Broncos sponsored schoolboy grand finals: Matthews magic for Mabel Park
Grand final glory: Mabel Park SHS had a five try hero in the Broncos Old Boys Challenge Year 7, while the brother of a NSW Origin hero fired Ipswich SHS to the Year 8 Renouf Shield.
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Mabel Park SHS right edge forward Isaac Matthews was a five try hero as his side claimed a Logan City local derby premiership decider at Davies Park.
And in a Renouf Shield thriller, Ipswich SHS fullback Baxter Best scored with two minutes remaining to wrap up a 20-12 premiership thriller over a gallant Redcliffe SHS. MOre on that match further down our story.
Mabel Park SHS won its BBOB CHallenge final 32-10 over Marsden SHS, jumping onto the back of Matthews shoulders and drawing away from Marsden in the second hand after Marsden had closed the gap to just 12-10.
Mabel Park had some anxious moments despite the 22-point scoreline, with a Marsden SHS surging 10 minutes from fulltime to almost score.
But despite the best efforts of winger Zaynen Uluare to get to the line, they were unable to score. It was a turning point, with that man Matthews almost immediately scoring from the turn over, rampaging 65m for another runaway try - and Mabel were safe.
Matthews was a lethal at the start of the game, and again just after halftime
He scored twice early as his side romped to a 12-0 advantage, then just after halftime roamed left to again find a hole around the centres to glide over.
He made it four just minutes later with another 50m solo try, sending the Mabel Park supporters into rapturous celebrations.
Mabel’s fan club must have known what was coming because they changed ends at halftime, clearly anticipating plenty of action at the try scoring end.
Matthews set the tone early. He scored in just the fifth tackle of the match, bursting into the clear after rupturing the defence 50m out.
It was a stunning solo effort to start the game.
Matthews scored again, this time from close range when he rounded the centre defence before straightening to cross on the right hand corner.
Lesion Malu’s booming sideline conversion made it 12-nil.
But when Marsden finally got the ball they threw some medicine right back at the Mabel defence.
The first sign of a recovery was a rollicking run from lock Tipene Moyes, followed soon after by a scurrying effort from pocket rocket winger Koby Skelton.
Moyes could have done no more to inspire his side.
It was Skelton who eventually scored, finding the grass in the corner despite a grand covering tackle from Mabel fullback Joyce.
Marsden, having generated momentum, then continued to build pressure and their supporters here delighted to see a lost ball at the back end up in the arms of Marsden second rower Nathaniel Brain who tumbled over next to the posts.
Well down to the big bloke for following the play just in case he was needed. His reward was a try in a grand final.
Marsden’s spirit was highlighted late when hooker Kobe Tekiri produced a try saving tackle on a runaway Kruz Hola.
But it was to no avail, with Tekiri sin binned and then Mabel Park young giant Lui Fetuuaho burrowing over.
Mabel Park SHS were coached by Darren Johnston.
BEST PLAYERS
Isaac Matthews (Mabel Park)
He was a runaway winner for man of the match, scoring a remarkable five tries for the first time in his career. The powerfully build edge forward simply could not be contained and was a threat from any distance.
Tipene Moyes (Marsden SHS)
Moyes was a middle forward work horse, a powerful unit around the ruck but also a threat when he angled his runs wider. He received a pat on the back from Broncos great Matt Gillett after the game which said everything about his performance.
Leison Malu (Mabel Park)
Malu had plenty of fire power around him, but he provided his own spark when needed with threatening, straight running. but he also went wide when needed, which gave Matthews clean, early ball.
RENOUF SHIELD
Redcliffe SHS v Ipswich SHS
A hat-trick from Ipswich State High School winger Elijah Kadima crowned the school Renouf Sheid premiers today in a tight tussle against Redcliffe State High School.
Ipswich SHS won 20-12.
Right wing Kadima, who scored the go-ahead try ten minutes from full time, broke the 12-all deadlock when he propelled forward after a left fend saw him escape his defender.
