NewsBite

REPLAYS: Titans Schools League grand final day

It has been a great grand final day in the Titans Schools League competition, with six games livestreamed. Rewatch every game as it happened and read the recaps. FULL COVERAGE >>>

Mabel Park SHS schoolgirl rugby league player Malaela Su’a. Picture: Renae Droop
Mabel Park SHS schoolgirl rugby league player Malaela Su’a. Picture: Renae Droop

The Titans Schools League finished with a flourish this afternoon with six grand finals, all livestreamed www.couriermail.com.au, the Gold Coast Bulletin and News’ affiliates

Your home of schoolgirl and schoolboy rugby league, News, also has all six replays.

Subscribe to also view six matches thanks to Pest Build Legals, while also enjoying the replays of the games and also unlocking access to the best News sites around Australia.

The grand finals bring the curtain down on the biggest ever Titans Schools League competition which featured 100 teams representing 25 schools across the Gold Coast, Logan, southern Brisbane and Ipswich.

The Keebra Park Girls year 9-10 division one team celebrate a nailbiting win against Mabel Park... Picture Glenn Hampson
The Keebra Park Girls year 9-10 division one team celebrate a nailbiting win against Mabel Park... Picture Glenn Hampson

RELATED LINKS

SISTER ACT INSPIRES NEXT GENERATION

JAMIE FEENEY APPOINTED TITANS NRLW COACH

THE GRAND FINALS:

Div 2 boys, Marsden SHS v Pimpama SSC

Pimpama State Secondary College has snared a historic premiership in its first season in the Titans Schools League.

An almost perfect first half, which saw the side control ball, defend well and rattle up a 20-nil advantage, laid foundations for victory. The side eventually won 38-10.

Coach Jordan Flatley said it was the biggest moment in rugby league for the community.

“They have been working toward this for two years,’’ Flatley said. “The team has improved since week one.’’

Replay: Titans Schools League Grand Finals – Yr 9/10 Div 2 Boys – Pimpama v Marsden Black

He said the premiership was reward for not only the players, but also for squad members and teachers who had contributed to the moment.

Pimpama fullback, the long striding Druzel Tuala, was man of the match.

Pimpama’s prop Liam Godsmark scored tries and it was party time for northern Gold Coast side.

Titans' Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui with Div 2 man of the match Druzel Tuala.
Titans' Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui with Div 2 man of the match Druzel Tuala.

But they did get a fright.

Pimpama led 26-nil but two quick tries by Marsden SHS reduced the lead to 26-10 with 10 minutes remaining.

With Ezera Leota, Maddox Andrews, Kahvell Pinikera and Beau McClymont coming into the game after thunderous runs from Joseph Fonoti, Marsden SHS had Pimpama players looking over their shoulders.

But a try saving tackle from Pimpama’s Godsmark on a rampaging Marsden second rower Lyric Courtney snapped Marsden’s momentum. A big run from Pimpama’s Tyrheson Clarke further handed momentum back to his side and Marsden’s recovery had been blunted.

The winning Pimpama SCC team after the grand final.
The winning Pimpama SCC team after the grand final.

RELATED LINKS

THE SEMI-FINAL REPLAYS HERE

JOSEPH CUTS PATH FOR YOUNG QLD PLAYERS

Pimpama State Secondary College could not have made a better start scoring two early tries courtesy of winger Tobias Hughes and centre Jett Bourke.

If there were any nerves early, they would have been eased with Hughes burst through to make a long run and put his team on the front foot.

Pimpama SSC reflect prior to the match.
Pimpama SSC reflect prior to the match.

Across the opening 20 minutes, Pimpama SSC did not lose momentum, leading to field position which contributed to them securing a 14-nil lead.

Hughes’ try on the right hand sideline was created after a long, long pass from halfback Aropeta Tuunia, while soon after an unload by second rower Blake Hayes enabled his centre Bourke to cut back on the inside and score.

Marsden SHS boys run onto the field in Div 2 grand final.
Marsden SHS boys run onto the field in Div 2 grand final.

More possession and more metres down the field enabled the Pimpama forwards to lay a foundation for fullback Durzel Tuala to cross.

