Langer Trophy qualifying matches decider final top 8 teams
Langer Trophy qualifying showdown: The top eight teams have been locked in after two sudden death qualifying matches today.
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Caloundra SHS and Redcliffe SHS have been confirmed for the final two placements in the Langer Trophy competition after two qualifying clashes at Gibson Park.
Caloundra overcame Stretton State College in a tense match, winning 18-10, while Redcliffe produced a whirlwind first half performance to create a 48-12 win over Mountain Creek SHS.
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Caloundra SHS and Redcliffe SHS now join Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, Mabel Park SHS, Ipswich SHS, Wavell SHS, Marsden SHS and Keebra Park SHS as the Langer Trophy teams. The Brisbane Broncos sponsored Langer Trophy will start on May 30.
Redcliffe exploded out of the blocks to score two tries in the first five minutes, and despite Mountain Creek getting one try back shortly after, the mini-Dolphins first 30 minute onslaught went a long way to secure victory. They led 30-6 at the break.
Redcliffe’s forwards, particularly middles Cody Starr, Jairus Halahala and Nate Berrigan, hit the ruck with cyclonic force, leaving hooker Amare Wynyard time and space to play his game out of the ruck.
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Out wide Redcliffe SHS centre Jake Carsburg rode the wave generated by forwards Starr, Berrigan and co.
Indeed Redcliffe benefited from having six members of the starting Connell Cup premiership winning Redcliffe Dolphins team on the field at the same time – Starr, Halahala, Berrigan, Dustin Appo, Carsburg and Wynyard.
“They played so well in that competition (Connell Cup) and they are playing with a lot of confidence,’’ said Redcliffe SHS coach Scott Murray, the former Roosters and Souths NRL centre.
“They are really comfortable playing together. We are glad we could bring them together in this setting and give them the opportunity to represent the school.
“A majority of them have been at the school since Year 7 so it is good we can give them the opportunity to progress through to Langer Cup and get that chance to play against the top schools.’’
Appo’s goal kicking from fullback for Redcliffe was faultless, with nine conversions guided between the posts.
Mountain Creek SHS finally got their game going in the last quarter of the match and to their credit, they did not give up.
Second rower Andrew Mika got a second wind and interchange forward Nathan Thomas produced effort runs as hooker Bowden and Tyson Fallon-May started to progress up the field.
But it was Redcliffe’s day. The best try of the day came from Redcliffe SHS prop Halahala whose 30m solo try through the ruck was prime time viewing.
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Mountain Creek’s Bowden also chased down a grubber kick from his halfback Koby Brown, a try which would have made it onto the highlights reel, while Starr’s power running early and Berrigan’s explosive game through the middle were other match day highlights.
Berrigan, whose father Barry and uncle Shaun both played NRL, looks like a mini Reuben Cotter, such is the way he attacks the ruck.
Starr managed to achieve one of the hardest things in rugby league – knock an opposing front rower off his feet while in possession of the ball. The towering Starr looks a fine prospect.
In the other qualifier between Caloundra SHS and Stretton SC, Caloundra edge forward Zac Garton inspired his side to a 18-10 victory to keep his school in the Langer Trophy competition for the second consecutive year.
It was a strong team performance which also saw props Cooper Clarke and Noah Noke get through plenty of good work in the middle, while centre Tristan Roselt shone on the right edge.
Garton, another Dolphins side player, opened the scoring with a barnstorming carry, and continued to make an impact as the game went on.
Backing up from Saturday’s Meninga Cup game, like many others on the field, Garton showed no signs of fatigue.
The powerful second rower showing his class with his tireless defence and relentless hit-ups into the teeth of Stretton’s defence.
He set up the second try which was scored by winger Tyler Conquest, before dummy half Brandyn Marks made a move from the ruck to score the Seahawks third just shy of half time.
It was a great piece of work by the acting No.9, diving over after Ellyjah Birve, No.13 Noah Noke and others had broken down the defence.
Caloundra SHS Toby Poole said he was excited to have the school represented again in the Langer Trophy.
“We have learned a lot from 2023 and we will take a lot into 2024 for sure,’’ said Caloundra SHS Toby Poole.
“The boys are excited about the challenge. They got to witness a lot from the sidelines last year so they are raring to go and are glad we got another chance.’’
Big Stretton prop Monte Beetham scored his team’s lone try in the first half, making an immediate impact off the interchange bench.
Into the second half, Stretton skipper Kayliss Brown put rangy second rower Jacol Barney over for a four-pointer with a wonderful pop pass.
It was a great piece of play from the hooker, which drew Stretton within six down 16-10.
From there, the likes of Mark Ruming,Lachlan Stevens (props) and Mason Wise (winger) made big defensive plays to keep momentum in Stretton’s favour. But one handling error compounded into two penalties, giving Caloundra fullback Birve an opportunity to take two points from in front of the sticks.
It was a smart decision to kick for goal by the Seahawks, who took a commanding 18-10 lead entering the final quarter.
Stretton threatened to come within two points when a rampaging Beetham stormed towards the line and crashed over but brave defence by Caloundra forced a knock on over the line. Caloundra continued to defend well, repelling Stretton to come away victors.
Caloundra prop Clarke, the hero of Sunshine Coast’s last minute Meninga Cup win last Saturday, has arrived on the scene from St Gregory’s in Sydney and looks a likely prospect. The Storm have already swooped to sign the mobile middle forward.
Originally published as Langer Trophy qualifying matches decider final top 8 teams
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