Fullback Baxter Best, the younger brother of Origin star Bradman, was his partner in crime, assisting on all three of his tries.
And with one minute left, Best broke the line and stormed away to score the dagger. He was elite, as was his opposite Sonny Hewitt.
This scintillating solo try from Best moved Ipswich out of reach from their rivals and ensured the premiership.
Earlier, the match started in a hurry, with Redcliffe pouncing first through pink headgear wearing halfback Jesse Schuster.
But at the other end on his first touch of the ball, Ipswich SHS fullback Best sliced his way through and crashed over.
It was a brilliant response from the New South Wales boy. The score was 4-4.
Best assisted on his team’s next try with a beautiful left-to-right spiral pass which put right wing Kadima over. Instantly Best had asserted himself as a kingmaker.
Redcliffe then hit-back with a crisp swing down the left edge seeing touches from Lynk Turnbill and Ryan White before fullback Hewitt soared over with an expert diving finish.
The boys from the peninsula struck again to lead 12-8 at the break, again half Schuster showed his muscle to surge over multiple defenders.
It was an impressive try showcasing the youngsters strength.
Into the second half, Redcliffe were powering upfield through lock Lorenzo Silva and twice threatened to extend their lead.
On both occasions, Ipswich held them out with inspired goal line defence.
Indeed Kadima made a crucial try saver.
After brave defensive efforts saw them come away unscathed, Ipswich worked up the middle through gutsy middle forwards Eazy Crichton, Kyanu Seiuli and Gabriel Laing.
In the blink of an eye, Ipswich had got off the back foot and equalised.
Again the cut-out passing of Best and the depth of Kadima combined to land a telling blow.
The score was 12-12 with 15 minutes to go.
Redcliffe SHS’ intent was highlighted when Brysson Jr Akai made a crushing tackle coming in off his wing. But with tries to Kadima and Best to finish the contest, fast finishing Ipswich came away with their first win of four finals games the school is playing in this week.
BEST PLAYERS
Baxter Best (Ipswich SHS)
Best was a smooth operator at the back, with power runs both in broken field and in heavy traffic. It was apt he scored the last year, a strong striding 55m solo try.
Jesse-James Schuster (Redcliffe)
Schuster was a dynamo for Reddy around the ruck, a great organiser and a jinking runner who asked questions all afternoon. We were told he had x-factor and he sure has.
Peter Letiu (Ipswich SHS)
The No.13 was gritty to the core in his comeback from a hand injury, absorbing the middle field battles and coming out the other side with his own contribution with the ball.
THE PREVIEW
The next generation Langer Trophy players will be glimpsed when three schoolboy grand finals, all sponsored by the Brisbane Broncos, will be played.
The Year 7 Brisbane Broncos Old Boys Challenge Shield, the Year 8 Renouf Shield and the Year 9 Hancock Cup will be contested.
IN PICTURES – 100 IMAGE GALLERY OF SEMI-FINAL DAY
LANGER CUP, LANGER RESERVES; WALTERS CUP GRAND FINAL PREVIEW
The www.couriermail.com.au will cover the BBOB and Renouf deciders on Tuesday, and then back-up on Wednesday for News Corp’s live streaming of the Langer Trophy, Walters Cup and Langer Reserves.
A sixth grand final, the Hancock Cup, will be played on Thursday, August 31, as an NRL curtain raiser to the Broncos versus Storm clash at Suncorp Stadium.
So who will be the players to watch in the BBOB, Renouf and Hancock deciders this week? All is revealed here.
RELATED LINKS
WATCH REPLAYS OF THE LANGER TROPHY SEMI-FINALS HERE
WATCH REPLAYS OF THE WALTERS CUP SEMI-FINALS HERE
HANCOCK CUP
Ipswich SHS v Keebra Park SHS
Peter Uilavai-Pita (Ipswich SHS)
A utility player who will start at lock forward, Uilavai-Pita is the very definition of effort. If the game is on the line, this young man will turn up to do anything for his team.