Pimpama SSC played in its first Titans grand final.
Pimpama SSC played in its first Titans grand final.

Marsden SHS, with its first chance in attack zone about seven minutes before full-time, almost scored but young winger Kevin Wani, after brilliantly taking the high pass, put a foot on the touchline.

With a change over of possession, Pimpama forwards continued to thunder down the middle, with big prop Liam Godsmack leading the way.

With halftime approaching No. 13 Sam Clark crashed over beneath the posts and with Wong’s conversion, Pimpama led 20-nil.

Marsden SHS had plenty of ability – the problem was they did not have enough ball.

Winger Wani had great hands, Maddox Andrews livened the side up and half Kahvell Pinikera brought his forwards onto the ball.

The Keebra Park Girls year 9-10 division one team celebrate a nailbiting win against Mabel Park... Picture Glenn Hampson
The Keebra Park Girls year 9-10 division one team celebrate a nailbiting win against Mabel Park... Picture Glenn Hampson

And there was a nice moment for Marsden SHS prop Matai Haunga who plunged over for his team’s first try.

Off his forwards hooker Ezera Leota was also dangerous for Marsden and Bryce Hodges a workhorse.

Scores: Pimpama 38 (L Godsmark 2, T Hughes, J Bourke, D Tuala, S Clark, M Caroisi; tries; A Wong 5 conv) d 10 Marsden SHS (M Haunga, Villame tries; K Piniker conv).

Grand final day of the Titans Schools League rugby league competition. Marsden Highs Teva Grey celebrate the win with teammates in the year 9-10 division... Picture Glenn Hampson
Grand final day of the Titans Schools League rugby league competition. Marsden Highs Teva Grey celebrate the win with teammates in the year 9-10 division... Picture Glenn Hampson

Div 1 year 9-10 boys, MARSDEN SHS v KEEBRA PARK SHS

A MATURE second-half performance led by a dominant forward pack propelled Marsden Black to an 18-12 win over Keebra Park in the Year 9/10 Division 1 Boys grand final.

The Logan rugby league nursery piled on 18 unanswered points including three in the second-half in a clinic of controlled football against a profligate Keebra outfit that struggled to get much going after halftime.

Replay: Titans Schools League Grand Finals – Yr 9/10 Div1 Boys – Marsden Black v Keebra Park Blue

Trailing 18-6 with five minutes to play, Keebra drew within a converted try and then had the chance to tie the game after the siren when five-eighth Boston Temerua sent a kick across field for his chasers to hunt down.

But Marsden winger DuAin Tua was able to knock the ball dead with three Keebra players hot on his heels to send the visitors from Logan into raptures.

Classy Keebra rake Dorian Lotaki got the Coast side on the front foot in the opening set with a smart run from dummy half to break through the Marsden defence for a first look at the line.

The Marsden SHS bench celebrates the win.
The Marsden SHS bench celebrates the win.

That play came and went without points but on the next attacking set Lotaki made his mark, running again from the play-the-ball and diving between legs to cross for the first points of the match.

Down the other end Marsden No.9 Ryan Bossons attempted the same, spinning out of two tackles but held up over the line in what was the Logan school’s first foray forward.

As is often the case between these two powerhouse rugby league schools it was the war waged through the middle of most interest and Keebra, though notionally undersized, who held ascendancy in the trenches early.

A stunning run from Lotaki cut swath through the Marsden line yet again as the rake ran for 40m and shrugged off multiple tacklers to get the crowd at Southport on its feet.

Again his good work went unrewarded when Ryan Hutchinson was unable to control the ball over the line.

Far from deterred Hutchinson was back for the very next play and when he was up-ended in a dangerous double tackle, Marsden’s centre Keenan Heta Seumi was sent to the bin for 10.

Keebra immediately attacked the missing centre’s edge and Hutchinson, again, was hit with a brutal tackle knocking the ball free – this time the referee sides with Marsden and the visitors get a much-needed get out of jail penalty.

The grand final was played in great spirit.
The grand final was played in great spirit.

