TAS First XV rugby: Premiership battleships, Saints upset and CHAC win

The TAS XV rugby battleships swung into action today with a Canterbury-Ormiston blockbuster and a stunning Saints. See how it panned out, along with CHAC’s breakthrough win.

CHAC celebrates its first win of the season.

Cannon Hill Anglican College secured a breakthrough win today when they eclipsed an improving St John’s Anglican College 48-17 in TAS First XV rugby action.

CHAC turned a 19-17 halftime nailbiter into a flourishing second half performance as they overcame a St John’s outfit that were much better than the scoreline indicated.

And at Daisy Hill, St Paul’s stunned John Paul College to win 26-19 despite having 13 men for the last 10 minutes.

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“Liam Payne scored two tries again, one from 40m and another from 45m out. The boys put him into the hole and he ran into the gap,’’ said director of rugby, St Paul’s, Andrew Thomas.

More on that match below.

And at Canterbury College, Ormiston turned a 21-5 halftime lead into a 36-17 win

“It went to script and we got the win which we were really chasing,’’ said Ormiston coach Kris Peterman. More below as well.

St Paul’s celebrates their first win of the season earlier on. Now they have their second - and a draw.

At Cannon Hill, CHAC’s Joey Hona scored a match defining try just after halftime, a bustling, leg driving effort over 30m not long after Johan Goossen had produced individual magic to weave and sprint his way over.

Those two tries raised CHAC to 29-17 and although St John’s never gave in, their pursuit of victory was severely hampered.

St John's best players Howie and Hewitt and Chan-Foon.

Hona out wide, hooker Isaac Mellish and halfback Jake Loderhouse did splendidly, but so did skipper Angus McConville at five-eight, Lachie Timms at No.8 and bollocking props Jack Florido and Lucas Lang.

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There was much to like about St John’s effort, which was spearheaded by No.8 Cooper Howie, five-eight Isaiah Chan-Foon and Sam Hewitt.

Coach Rider Stubley said the 17 points accumulated today - via tries to Hewitt, Nick Groom and Chan-Foon - were the First XV’s most points in five years.

St John's huddle at halftime after stretching their rivals.

He said he was proud “they have shown up week in, week out, and continued to grow’’ and play as a team.

“Most importantly they are playing as a team, playing with a lot of heart and it shows in the way they play.’’

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Stubley said his group had gone from scoreless floggings to long period of being competitive.

Turning at halftime leading 19-17, CHAC were forced to defend after two quick tries from Goossen and Hona.

At one stage CHAC NO.8 Timms made two tackles in a row, and it took a steel and a driving run from skipper McConville - who resembled a flanker with his driving run - to relief pressure.

CHAC celebrates its first win of the TAS First Xv season.

CHAC then put the game to ed when full;back Julius Spears dashed over in the corner after halves Loderhouse and McConville had released ball down a wide blindside.

McConville’s service and Spears’ running was a threat, as was Timms’ bruising efforts.

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Hooker Mellish, who also kicked goals, was a beauty as well, giving CHAC plenty of mobility with and without the ball.

Beautiful winter skies at CHAC today for the First XV.

At WestMAC, St Columban’s College remained unbeaten and will be pushing for its second premiership in three years following the 2021 triumph. They won 27-nil.

“We ran out seconds players to give them a run and we were very proud of our defence,’’ said director of rugby Riley Brown.

St Columban's earlier in the season. Picture, John Gass

“We defended our line well and never let them in despite two in the sin sbin. I am very proud of the way they worked for each other in defence.’’

Lock Toby Vincent led from the front, Lachlan Grace at tighthead was in everything - attack and dfence - and led by example. And opener flanker Bailey Atkins was tremendous again.

St Columban player Sebastian Booth . Picture, John Gass

St Paul’s caused a boilover against John Paul College, winning 26-19.

“Our defence was great,’’ said director of rugby, St Paul’s, Andrew Thomas. “The boys took responsibility. I am proud of them. They started positive, did everything right.’’

He said St Paul’s showed polish to finish their movements.

Tanner Baker at No.8 was outstanding in defence and Callum Campbell at flanker returned to the side to tackle himself to a standstill.

JPC coach Joshua Kron praised St Paul's for the players “rugby IQ’’, saying they played smart football.

He said while it was frustrating to miss some of his top players, he was pleased with the efforts of the 15-year-olds who stepped up. “It showed there is a lot to build on moving forward,’’ Kron said.

WESTMAC attack the St Paul's line in TAS rugby earlier in the season.

JPC’s best were Leo Price off the bench playing hooker, winger Jeremy Lamb who did 13 hit ups and looked for work, and Joseph Brooks at at loosehead prop.

AT Canterbury, Ormiston coach Kris Peterman said his side started well and then Canterbury fought back in the second half “but we surged again and put it to bed’’.

“We’re really happy to get the win, they’re a tough team especially on home turf.”

“Next week is St Columbans away from home which will be a tough game and will decide who makes top seed.”

Canterbury coach Josh Afu said: “We didn’t do what we wanted to do or give ourselves the opportunity because we didn’t look after the ball.”

Ormiston College had an important win today.

“A team like Ormiston, if you don’t look after the ball, they’ll stay in their structures.”

“We’re a little bit happier with the second half but still a few things there we need to work on.”

Best players were Ormiston’s Harrison Dhu at prop, Lucas Wood at half and flanker Renier Welgemoed.

Canterbury captain and No.8 Jack Henry shone.

NEXT WEEKEND

Canterbury v St Columban’s

CHAC v Ormiston

JPC v WestMAC

St John’s v St Paul’s