Schoolboy Cup live stream: Ipswich SHS v Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, Langer Trophy, Walters Cup

A moment of brilliance from Xavier Kirk proved the difference as Ipswich held their nerve to beat Palm Beach Currumbin in a repeat of last year’s Langer Trophy decider. Relive all the action.

Games can be decided by moments - and for Ipswich SHS, it was a moment of brilliance from winger Xavier Kirk that landed them a 16-14 victory over Palm Beach Currumbin.

The Year 12 right wing, who was deadly in Ipswich’s champion Langer Reserves team last year, will no doubt be replaying that moment in his head.

It was the final play of the first half when Kirk caught a cross field kick before scoring just shy of the dead ball line.

It was Ipswich’s final try in a thrilling game where both teams scored three times.

One conversion was the difference.

The contest was absorbing in the first half, with high-tempo footy being showcased from both sides.

Ipswich shot out to a 10-0 lead after 10 minutes, but PBC quickly drew level courtesy of a Bailey McConnell try and try assist to winger Creedence Donovan.

McConnell’s energy, step and draw-and-pass was vital for PBC in the opening stages.

The 36th minute proved the game changer when the high-flying Kirk went aerial to pluck and plant a Brandon Tikinau cross field kick.

It was magical, and elevated Ipswich to a six-point advantage.

Earlier, Tyler Peckham-Harris got Ipswich off to a flyer with a charge down try off kicker Zane Harrison. Then, Shaye Faa’aoga found Kirk who made it 10-0. A quick play the ball from LJ Nonu and a short side pop-pass from Faa’aoga put the small, but electric winger in.

McConnell dazzled on the back of metres made by Baylen Donald and Jac Finigan and PBC were still well in the hunt at the break.

In the second half, nerves crept in and the high-intensity of the clash resulted in errors both ways.

With 12 minutes left, flame-haired Donald scored, leaving it up to Harrison to equalise.

It was a tough kick 15 metres in from the sideline and Harrison, who had been creating plays all game, must have been exhausted. He missed and that was the end of the scoring.

Despite an Ethan Schultz and Sunny Kama-inspired final spurt for PBC, Ipswich came away two-point-victors.

PBC bounce back to take Walters Cup clash in style

The Palm Beach Currumbin Reds left the North Ipswich Reserve happy campers after a 44-4 success over Stretton State College.

After suffering their first loss of the season to Redcliffe SHS last week, the Reds played with vigour and a point to prove.

And prove it they did when second rower Nelson Makaafi scored to put the cherry on top a convincing 40-point-victory.

REPLAY: Stretton v PBC (Walters)

Quick enough to be a back, the supporting Makaafi cleared away for PBC’s final try after prop Ashton Hure, goalkicking halfback Marley McLaren and headgeared Ned Tanner combined to go from one end to the other.

PBC had a clear size advantage, but that didn’t deter Stretton from confronting them hard and fast in defence.

Stretton were brave, with Bailey Vang the chief organiser out of dummy-half. The closest they got was 6-4 early, but quickly PBC found their groove.

Halves Taj Lateo and McLaren were classy playmakers.

After the likes of Cruz Dangerfield, Kwinn Wolf and Brodie Sanders made ground up the middle, the two halves provided good ball to their edge finishers.

PREVIEW

Two of the Langer Trophy’s best attacking weapons will come face-to-face as Ipswich State High hosts Palm Beach Currumbin in Round 5 of the elite schoolboys competition.

Both sides enter the clash with only one loss this season and off the back of confidence-boosting wins last week.

Ipswich proved too hard to handle against fourth-placed Mabel Park last week, while Palm Beach Currumbin scored their second win of the season against Redcliffe State High.

So this could be another thriller in what is shaping up to be the competition’s closest finish in years.

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While both sides possess some of the toughest forward packs in the competition, the blockbuster clash could be decided by the boys out wide.

Palm Beach centre Sam Stephenson is rolling off the back of a national championships campaign for Queensland, but could meet his match in exciting Ipswich centre LJ Nonu.

Both players possess a strong running game, and have shown an ability to power over the top of their opposite number this season.

It could truly be a battle of the irresistable force against an immovable object.

Langer Trophy Mabel Park SHS v Ipswich SHS (white shirt) K Su’a Coorparoo Thursday 13th July 2023 Picture David Clark

Also keep an eye on Ipswich SHS hooker Tyler Peckham-Harris going up against William Saunders. Both boys have the ability to change a game in an instant.

There will also be a battle upfront between PBC’s Jett Jackson and Baylen Donald who will have prop Oliva Iaulualo and second rower Jack Laing to deal with.

QLD player Sam Stephenson Qld Vs NSWCCC in the ASSRL national championships in Redcliffe. Saturday July 1, 2023. Picture, John Gass

Make sure to tune in from 3pm for Stretton State College and PBC in Walters Cup action, before the Langer Trophy spectacle at 5pm.

THE TEAMS

IPSWICH SHS:

1 Dominique Sandow

2 Xavier Kirk

3 LJ Nonu

4 Keisaia Su’A

5 Anton Naiyep

6 Brandon Tikinau

7 Izaiah Mafi

16 Maaro David

9 Tyler Peckham-Harris

10 David Leota

17 Cayleb Johnson

11 Shaye Faa’aoga

18 Kane Self

Bench

15 Lesayne Tuiasau

12 Mahonri Tiotala

8 Iosefa Kolio

19 Saifiti Junior Saifiti

PBC SHS

1. Jake Lateo

2. Sunny Kama

3. Sam Stephenson

4. Tyson Ploegsma

5. Creedence Donovan

6. Bailey McConnell

7. Zane Harrison

8. Brady Turner

9. Will Saunders

10. Jett Jackson

11. Baylen Donald

12. Jac Finigan

17. Jaylen Taewa

13. Isaac Harrison

14. Barney Litdamu

15. Hiawe King

16. Ethan Schultz