With two minutes to play in the first half Marsden squared the ledger through bustling back-rower Teva Grey – the Keebra line unable to repel repeat crash ball plays.

Despite Keebra’s dominance in most every facet of play, the two sides went to halftime all square at 6-all.

Profligacy proved costly for the Coast side early in the second half, with dropped ball deep in defence allowing Marsden to snatch the lead with a great shifting play left to right landing in the hands of winger Zion Watere for a great try in the corner.

The bigger Marsden front began to flex its muscle, with man mountain Grey attracting three defenders with every hit-up and opening gaps for his halves to exploit.

With halfback Jackson Howe marshalling the Marsden troops, the Logan school was over again on the opposite edge through Tyrese Tovao following a great shifting play to create the outnumber on the left.

It was Howe again noticing the Keebra fullback out of position and kicking for the corner with Marsden’s chasers in pursuit. However the kick kept its pace to roll dead and Keebra, finally, had the ball in-hand.

Marsden High’s Teva Grey celebrate the win with teammates in the year 9-10 division... Picture Glenn Hampson
Marsden High’s Teva Grey celebrate the win with teammates in the year 9-10 division... Picture Glenn Hampson

Who else but Lotaki to get them rolling forward, with another great run through the middle of Owen Park before a kick to force an error from the Marsden centre putting Keebra in position to snag much-needed points.

Keebra worked the play nicely to create the overlap on the left, but a forward pass to ground ended the promising build-up without reward.

Keebra was back on the attack minutes later and Tipene Wilson went close to the line with a bollocking run to attract three tacklers. However the dropped ball which had plagued Keebra all game continued with Wilson, and Marsden again was granted free passage out from the back.

Mabel High’s Dreya Seumanutafa charges through Keebra Park’s defence to score. Picture Glenn Hampson
Mabel High’s Dreya Seumanutafa charges through Keebra Park’s defence to score. Picture Glenn Hampson

That would prove to be the final nail in the coffin, with Marsden advancing up the field and not four plays later a breakaway run from fullback Teina Makakea to the right corner put the Logan school out to a 12-point lead.

With four minutes to play the Keebra dream was kept alive when winger Jack Risworth crossed for an athletic try in the left corner on the same play that broke down earlier in the half.

Keebra’s Teonara Ngaiore beats Mabel Parks Angel Austin to score... Picture Glenn Hampson
Keebra’s Teonara Ngaiore beats Mabel Parks Angel Austin to score... Picture Glenn Hampson

Lotaki converted from the sideline to bring Keebra within a converted try and the pro-Coast crowd started to find its voice.

The cheers turned to cries of frustration when Lotaki, Keebra’s hero-elect, knocked on from dummy half to hand possession back to Marsden with just over a minute to play.

A penalty on the full time siren put Keebra within striking distance and as the buzzer sounded Temerua sent a kick to the corner for his chasers in a last-ditch effort that was smartly defused by the Marsden winger to solidify the school’s deserved 18-12 victory.

Marsden captain Howe was justly awarded player of the match for his efforts in engineering the comeback.

Mabel High’s Dreya Seumanutafa charges into Keebra Parks defence. Picture Glenn Hampson
Mabel High’s Dreya Seumanutafa charges into Keebra Parks defence. Picture Glenn Hampson

“It was a very tough game. They nearly had us in that last minute but the boys fought hard to the end to get he win,” the halfback said.

“That try before halftime really helped us going into the next half (with some momentum).

“(We talked about) improving our one-percenters and defence so that we could attack.

The Keebra Park Girls year 9-10 division one team celebrate a nailbiting win against Mabel Park... Picture Glenn Hampson
The Keebra Park Girls year 9-10 division one team celebrate a nailbiting win against Mabel Park... Picture Glenn Hampson

“We talked about stopping the number nine, their dangerous player, and kicking to corners.”

The captain praised his winger Tua for keeping a calm head under pressure at the death to seal the game.

“He did well. He composed himself, took the ball out and won us the game,” Howe said.

“We had a pretty good season. The boys did well. We fought together, did everything together, played hard and it just turned out good for us today.”

