Kirwan State High School beats Warrington Wolves in historic schoolboy rugby league first
The Kirwan Bears made history this week, coming out on top of a thrilling battle with the previously undefeated Warrington Wolves U19 Academy side. Catch up on the game and find out why it was such a big moment for the school.
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The Kirwan Bears mounted a sensational second-half comeback to stun the Warrington Wolves U19 Academy side 24-12 at Halliwell Jones Stadium in England earlier this week.
The Townsville schoolboys found themselves trailing the English Super League 19s Academy Championship frontrunners 12-6 at halftime, but rallied to keep their opposition scoreless in the second stanza.
A double from electrifying right winger Clarvarn Oth gave the Bears the lead before his centre partner Trent Martin finished the win off with a try of his own.
The pair of year 11 students have been terrific throughout the opening rounds of the Aaron Payne Cup and they appear to have brought their form with them overseas.
But it was athletic fullback Gausa Dau who earnt player of the match credits for his outstanding performance which included his team’s only try in the first half.
Kirwan coach Todd Wilson said his middle forwards set the platform for the outside backs to flourish in the second half.
“As expected, it was a very physical game and we aimed up, both defensively and in attack,” Wilson said.
“Trent Martin, Clarvarn Oth and Gausa Dau benefited from the work of our middle forwards.
“To come over here and be down 12-6 at halftime, our composure and defensive resolve in the second half was outstanding.
“We have had overwhelming support back home, and to put in a performance like that we believe was the least we could do for our families and sponsors back home.
“There was a 15-minute period in the first half which we weren’t happy with, however, we played to our standards in the second half which was rewarded on the scoreboard.”
Kirwan’s deputy principal Dave Ackers said he was proud to added another famous chapter to the school’s storied rugby league history.
“We have a very rich history as a school, which includes two national titles, five state titles and several Aaron Payne Cups, but to put in the performance that we did today, was an historic performance for the Kirwan Bears against one of the Northern Hemisphere’s very best professional clubs.”
The Bears’ European tour continues on to Wales and London, before heading to France next week where they will take on the French National Academy side.
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Originally published as Kirwan State High School beats Warrington Wolves in historic schoolboy rugby league first
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