Grammar experiences mixed GPS weekend

A BIG win by the First V was countered by errors on the football pitch in a mixed outing in the first round of GPS fixtures.

TO THE RACK: Peter Deng shows his strength in the paint for the Toowoomba Grammar First V. Picture: Nev Madsen

GPS SPORT: Toowoomba Grammar has tipped off its GPS basketball season in style at the weekend, scoring a big win over Brisbane Grammar.

In familiar surrounds at the Glen McCracken Gymnasium, the TGS First V was clinical in its first game of the season.

They were never fully tested on their way to a 108-38 defeat of the visitors.

“Obviously they’re going through a bit of a patch where they are struggling, but that was us a few years ago,” coach Kabe Cicolini said.

“We wanted to do the right thing and play the game right. It wasn’t our best performance but the boys are happy to get a result like that, and we’ll take that to start the season.

“Our depth was impressive. For the first time in quite a while, we have a rotation of 10 guys who can genuinely compete at a First V level.

“We even went to player 11 and 12 at the weekend. Within the group we describe our playing group as Swiss Army knife.

“That’s something that is new and is the result of them putting a lot of time into skill development and buying in.”

Grammar faces a much tougher test this weekend, hosting last year’s co-winners St Joseph’s, Gregory Terrace, who themselves were big winners in round one.

“They’re a powerhouse program that is growing and were joint premiers last year,” Cicolini said.

“For us it’s a bit of unfinished business. They beat us by two last year with a shot waved away at the buzzer.

“They have a really experienced coaching staff and are a classy outfit. We expect to be in a bit of a dogfight and hopefully in with them at the end.

“Scouting is the upmost priority this week. They’re littered with talent, and if we don’t execute then we’ll struggle. But if we do what we need to do, hopefully we’ll get the win.”

ROUND ONE RESULTS: 2nd V 29-26, 11A 42-36, 10A 46-20, 10B 68-28, 10C 24-30, 9A 38-54, 9B 2-67, 8A 46-52, 8B 23-37, 8C 4-69, 7A 35-31, 6A 29-20.

FIVE YEAR HOODOO

Three first half individual errors proved costly in TGS’ 4-1 loss to Brisbane Grammar at the weekend.

Trailing 3-0 at halftime a change in formation and personnel proved decisive as TGS turned in a better performance.

“We directly contributed to all three goals in the first half,” TGS director of football Peter Broadfoot said.

“I can’t fault their effort, particularly in the second half, but we were caught in possession too much and made three individual errors that resulted in goals.

“I don’t know why it keeps happening but this is the fifth year in a row that we have lost our first game of the season.”

Luke Broderick’s move from the wing to centre mid and the addition Jack De Bortoli at halftime helped TGS shore up their defence.

“The second half was a much better performance,” Broadfoot said.

“We reduced our number of touches on the ball and played it (the ball) a lot quicker.

“We were a classier looking outfit in the second half, produced a number of guilt-edged chances and scored.”

Luke Beutel was TGS lone goal scorer in the match.

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