Langer Trophy local derby: Mabel Park SHS v Marsden SHS

The Langer Trophy clash between Mabel Park and Marsden was abandoned late in the first half on Wednesday following a gigantic collision between two props. Both boys have since been medically cleared.

The Langer Trophy Logan derby between Marsden SHS and Mabel Park SHS was abandoned on Wednesday night after a gigantic collision between front rowers Alex Leapai and Jury Taewa halted play after about 25 minutes.

Leapai, the Mabel Park captain, and Marsden’s Taewa were both taken to hospital as a precaution after Leapai produced a huge tackle on Taewa, who was running the ball back from a restart.

But after a period of observation in hospital, both boys have been medically cleared.

Leapai, who received a head knock, was in good spirits last night, smiling to his teammates as he was stretchered into an ambulance while Taewa was conveyed to hospital for observation.

Alex Leapai’s father, Alex senior, praised Level II sports trainer Adrian Armstrong, who was employed at home games by Marsden, for his care of his son after initial concerns for his health.

Armstrong sprinted on and stayed with Leapai until the arrival of two ambulances.

Both teams gave the players a rousing reception as they were taken away. Marsden were leading 14-10 at the time.

WALTERS CUP

A first half blinder from Marsden SHS left centre Antonio Okusitino helped played his side into a winning position against a gallant Mabel Park SHS in a vital Walters Cup showdown on Wednesday

Marsden SHS won 24-4, but Mabel plugged a leaky boat to stay with their rivals for all of the second half after Marsden at one stage led 20-0.

Outside a go-forward pack, and feasting on front football, Marsden SHS centre Okusitino twice scored and on a third occasion burst clear to put his winger Quinn Temperon under the posts.

Replay: Walters Cup Round 6 - Marsden SHS v Mabel Park SHS

Temperon had plenty of work to do and showed a clean pair of heels when he cut back inside, but it was Okusition’s try.

Mobile prop Mace Andrew, big bopper Cooper Young and Tupou Francis, with his energy, did well in the middle, and behind him the engine purred.

Right winger Ryder Bodley also got in the action, chasing a clear kicking that bounced favourably into his arms.

But Mabel Park SHS got one back two minutes before halftime when left centre Dean Tauaa crashed down the defensive barrier outside and ran 18m to score.

It was an inspired individual effort which could have given the Mabel Park SHS confidence, and the Marsden coach Jesse Maclean ammunition to make sure his side was not complacent after leading 20-0.

Mabel Park then battled away until Marsden winger Temperon scored the only try of the second half two minutes from fulltime.

PREVIEW

While they aren’t in need of any extra motivation for a big local derby showdown against Mabel Park, Marsden State High will find it on their sleeve, their chest and over their heart.

The unbeaten Marsden will tackle Langer Trophy giant-killers Mabel Park on Wednesday in a Logan City local derby.

The www.couriermail.com.au will live stream, via Kommunity TV, both the Langer Trophy (5pm) and Walters Cup (4pm) derbies.

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The Logan City derby will also coincide with a big Marsden SHS celebration of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities.

“The team will be wearing an indigenous jersey designed by our students,’’ said Marsden SHS coach Matt Hartigan.

WANT TO WATCH A DIFFERENT MATCH? Check out our weekly Queensland Schoolboys schedule below. Click the links to watch live

Jacob Tinsley from Marsden SHS,Picture: zak Simmonds

“We are excited to be back home in front of our Mako family where we will celebrate our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island community.’’

“It is always a special round to celebrate our First Nations students and families.’’

Marsden has drawn one and won four games this season, while Mabel Park have been the big improvers, with a 4-1 win-loss record in just its third season in the Langer Trophy.

Langer Trophy - Mabel Park SHS on the charge.Picture David Clark

Marsden SHS is an established Langer powerhouse but Mabel only earned promotion in 2021.

They progressed to win three games last year, and this year the squad celebrated the school’s Queensland schoolboy representative Alex Leapai.

In the last three seasons Mabel Park SHS has benefited from the arrival of six students originally from Marsden SHS - Hamuera Kingi, Sylus I’liga, Marley Lupeomanu, Jackson Howe, Lachlan Buchbach and Tyrese Tovao.

Langer Trophy Mabel Park SHS v Ipswich SHS (white shirt) Jordan Take (Mabel) Coorparoo Thursday 13th July 2023 Picture David Clark

Teams:

Marsden SHS: Kylem Vunipola, Saxon Innes, 4. Will Semu, 3. Mark Nosa, Xavier Atoa, Javon Andrews, Coby Black, 8. Sione Suilua, Jacob Tinsley,18. Jury Taewa, 11. Cairo Ruri, 12. Patrick Kailahi, 13. Lewis Symonds, 14. Corey Pearse, 10. Taylan Toa, 16. Braden Teuila,17. Dylan Gallagher, 19. Korbin Skelton, 20. Adaquix Luke, 21. Mace Andrews

Mabel Park SHS: 1. Ryan McCann, 2. Tyrese Tovao, 3. Lehi Thomas, 4. Jaycob Kingston-Francis, 5. Elijah Tagiilima, 6. Lachlan Buchbach, 7. Jackson Howe, 8. Benji Quinlan, 9

Jordan Kake, 10. Alex Leapai, 11. Orlando Levi, 12. Chaev Kolone, 13. Xyon Purcell, 14.

Braxton Wilson-Clune, 15. Cooper Day, 16. Ocean Tavita, 17. Tayvius Peo, 18. Motootua Kia, 19. Harlem Tata-Paki, 20. Neziah Patuua, 21. Jacob Landers.

Originally published as Langer Trophy local derby: Mabel Park SHS v Marsden SHS