Marsden Black 18 (T. Grey, Z. Watere, T. Tovao, T. Makakea tries; J. Howe 1/3, T. Makakea 0/1 goals) def. Keebra Park 12 (D. Lotaki, J. Risworth tries; D. Lotaki 2/2 goals)

. Division One girls Keebra Park SHS v Mabel Park SHS. Mabel Highs Dreya Seumanutafa congratulated by Danielle Tutakangahau after try... Picture Glenn Hampson
. Division One girls Keebra Park SHS v Mabel Park SHS. Mabel Highs Dreya Seumanutafa congratulated by Danielle Tutakangahau after try... Picture Glenn Hampson

Div 1 year 9-10 girls, MABEL PARK SHS v KEEBRA PARK SHS

Super sub Easter Mikaele scored two late tries as Keebra Park SHS stole the Div 1 girls premiership trophy from Mabel Park SHS’s grasp.

Keebra Park SHS won 20-18, surging from behind after a Malaela Su’a double had given Mabel Park a second half lead.

With the crowd roaring support for both sides, the teams played themselves to the point of exhaustion before the Gold Coast side prevailed.

The Keebra Park Girls year 9-10 division one team celebrate a nailbiting win against Mabel Park... Picture Glenn Hampson
The Keebra Park Girls year 9-10 division one team celebrate a nailbiting win against Mabel Park... Picture Glenn Hampson

In a game in which both hookers, Kaylani Tavita (Mabel Park SHS) and Imogen Hei (Keebra Park SHS) absolutely outstanding, the teams pushed each other to the brink.

When the full time siren sounded, Keebra Park’s bench nearly broke the 100m dash record, so quickly did they run to the middle to greet their playing teammates.

“They can turn the game around when they need to and they play for each other,’’ said coach Fathem Webber.

‘They have been together since year 7, so they have had a lot of success and work hard for each other.

“And just like in the semi-final against Ipswich, they had a great chat at halftime and were able to bring it home.’’

Replay: Titans Schools League Grand Finals – Yr 9/10 Div 1 Girls – Keebra Park v Mabel Park

Mikaele’s first try and conversion by Sky Raftstrand-Smith cut Mabel Park’s advantage to 18-14.

Then Mikaele crossed a second time, this time plunging in under the posts and Keebra Park could taste victory.

Mabel Park SHS young champion in Su’a, a pony-tailed No.13, was an inspiration to her side.

On the surface she scored two tries – but in between those scoring bursts her charges must have sapped energy from the defiant Keebra Park line.

Her performance was part of a great grand final which went down to the wire, and so was the effort by Keebra Park player of the match, prop Jaida Faleono.

But she had plenty of helpers, and a super pass by No.6 Danielle Tutakangahau presenting Su’a with her second try.

Mabel Park drew first blood in the second half when, off the back of another robust burst from Su’a, fullback Makayla Howarth powered over.

Howarth, skirting wide after Su’a had fatigued the Keebra Park line, had plenty of work to do before reaching out in a tackle and scoring a great grand final try.

Keebra Park SHS’s threat was evident after Mabel Park SHS initially stole the initiative.

With the Raftstrand-Smith sisters full of running, and the forwards gathering a head full of steam, Keebra Park created chances on both sides of the field.

Keebra Park SHS fought back in the first half.
Keebra Park SHS fought back in the first half.

Firstly Jada Toleafoa squeezed over on the right hand side of the field, and then winger Teonora Ngaiore expertly finished a backline movement on the left.

Toleafoa would later in the half stop a rampaging Mabel Park SHS Malaela Su’a who was charging toward the line from 20m out.

But Malaela Su’a is the type of player you don’t contain – you simply try and reduce her impact.

Mabel Park SHS run through a Marsden SHS guard of honour.
Mabel Park SHS run through a Marsden SHS guard of honour.

And so it was the case when Su’a broke clear from 30m out and despite a nice hips tackle from Keebra Park fullback Ebony Raftstrand-Smith, Su’a scored to recapture the lead 10-8 on the cusp of halftime.

Earlier, if you wanted to write a report on the ideal way to start a rugby league grand final, then just watch the replay of Mabel Park SHS’s opening five minutes.

