Langer Trophy reserves semifinals: Dominant Mabel Park, Ipswich outfits claim wins

Semifinals need heroes and they were plenty of standouts in the Langer Trophy reserves double-header. Match wraps, top performers from both games here.

Tyson McDonald, Bailey Downs, Tipene Cooley and Motootua Kia of Mabel Park's Langer Reserves side after their semifinal win. Picture: Mitch Bourke.

Ipswich SHS executed a dramatic hit and run road mission to defeat Palm Beach Currumbin SHS on their own turf and earn a place in Wednesday’s Langer Reserves decider.

Ipswich won 22-10, mastering awful conditions in driving rain.

PBC SHS threw the kitchen sink at Ipswich in the first half, but the visiting players were able to absorb the punishment and gain their footing in the second 30 minutes.

Ipswich then garnished their performance with some nice left edge ball movement which resulted in some tries.

Ipswich SHS’s win was very much a team performance - it had to be in the conditions.

“Ipswich started their second half really strong,” lamented PBC coach Chris Patison.

“They seemed to go up another gear and were really strong though the middle, they carried it quicker and their line speed in defence was quick.

“We missed a few crucial tackles that led to tries.”

Ipswich player Unique Waerehu.

Top performers, Ipswich vs Palm Beach Currumbin

Mel Nonu, Ipswich

The left winger and younger brother of decorated Ipswich Langer player LJ, got through a mountain of work on the right wing. “He got us out of trouble,‘’ said Ipswich coach Jonathan Dore.

 Tyler Theuerkauf, Ipswich

The centre continued his outstanding season, scoring two tries and generally being hard to handle.

Tyler Theuerkauf of Ipswich’s Langer Reserves side in action.

Unique Waerehu, Ipswich

The five-eight Unique Waerehu was strong in defence, while also scoring one try and having a hand in two others.

Brodie Saunders, Palm Beach Currumbin

The lock forward was really tough and tried really hard all day in the wet conditions.

Marlie Barry, Palm Beach Currumbin

He was really strong off the bench, had defended really well, while his highlight was a brilliant 50-metre run off an Ipswich kick-off.

Riley Loughland, Palm Beach Currumbin

The little halfback tried really hard and dove on every ball that was on the ground. His effort and attacking plays were solid. Tried to crack the Ipswich defence through several different avenues but it simply wasn’t to be for the Reds.

Riley Loughland runs the ball for Bilambil in the NRRRL U18s Grand Final. Photo: Elise Derwin

Mabel Park vs Keebra Park

An inspired defensive showing Mabel Park SHS has led them to the grand final 0f the Langer Trophy reserves competition.

Mabel Park proved impenetrable for much of their clash with Keebra Park SHS as they romped to a 20-4 victory in the pouring rain at Tugun’s senior rugby league field.

“We just turned up,” said Mabel Park coach Ronaldo Tago.

“We did a lot of (defence) over the past couple of weeks preparing for it.”

The match was largely won in the first half after Keebra Park failed to register a point.

“Our halves Titus Marsden and Gideon Tanielu really controlled the game with good kicks to the corners,” Tago said.

Five-eighth Marsden kicked a brilliant 40-20 which Mabel would score off the back of.

Tago was also impressed with the performances of his middles, particularly Motootua Kia and Braddock Taylor, while centre Harlem Tata-Piki also shone.

Keebra coach James Chapman painted a disappointed picture post-game.

“They were a better side than us today unfortunately, we didn’t execute the game plan exactly how we wanted to which made it very tough in these conditions,” he said.

Mabel Park’s Motootua Kia.

Top performers, Mabel Park vs Keebra Park

Harlem Tata-Piki, Mabel Park

The Mabel Park centre was his side’s best player in the triumph. His defence was on another level on the edge and he made lots of strong carries coming out of trouble for his side.

Motootua Kia, Mabel Park

The front-rower carried the ball really well and played a strong defensive game.

Titus Marsden, Mabel Park

The five-eighth controlled the game superbly and his 40-20 which resulted in a try was no doubt a highlight from a great showing.

Gideon Tanielu, Mabel Park

Marsden’s partner in crime had an equally impressive playmaking game from halfback. He kicked really well and helped to control the game.

Wilhelm Wolfgramm, Keebra Park

Laid a solid platform in the middle for Keebra as he as so often this season and was super strong.

Jukai Peter, Keebra Park

The centre was really solid but his discipline was equally as impressive. He played his role perfectly and played a helping hand in executing Keebra’s gameplan.

Cruz Tauaifaiga, Keebra Park

Another great game from Tauaifaiga to cap off his schoolboys season, he was reliable in the back-row and continues to play above his weight.

Originally published as Langer Trophy reserves semifinals: Dominant Mabel Park, Ipswich outfits claim wins