Cornelius Kelsall (Keebra Park SHS)
A fullback aged only 14, Kelsall made the south coast under 15 side while still having another year in that division.
Kelsall moved up from Melbourne at the start of this year and has been going from strength to strength.
He is the fastest player in the team and has great footwork, a player who scored a length of the field try against Wavell in the semi-final to win the game.
Innocent Baruani (Ipswich SHS)
The Ipswich SHS skipper, Baruani wears No. 11 on his back and leads from the front with his willingness to do the tough work.
A Queensland under 15’s schoolboy selection this year, he’ll look to use his excellent vision and silky catch-pass to make space on his edge.
Harvey Smith (Keebra Park SHS)
A very talented young halfback with a great work ethic, Smith was a part of the state champion south coast team and is the leader of Keebra’s Hancock Cup side.
Contracted to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Smith is a triple threat with the ball in his hands, having the ability to beat defenders with a run, pass or kick.
Jaylan Naleba (Ipswich SHS)
A hooker who would be just as comfortable at half or fullback, Naleba’s pinpoint service sets up the backline and gets the middles rolling in every set.
Another Queensland under 15 players he leads the pack with aggression and tireless efforts in defence.
Tyrell Schwenke (Keebra Park SHS)
A Queensland under 15 schoolboy prop, Schwenke is a fast and damaging front rower. He will be Keebra Park’s middle enforcer.
Brendon Bruce and Cordell Kirk (both Ipswich SHS)
They are twin wrecking balls. These two middles offer the ultimate one, two punch and they take great pride in laying a platform and generating momentum for their team through the middle.
Qubin Anderson (Keebra Park SHS)
Extremely tough young man who typically plays like a third half, Anderson is the glue to linking Keebra’s attack. The No. 13 possesses a lot of skill with the ball in hand but it is his strong defensive qualities against bigger athletes in the middle which is most impressive.
RENOUF SHIELD
Ipswich SHS v Redcliffe SHS
Baxter Best (Ipswich SHS)
This year is Baxter’s first year playing Broncos Cup Rugby League after moving up from NSW. He has stamped himself as one of the premier players in the competition and has a bright future which Ipswich State High School staff are super excited to be a part of. He plays fullback
Dallas Carmody (Redcliffe SHS)
A halfback who will direct Redcliffe SHS around the park, Carmody is co-captain who is a great leader. He also has a great understanding of the game.
Blake Tikinau (Ipswich SHS)
The general of the side, halfback Blake has an ability to organise the Ipswich attack through his great chat and passing. He can then change a game with a great kick or striking run.
Lorenzo Silva (Redcliffe SHS)
The team’s other co-captain, Silva made the Sunshine Coast under 15 team as a 14-year- old and was one of their best players this year. He has great skills for a big man who can create or score tries himself.
Kaelen Rea (Ipswich SHS)
A diminutive hooker with a fantastic pass, what Rea gives up for in size he makes up for in effort areas and his sheer will to compete.
He always leads the kick chase, always puts his body on the line and takes it upon himself to move our team down the field.
Bailey Smith (Redcliffe SHS)
The centre has the speed but it is not his only weapon – he is a powerful runner who has an ability to be in the right place at the right time.
Kyanu Seiuli (Ipswich SHS)
Playing in his first year in an Ipswich State High Jersey after moving from Keebra Park SHS, Seiuli has demonstrated his excellent short passing game when he executed several short side raids against Marsden in the semi final.
He has a strong carry and late footwork which always makes him a handful to contain.
Jesse-James Schuster (Redcliffe SHS)
Five-eight Schuster has a real X-factor about him. He will set up his outside men but is most dangerous when he takes the line on and runs the ball.