The team, which has been ushered onto the ground by a guard of honour from fellow Logan school Marsden SHS, got into their groove early, running hard in the forwards and moving the ball wide across the backs.

Mabel Park SHS listen to the halftime address.
Mabel Park SHS listen to the halftime address.

It was Mabel Park who scored first, with Dreya Seumanutafa pulling down a cross kick to score out wide.

Danielle Tutakangahau’s swinging sideline conversion into the wind put plenty of wind into the sails of the Mabel Park side.

Scores: Keebra Park SHS 20 (E Mikaele 2 tries, T Ngaiore, J Toleafoa tries; S Raftstrand-Smith, E Raftstrand-Smith conv) def Mabel Park SHS 18 (M Su’a 2, M Howarth, D Seumanutafa tries; D Tutakangahau conv)

Year 11/12 Div 2 boys – KEEBRA PARK v FOREST LAKE SHS

HEAVY hits and a whole lot of heart headlined an enthralling and bruising battle between Keebra Park and Forest Lake in the final of the Year 11/12 Division 2 Boys at Southport.

The two proud schools waged an epic war of attrition in the early stages, however Keebra Park’s poise under pressure ultimately shone through en route to a 14-10 victory.

Replay: Titans Schools League Grand Finals – Div 2 Boys – Keebra Park Blue v Forest Lake

Keebra Park raced out an a 10-nil lead at halftime and looked poised to romp away with an easy victory when winger Jaxon Milford crossed for his second of the afternoon minutes into the second half.

But Forest Lake refused to die, running in two second half tries and dominating the last half-hour to take the game down the wire.

Keebra Park SHS had a win
Keebra Park SHS had a win

The two sides traded blows in the opening 10 minutes, spurred on by vocal crowd support in a battle waged as fiercely by supporters on the sideline as it was in the middle of Owen Park.

Defence reigned supreme in the opening stanza as the arm wrestle through the middle raged on, with big hits forcing errors from both sides and neither able to see out a complete set.

The beaten Forest Lake SHS side which tried so hard.
The beaten Forest Lake SHS side which tried so hard.

That was until a break by Keebra back-rower Junior Daniels opened the field for the Coast school, which duly capitalised two plays later on a great passing play to the right for Jaxon Milford to run over the line untouched.

Keebra five-eighth Erin Eden’s playmaking threat soon became evident, as his darting runs and pinpoint kicking put his side in prime attacking position with regularity.

Eden’s kick immediately from the scrum base caught Forest Lake napping and though the blue and green recovered on their line, Keebra was soon on the attack again.

Smart heads-up play from hooker Caleb Coles brought about Keebra’s second try of the afternoon when he ran from dummy half and spun out of a half-tackle to slam the ball down over the line to the delight of the local crowd.

Suddenly in a 10-nil hole Forest Lake needed a spark and they found it almost immediately with a bone-crunching tackle to turn the ball over in the attacking half.

Two plays later it was all for naught – an easy pass gone to ground handing the ball straight back to Keebra who would settle for a 10-point advantage at the change of ends.

Soon after the restart Milford was over for a double, courtesy of an incredible cut-out ball from Te-haeta Takamae that caught the Forest Lake line napping and his winger in an acre of space down the right touch line.

A rattling hit from Diesel Breeding breathed life into the Forest Lake fans and his team, with the south school put into attack for the first time in the second half.

Again though it was a simple error – dropped ball from a pass to the knees – bringing all the good work undone; Forest Lake its own worst enemy against a side that needs little help beating you.

Keebra’s Teonara Ngaiore beats Mabel Parks Angel Austin to score... Picture Glenn Hampson
Keebra’s Teonara Ngaiore beats Mabel Parks Angel Austin to score... Picture Glenn Hampson

But Forest Lake came back on the ensuing set and looked to have made the breakthrough when back-rower Christopher Foliga crashed over left of the posts.

Instead the referee called for a knock on, met with a chorus of boos from the Forest Lake faithful just metres away.

