GPS Rugby 2019: TSS win Premiership, Round Seven match reports

The Southport School have put the engravers to work three weeks early on the 2019 GPS trophy. A thumping win over Gregory Terrace has ensured TSS cannot be caught with two weeks to play

The engravers can begin work early on the 2019 GPS Rugby trophy after The Southport School scored their seventh win of the season in a 54-24 demolition of Gregory Terrace.

TSS crossed for seven tries on Saturday afternoon to ensure no team can overtake them on the ladder, though Premiership hopefuls BBC and Nudgee College are still in the hunt to share the trophy.

TSS no. 15 Dion Smuela scores a try as Gregory Terrace v The Southport School at St Joseph's College Playing Field, Tennyson, Saturday August 31, 2019. (AAP/Image Sarah Marshall)

Southport’s rivals must now cross all their fingers and toes in hope that the last undefeated outfit in the competition stumbles at their final hurdle, if they are any chance share the podium with them at season’s end.

The Gold Coast school’s motivation to beat Ipswich Grammar next week is beyond question because history is there for the taking.

TSS are 47 points away from breaking the all-time GPS season attacking record set by State High in 2009, with 404 points in eight games.

If that wasn’t enough, Southport are also gunning for their first outright Premiership since 2007.

“We’re not a side that plays fancy football,” coach Mike Wallace said.

“We’re a side that earns the right to score points by challenging the opposition’s decision making and continuing to work hard for each other. That’s where our points come from.

“Terrace are an extremely good side, they challenged us today, they challenged Nudgee and they challenged BBC this year.

GT no. 5 Jeremiah Woodward with the ball as Gregory Terrace v The Southport School at St Joseph's College Playing Field, Tennyson, Saturday August 31, 2019. (AAP/Image Sarah Marshall)

“It’s a good win over Terrace and that’s something worth celebrating.”

Southport were on cruise control throughout the match as they coasted past battlers Terrace, who were struck by an injury bug to key players Glen Vaihu and Ezekiel Amituanai in the first half.

Southport dominated the set piece with lineout thieves Michael van der Schyff and Wilson Blyth sublime in the air while George Blake, Harry Vousty and skipper Zane Nonggorr controlled the trenches.

Nonggorr, Hamish Roberts, Dion Samuela and Jojo Fifita posted first half tries to lead 28-5 at the break.

Terrace’s enthusiastic departing seniors were given cause to celebrate in the second half as reserve prop Lachie Bishop showed a clear pair of heels to break free of the GPS champion’s defence to score.

Queensland Schoolboys lock Xavier Boyle charged down a low kick to give Terrace even more to cheer about but a further four tries to Southport sealed the match.

GREGORY TERRACE 24 (Q Siolo, E Treasure, L Bishop, X Boyle tries; H Walters 2 cons) def by THE SOUTHPORT SCHOOL 54 (Z Nonggorr, H Roberts, D Samuela (2), J Fifita, M Jones, J Devlin, A Walker tries; H Roberts 7 cons)

The Southport School celebrate after beating Gregory Terrace at St Joseph's College Playing Field, Tennyson, Saturday August 31, 2019. (AAP/Image Sarah Marshall)

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Brisbane Boys’ College and Nudgee College have kept their seasons alive with comprehensive victories over Toowoomba Grammar and Brisbane Grammar, both away.

Eight tryscorers crossed the chalk for BBC with winger Byron Johnson notching a second-half double to amass a 64-14 scoreline.

Nudgee College rode a late blowout to win 55-14 but were made to work hard for their points against a defiant Brisbane Grammar side.

Winger Trezman Banjo scored three tries for Nudgee while fullback Athen Waia and Titi Nofoagatotoa played standout roles in a strong team win.

Churchie’s late season resurgence continued with a nailbiting 28-22 win over State High at Fursden Road.

State High led their visitors 22-21 with a minute to play before prop Ben King pick-and-drove to score a matchwinning try.