Teams: Redcliffe: 1. Sonny Hewitt, 2. Lynk Turnbull, 3. Bailey Smith, 4. Huntah Poa. 5. Brysson Jr Akai, 6. Dallas Carmody ©, 7 Jesse Schuster, 8. Lorenzo Timaloa, 9. Ashton Whyte, 10. Lennox Ngata-Faofua, 11. Isaiah Mailau, 12. Ryan White, 13. Lorenzo Silva ©, 14 Kobe Walsh, 15. Denzel Tavake, 16. Zion Peni, 17. Cohen Reynolds, 19. Mitchell O’Keeffe (18th Man), 20. MJ Stowers (19th Man)
Ipswich SHS: 1 Baxter Best, 2 Tyrone Mautofu, 3 Lasaro Momoka, 4. Kayden Lemafa 5. Elijah Kadima, 6. Malachi Kirk, 7. Blake Tikinau, 8. Eazy Crichton, 9. Kaelen Rea, 10. Gabriel Laing, 11. Hunter Lealaogata, 12. Kyanu Seiuli, 13. Peter Letiu, 14. Josiah Fa’alogo, 15 Lachlan Celere, 16. Jayden Afoa, 17. TJ Vaofusi
BBOB TROPHY
Mabel Park SHS v Marsden SHS
Kobe Te Kiri (Mabel Park SHS)
Te Kira is a hooker who features outstanding service. He is noted for his tenacious defence.
Isaac Matthews (Mabel Park SHS)
An aggressive defender, the edge back rower features speed. He is also a leader and has been named co-captain. Matthews is another 2022 Queensland under 12 player.
Tipene Moyes (Marsden SHS)
Moyes will be a bit of everything for Marsden SHS – both a strong running forward who works hard with and without the ball.
Noah Te Kiri (Mabel Park SHS)
A lock, Noah Te Kiri has a high work rate, is a dangerous ball carrier and is coming off representing the Maroons under 12s last year.
Nathanael Brain (Marsden SHS)
In the true tradition of young Marsden forwards, Brain is a damaging ball carrier will be a handful for defenders on the right side of the field.
Leison Malu (Mabel Park SHS)
Malu is a halfback who is an excellent organiser. The 2022 Queensland under 12 player also has a great kicking game. He will be Mabel Park’s co-captain.
Jysiah Jones (Marsden SHS)
Memo Mabel Park SHS. This fellow is a danger man. The No. 1 is a fast, light footed full back who will threaten around the ruck or when linking with his backs.
Walker Taualupe (Marsden SHS)
A strike centre, Taualupe is the type of player who could tip the match his team’s way given Marsden SHS will enter the clash as underdogs.
Teams: Marsden SHS 1. Jysiah Jones, 2. Koby Skelton, 3. Moro Nosa, 4. Walker Taualupe, 5. Zaynen Uluave, 6. Sammy Samson, 7. Toots Pirangi, 8. Khorus Savea, 9. Darius Paisa, 10. Phoenix Seu, 11. Lui Fetuuaho, 12. Nathanael Brain, 13. Tipene Moyes, 14. Jayden Hape, 15. Murrie Hurmann, 16. Masen Bensley, 17. John Timoteo, 18. Riley Morre, 19. Dayton Mano’o, 20. Zavier Thompson, 21. Eligh Silivellio
Mabel Park SHS: 1. Alec Joyce, 2. Juan Mafalu, 3. Kruz Hola, 4. Manu Misa, 5. Jahkylan Tangatatakere, 6. Elias Setema, 7. Leison Malu (c), 8. Maddox Leapai, 9. Kobe Tekiri, 10. Bordy Lalini, 11. Allistar Levika, 12. Isaac Mathews (c), 13. Noah Tekiri, 14. Victor Leota, 15. Mataio Misa, 16. Christian Mikaio, 17. Finau Tafa.
GRAND FINAL SCHEDULE
Tuesday, Davies Park
1.15pm – BBOB Trophy – Mabel Park SHS v Marsden SHS
2.30pm – Renouf Shield – Ipswich SHS v Redcliffe SHS
August 31, Thursday, Suncorp Stadium
Hancock Cup – Ipswich SHS v Keebra Park SHS
Originally published as Broncos sponsored schoolboy grand finals: Matthews magic for Mabel Park
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