Those boos turned to cheers when Keebra lost the ball running out from the back and gifted Forest Lake a prime opportunity to hit back. Hooker Harry Solaese went for a darting run from dummy half to open up the Keebra line before Nicholas Tongia powered over to get the blue and green back in the contest.

With first points secured, Forest Lake began to dominate the middle and its playmakers – led by Solaese – worked some magic.

Twice the school made its way inside the attacking 10m only to knock on. But on third time of asking, an incredible misdirection play opened up the left side of the field and Tj Tepania was sent over the line and, suddenly, Forest Lake was back within four points.

With three minutes to play Keebra ventured into Forest Lake territory for the first time since the opening stages of the second half, but the visitors held firm in the corner to force a turnover and mount one final charge to victory.

Sensing the moment, Keebra lifted in defence – hooker Coles repeating in three consecutive tackles as he willed his side to repel the Forest Lake threat.

A kick on the buzzer behind the line was Forest Lake’s last roll of the dice, but the ball was taken into touch and the referee’s whistle brought an end to an enthralling contest.

Keebra Park 14 (J. Milford 2, C. Coles tries; E. Eden 0/1, J. Panui 1/1, T. Takamae 0/1 goals) def. Forest Lake 10 (N. Tongia, T. Tepania tries; D. Rankine 1/1, N. Tongia 0/1 goals)

Year 11-12 Div 1 boys – MARYMOUNT v KEEBRA PARK SHS

They knew each other well from past encounters, and so old foes Keebra Park SHS and Marymount College locked horns in a Titans Schools League grand final masterpiece.

Grand final combatants in this competition for several seasons, the roar of the crowd as both teams took the field for the year 11-12 Div 1 grand final highlighted the recent history between the two fine rugby league schools.

Replay: Titans Schools League Grand Finals – Yr 11/12 Div 1 Boys – Keebra Park v Marymount

Again Marymount prevailed 20-14, with hooker Jacob Gillett named man of the match.

Of course it was close. How could it be any other way against these two great rivals of the Titans Schools League Div 1 boys.

The winning Marymount Div 1 boys side.
The winning Marymount Div 1 boys side.

When Keebra Park interchange forward De Niro Seumantafa somehow found his way over to score to reduce the margin to six points, it was game on for the last few minutes. 

The desperation of the clash was best typified not long into the second half when, with Marymount on the front foot, their second rower Ethan Olive took a run at the line.

Marymount listen to the halftime address
Marymount listen to the halftime address

He looked likely to score, but a sea of Keebra Park jerseys came out of the crowd to smother him, with Malachi Rhind the first to make contact and the last to unlatch from his fallen prey.

Down 10-nil late in the first half, Keebra Park gained a foothold courtesy of an improving completion rate.

Winger Saxon Matena got Keebra Park on the board first, and then into the second half Carlos Pauli thrust forward from a tap penalty to score, reducing the margin to 10-8.

Division One girls Keebra Park SHS v Mabel Park SHS. Mabel Highs Dreya Seumanutafa charges into Keebra Parks defence. Picture Glenn Hampson
Division One girls Keebra Park SHS v Mabel Park SHS. Mabel Highs Dreya Seumanutafa charges into Keebra Parks defence. Picture Glenn Hampson

But it was back out to 16-8 when Marymount interchange forward Zac Lafferty resembled an old miner by going low and burrowing, almost digging his way through bodies to score beneath the posts.

Keebra’s imperfection with the ball was the reason they lost, but it also gave the side to show their desperation in defence as Marymount tried so hard to create an unassailable advantage into the second half.

Marymount winger Max Robertson moved like he was on the back of a motor bike at one stage, so quickly did he move, but Keebra Park’s Jai Voight saved a try.Keebra Park then threw body after body at the Marymount ball carriers as Marymount looked for the knockout blow that never came.

Old rivals Marymount and Keebra Park
Old rivals Marymount and Keebra Park

Earlier, a sniping run from Marymount College’s halfback Fletcher Bulkeley handed his side a shock 6-nil lead after just a few minutes.

Marymount seized on a penalty from the kick-off when Keebra Park, hyped to the maximum, were off-side.

On the attack straight away, Bulkeley sensed he was a chance and backed himself in a low, close to the line surge which gifted Marymount four points.

