NSW Waratahs v Queensland Reds U18: Stars, two-try heroics, results in round one at Ballymore

There were two-try heroes in one Waratahs v Queensland Reds U18s match and a battle to the death in the other. Stars, standouts and scorers in the first leg of the annual rugby clash.

Hwi Sharples was a standout in the Tahs win over the Queensland Reds in their U18 clash. Picture courtesy of Tom Primmer/QRU.

There was a pair of two-try heroes, a head-turning try and an inspired performance from their captain as the NSW Waratahs demolished their Queensland Reds under 18 rivals on home turf on Saturday.

Captain Hwi Sharples led by example with a try and four conversions as the Waratahs I’s kept their opposites scoreless for the majority of the match then won by 31 points at Ballymore.

Coach Michael Snowden was delighted with the result, his scorers and also Lachlan Doheny who claimed man-of-the match honours.

“Lachlan, our lock, was our best player in my mind. He got through so much work, so much that went unnoticed,’’ Snowden said.

“Hwi (Sharples) was great, played smart and his kicking game was good and his service sharp.

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The Waratahs beat the Queensland Reds in both under 18s matches on Saturday. Picture courtesy of Tom Primmer/QRU.

“Brendan Palmer was outstanding given he came in late for an injured Hadley Tonga.

“Liam (Grover) did a great job and was solid and Boston (Fakafanua) was just exceptional. He was brilliant.

“And Aden Ekanayake was very good as well. He is just so athletic. he’s got such a motor.’’

Together less than a week after a series of trials, the Tahs overwhelmed the Reds from the start with St Ignatius speedster Grover one of the stars with two quick tries.

The young Waratahs have only been together for a limited time. Picture courtesy of Tom Primmer/QRU.

Fellow winger Palmer also made his mark as did Fakafanua with a brilliant try off an interception in a first half whitewash and another in the second half.

Captain Hwi Sharples, having converted two from four, then converted his own try in an impressive display.

Liam Grover was a two-try hero for the Tahs U18s side.

Queensland finally put first points on the board deep into the second half thanks to a converted Alex Kerr try to leave them trailing 31-7.

As sevens sensationaland Gordon colt Ekanayake turned plenty of heads with his athleticism and speed, The King’s School student Fakafanua went over for his second try with another Sharples conversion delivering the Tahs their 38-7 victory.

Action in the match in Queensland. Picture courtesy of Tom Primmer/QRU.

Picture courtesy of Tom Primmer/QRU.

The NSW Waratahs White played Queensland Reds Grey in the first match. Picture Tom Primmer/QRU.

The earlier match between the NSW Waratahs White side and the Queensland Reds Grey team was a seesawing affair where the hosts were hindered for a chunk of the game after incurring two yellow cards.

Sam Niulala was named Man of the Match for the Tahs with Narrabri’s Sid Harvey making a mark in the match along with try scorers Tom Watts from The King’s School, his schoolmate Nick Ashdown and Joe Dillon from St Ignatius.

The final 17 minutes of the game saw multiple score changes with the Reds leading 22-20 before Harvey missed a penalty kick before nailing another to put the Tahs up 22-23.

The Reds then made a penalty conversion to slip ahead before Harvey returned to kick his team to their 26-25 win.

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