penniket scored the opener it was full steam ahead for both sides, Ormiston with the upper hand up 12-5 at half time.
Columban’s had all the momentum in the beginning with jinking centre Sam Hoolihan and threatening fullback Eli Ortiz giving the Redbacks early scares.
They had plenty of early ball and the crisp passing from forwards Alby Lyons and Bailey Atkins had Ormiston with their backs against the wall.
Indeed they were up for the challenge.
Halfback Lucas Wood was playing like he was twice his size, putting his body on the line with not one but two terrific tackles in an enthralling opening 15.
Man mountain centre Daniel Body was making crunching tackles, fullback Sam West and Mr. Everywhere man Renier Welgemoed also brick walls in defence early.
The visitors withstood an enormous amount of pressure and helping the cause was lock Riley O’Brien and No. 8 Angus Melville who combined brilliantly to secure lineout after lineout.
Eventually the tide changed and Ormiston were on the attack. Wood, fly half Oliver Sheil and West spreading it to find Penniket for the first try.
Penniket was involved again in the second try when putting in a deft grubber kick back infield for Welgemoed - the hardworking flanker finishing off a spectacular try engineered by centre Jack Johnston who recognised space down the left edge.
So after a strong start Columban’s found themselves down 12-0. And to make matters worse they had lost flanker Noah McLachlan to a yellow card.
But even with a man down the home side, in their wonderful bright Pink jerseys, found a way onto the scoreboard.
Of course it was inspiring No. 8 Devlyn Nel who barrelled his way over off the back of a rolling maul.
Melville, repaying the favour when spearing off a scrum 5 metres out to move ahead 17-12.
In games like these you need your magic men to step up and that’s exactly what Columban’s Ortiz did next to draw within five.
An elusive ball runner, Ortiz showcased a mix of speed and strength to bust through tackles and storm away for an electric try.
But finding his 2022 form and putting the game away was Penniket, a 67th minute try the dagger.
Footnote: Saints fly half Edward De Bruyne scored on the siren to settle the scores at 24-19. It was a superb try but it was too little too late.
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At Canterbury, the home side kept their premiership hopes alive with a 49-21 win over the Saints, who were led by fullback Liam Payne.
Canterbury coach Josh Afu said his team delivered at the breakdown, especially Dylan You.
“There’s no 50 per cent about You. He gives 100 per cent, and it’s nice having someone like that.
“He got turnovers, got us over the game line, carried really well and even scored a try. A very complete performance.”
Afu was happy his team didn’t back up mistakes with other mistakes and lauded Saints danger man Payne, who was electric in a two-try effort.
For Canterbury, centre Bailey Murphy stepped in at skipper and he “took it all on his shoulders,” with the captain’s arm band on.
“I thought our ball movement was great. We shifted it around and we didn’t just hit them up the guts. That was one of our standouts today.
“We know we have Jack Henry back next week and Columban’s who are going to be strong. “We just have to be up and ready for it … It’s all or nothing,” Afu said, looking to next week’s must win.
St Paul’s coach Andrew Thomas said Canterbury took their chances and were very reactive.
“When Liam Payne had the ball in space he was outstanding.
“If we get the ball into his hands he’s very good. He made some great cover defence today … We just got beaten at the ruck by a side determined to win the breakdown battle.
“We were on the back foot a lot but the boys never gave up … we were just reacting too much the whole game.”
Thomas’ best behind star No. 15 Payne was Callum Campbell who tackled and tackled to a stand still.
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“For the little guy he just makes his tackles, he keeps getting up, knocking guys over who are bigger than him.
“Our boys were gassed after 20 minutes. We made that many tackles. We conceded a try early and we were on the back foot.”
At WestMAC, CHAC came away 17-10 victors in a game where neither team could find their rhythm.
It was a scrappy affair with drop balls and penalties conceded left right and centre. CHAC, playing with a lot of heart to clinch the result.
For CHAC, Lachie Timms was the best on ground and behind him Jack Florido, Will Harper and Daniel Greenway had a big impact to give their side the edge.
For WestMAC, Ky Litzow continued to shine in his first year of footy.
The inside centre was a defensive brute who stood tall the entire game.
“His defence was exceptional all game,” said WestMAC head coach Ben O’Connell.
But, WestMAC could not control possession or get any phases rolling, the home side falling short with two tries to CHAC’s three.
Ashton Windolf and Sam Fothergill were the try scorers for WestMAC.
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And at St John’s, JPC were delighted to get a game in.
JPC won 38-10 with a young unit of boys getting their first go at First XV.
Coming off the bench fullback DJ Gray took no time to make an impact, scoring a couple quick tries and tearing the defence apart.
Newcomer Ollie Thompson had himself a blinder as well, passing crisply from the ruck to give the backs quick ball.
Darcy Whatt, who usually plays halfback, enjoyed his speedy service and dazzled on the wing.
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