Displaying excellent ball control and patience, Marymount continued to question the Keebra Park defence.

For Marymount’s second try, it took a super long pass on the bounce from five-eight Aiden Bulkeley to winger Max Robertson to find a way around the Keebra Park defence, and the Marymount winger Robertson scurried his way over out wide.

Marymount were up 10-nil.

Keebra Park had to be next to score and so it was.

With the forwards provided the team with its best momentum of the game leading up to halftime, Keebra Park moved the ball far and to the right toward winger Saxon Matena who expertly finished to score and get his side on the board.

Scores: Marymount College 20 (F Bulkeley, M Robertson, Z Lafferty, J Follett tries; J Follett 2 convs def Keebra Park SHS 14 (S Matena, C Pauli, D Seumantafa tries; J Hudson conv)

Keebra Park half Skye Raftstrand-Smith tackled by Mabel Park defence in Div 1 girls. Picture Glenn Hampson
Keebra Park half Skye Raftstrand-Smith tackled by Mabel Park defence in Div 1 girls. Picture Glenn Hampson

Year 11-12 Div 1 girls, MARSDEN SHS v KEEBRA PARK SHS

Replay: Titans Schools League Grand Finals – Yr 11/12 Div 1 Girls – Marsden v Keebra Park

The drum beat true for the maroon and sky blue as the Keebra Park faithful rang in a stirring 18-14 come from behind victory over Logan rivals Marsden in the Year 11/12 Girls Division 1 grand final.

Marsden led 10-nil at halftime and looked to have all the answers at the main break, before a stunning Keebra comeback engineered by halves pairing Jayda Lole and Skyla Adams lifted the Gold Coast school to glory.

Keebra rode a stunning wave of momentum in the second half, piling on 18 unanswered points to leave a shell-shocked Marsden wondering where it all went wrong.

Led by the fast feet of five-eighth Charmayne Pakura Marsden came out breathing fire, forcing a repeat set from the opening exchange and applying immediate pressure to the Keebra Park defence.

But the Coast school was up to task, repelling repeat waves and applying pressure to Pakura to force an error on the kick which rolled into touch.

Marsden returned soon after and looked to have crossed through winger Angelina Harrison, but for the referee to rightly call held up before the line.

Keebra’s defence was top notch but in attack couldn’t get much going, with Marsden regularly mounting attacking raids from inside their opposition’s half.

Marsden again targeted the left edge with a long ball from Pakura but again the Keebra line was up to task forcing the error into touch.

A first foray forward for Keebra almost awarded a breakthrough when five-eighth Jayda Lole’s kick to the sky put the Marsden line under pressure – only for a high tackle in the chase to gift Marsden an easy exit.

Having repelled the early wave from Marsden, Keebra began to get a foothold in the contest as the Coast school’s classy outside backs found space on the edges.

The two fierce rivals traded further blows in midfield, but for continued ill discipline in the tackle from Keebra opening the door for another Marsden foray forward which would, finally, produce points.

With the shifting plays producing nothing, Marsden’s front-rower Dilyza Leugaimafa decided the easiest path to points was a straight line – turning back inside off the hip of her playmaker to burrow under the posts.

And Marsden was over again minutes later through an incredible individual effort from Mackenzie Baty.

Baty first ran off the hip of hooker Oshanis Whakatau to break for the line before two players later, on the last tackle, she kicked for herself through the line to dive and score Marsden’s second.

When lock-forward Patricia Wani was put through a hole Marsden looked poised for a third try on the cusp of halftime, only for Keebra fullback Anne-Marie Ratu to intervene with a cracking one-on-one tackle.

Marsden held all the cards and answers heading into the halftime break, with a 10-nil lead that felt much greater.

With their season slipping away Keebra needed to make some magic happen early in the second half and it came from the hands of Skyla Adams.

The halfback sent a beautiful long ball to the right for Tavarna Papalii that gave only the centre a chance to play at it, and Keebra had first points of the evening.

Moments later Adams was over herself – Keebra riding a wave of attacking momentum with the halfback put through a gap on the right to the delight of the Southport crowd.

The tide well and truly turned, Keebra’s good fortune continued when a scuffed kick on last turned the Marsden player inside out. Dropped ball opening the door for Keebra to mount another attacking raid from the scrum.

Seeking the hero play Adams sent another long ball, this time to the left, but the Marsden line would not be made a fool twice and the halfback’s pass intercepted with nothing but grass behind for Keebra.

But the sky blue and maroon would not be denied much longer; this time five-eighth Jayda Lole with the cutout pass to centre Miya Rapana-Faifua who with an acre of space waltzed over for the go-ahead try.

Adams returned with a deft kick to the in-goal minutes later for Papalii to stream through and dive on the ball – her second of the night and, incredibly, Keebra’s lead was pushed out to beyond a converted try.

It went from bad to worse for the Logan visitors, whose short kick-off attempt failed to travel the distance gifting Keebra anything promising push forward.

Adams again went for the long ball to the right and Keebra appeared poised to start the celebrations, but for a knock on right at the line.

With three minutes to play Marsden finally ventured into the attacking half off the back of the Baty sisters Rialey and Mackenzie.

Lock-forward Ngati looked to have driven Marsden back into the contest when she drove at the line from close but instead lost the ball at the point of contact and a guilt edged chance went begging for the Logan side.

Second-rower Raven Tihema-Mako however could found the line for Marsden and the visitors waved away the conversion attempt, setting up a stirring final 40 seconds with just four points in it.

But there would be no final twist in the tale – Keebra hanging on for a stirring come from behind victory.

Keebra Park 18 (T. Papalii 2, S. Adams, M. Rapana-Faifua tries; A. Ratu 1/4 goals) def. Marsden 14 (D. Leugaimafa, M. Baty, R. Tihema-Mako tries; C. Pakura 0/1, M. Baty 1/1 goals)

COMPETITION BACKGROUND

The Titans Schools League started in 2006 as the Titans Cup & Challenge, an open-age boys high school competition servicing schools below the elite level competitions.

Titans Schools League at Burleigh Bears Junior Rugby League. Year 7/8 Division 1 girls: Keebra Park v Mabel Park. Keebra's Charlize Lewis scores. Picture Glenn Hampson
Titans Schools League at Burleigh Bears Junior Rugby League. Year 7/8 Division 1 girls: Keebra Park v Mabel Park. Keebra's Charlize Lewis scores. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Over the years the competition has evolved to now having 12 divisions,’’ said Titans Game Development Manager Cameron Robb said.

This season has seen the unearthing of some special talent, including Marsden SHS year 7-8 players Janique Mili and Lilly Lewis, the Baty twins and Mabel Park SHS year 9-10 player Malaela Su’a, all of whom will feature in today’s grand finals.

Atlanta Peters and her Marsden SHS girls will play in the grand finals.
Atlanta Peters and her Marsden SHS girls will play in the grand finals.

The competition also saw Ipswich SHS make giant strides, while the amazing depth of the Keebra Park SHS boys and girls teams came to the fore.

Significantly rugby league at Forest Lake SHS continues to gather momentum, with his six year old Academy program starting to reap rewards.

Keebras Tahiah Anderson spins out of a tackle. Picture Glenn Hampson
Keebras Tahiah Anderson spins out of a tackle. Picture Glenn Hampson

LIVESTREAM SCHEDULE

Year 9/10 Div 2 boys

12:15pm: Pimpama SSC v Marsden SHS

Year 9/10 Div 1 boys

1.30pm: Marsden SHS v Keebra Park SHS

Year 9/10 Div 1 girls

2.45pm: Keebra Park SHS v Mabel Park SHS

Year 11/12 Div 2 boys

4pm: Keebra Park Blue v Forest Lake SHS

Year 11/12 Div 1 boys

5:15pm: Keebra Park v Marymount

Year 11-12 Div 1 girls

6:30pm: Marsden SHS v Keebra Park SHS

Read related topics:School Sport

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/local-sport/live-streams/livestream-today-titans-schools-league-grand-final-day/news-story/3f682fc884e4acf33aab9409aca5b7c2