NRL Schoolboy Cup: St Dominic’s College v Westfields Sports High School
St Dominic’s College summoned the spirit of former halfback Nathan Cleary as they fought back, but some controversial calls went against them, sending Westfields Sports High School through to the NRL Schoolboys Cup semi finals. WATCH THE FULL MATCH REPLAY.
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Westfields Sports High survived a serious scare from St Dominic’s College to progress through to the NRL Schoolboy Cup Semi Finals with a 16-12 win at Windsor Sporting Complex.
Inspired by the gutsy spirit of their star alumni Nathan Cleary, St Dom’s threw everything at the reigning champions.
After being denied two match-winning tries in the dying minutes of the match, halfback Keagan Russell-Smith praised his young side for refusing to give up.
“It was devastating and doesn’t always go your way, but I couldn’t be any more proud of the boys, every player just put in 100 percent,” Russell-Smith said.
“They’re obviously a top school, but the way we played, I think we belong up there too. It’s just building blocks for next year, we’re mainly Year 11 students.”
Russell-Smith impressed with the boot and showed great composure in attack.
“Every time I watch the footy, I’m always looking at Nathan Cleary, he’s someone I try to model my game after. Coming from the same school too, we all really look up to him” Russell-Smith said.
But in the end, Westfields refused to let St Dom’s pull off an upset - namely their centre Carson Kaho, the Rabbitohs SG Ball star responsible for their desperate try-saving tackle before full time.
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Westfields’ prop Samuel Iese said his team has work to do, ahead of their semi final clash against Hills Sports High.
“It was good to get the win today, but it was really sloppy, especially in the second half when we were losing. Lucky we had the energy to hang in,” Iese said.
“They had a lot of enthusiasm, and we gave them too many opportunities.
“Hills just never give up, that game against Holy Cross they were down 20-4 but they came back, so it’s going to be tough.”
The powerhouse school - who has won three of the past four southern conference titles - opened the scoring via big Solomone Saukuru.
Westfields’ fullback - who played in the front row for the Bulldogs Harold Matthews side - created an overlap on the right edge to crash over in the corner. With Caho’s conversion, they led 6-0.
St Dom’s survived repeat sets and 16-year-old fullback Liam Ison got his school out of jail on a number of occasions.
After a strong run by hooker Ryley Smith, St Dom’s five-eighth Luke Hanson fired a brilliant cut out pass to send Jack Burgess over in the 12th minute. Russell-Smith added the extras to level the score 6-6.
Westfields continued to target St Dom’s left edge and in the 24th minute second rower Api Saukuru got a beautiful flick pass away to his Ashton Kolinisau who touched down in the corner. With the conversion waived, Westfields led 10-6 at half time.
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Smith booted a clutch 40/20 at the start of the second half that resulted in second rower Lachlan Blackburn stepping five defenders to crash over under the posts. Russell-Smith converted and suddenly Dom’s edged ahead 12-10.
As play travelled from end to end, Westfields’ Braydon Guyan made strong runs and fullback Saukuru always looked menacing.
Westfields were eventually rewarded for their persistence, when Justin Matamua got low and burrowed over in the 54th minute. Kaho’s conversion brought the reigning champs back in front 16-12.
St Dom’s refused to give up, forcing goal line drop outs and drawing penalties in the closing minutes.
They came heartbreakingly close to victory twice in the final seconds - with referees denying two potential tries after ruling Dom’s threw a forward pass and knocked the ball on.
Westfields are likely to face Hills Sports High School in their sudden death semi final to be played over the coming weeks.
To watch all NRL Schoolboy Cup games, visit www.dailytelegraph.com.au.
ST DOMS TRIES: Jack Burgess, Lachlan Blackburn
ST DOMS CONVERSIONS: Keagan Russell-Smith (2/2)
WESTFIELDS TRIES: Solomone Saukuru, Ashton Kolinisau, Justin Matamua
WESTFIELDS CONVERSIONS: Carson Koho (2/3)
A STUDY IN THE HECTIC LIFE OF ALL-ROUND STAR
After school, you’ll probably find Ryley Smith padding up with the NSW Under-19s squad at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Unless, of course, he’s down at Panthers Stadium for a gruelling session with the club’s SG Ball side.
Or, like any other student at St Dominic’s College, Smith could be found simply studying at home.
It’s a crazy schedule but Smith has learnt how to balance his representative rugby league and cricket commitments with high school.
“It’s pretty challenging at times,” Smith said.
“The next three months will be the hardest for me, leading into the summer with cricket and then the pre-season at Panthers. At the moment I‘m training four or five times a week, plus a couple of games.
“At home in my room I’ve got a calendar, with a plan for each of my days, so I wake up and think about what I’ve got planned, take each day as it comes and enjoy every minute of it.”
NRL SCHOOLBOYS CUP: WATCH ST DOMINIC’S COLLEGE V WESTFIELDS SPORTS HIGH SCHOOL LIVE FROM 10AM
On the cricket pitch, Smith is a formidable opening batter who played for Australia’s under-16s squad last year.
On the footy field, he’s a tough hooker who’s played junior representative footy at the Panthers since he was 14.
Smith is unsure which sport he’ll ultimately pursue, but having just started Year 12 he has a bit of time to work things out.
“My heart’s sitting in the middle,” Smith said. “When I have to pick, it’s going to be pretty challenging. But I’ve got a good family who loves me, and a lot of mates around me, so I’d have a lot of support.”
Today, St Dominic’s College will play its NRL Schoolboy Cup quarter-final against powerhouse Westfields Sports High School.
After being eliminated in round one, the Kingswood school was given a second chance after Farrer MAHS withdrew from the competition.
Coach Dave McKinnon said that his side looked promising in its round-one loss to Patrician Brothers Blacktown.
“We got a big shot of confidence after the Blacktown game,” McKinnon said.
“Knowing that they’re a top-ranked team, for us to really compete with them. The score could have been a lot closer.”
NRL SCHOOLBOYS CUP: WATCH ST DOMINIC’S COLLEGE V WESTFIELDS SPORTS HIGH SCHOOL LIVE FROM 10AM
Westfields Sports High School coach Troy Weeden said his side was determined to build on its round-one win over Patrician Brothers Fairfield.
“We were somewhat disappointed with how we performed in round one. We looked at the Dom’s game as coaches,” Weeden said.
“(St Dominic’s College) did look quite handy, they’ve got a few big kids upfront. Their half is quite nifty, he was clever at times. If we don’t improve we could be in some trouble.”
With a couple of key players recovering from injuries, Westfields’ coaches have called in youngsters for the sudden-death match.
“Solomone Saukuru, out of the Bulldogs. His brother is in Year 12. Apisalome Saukuru, who plays upfront,” Weeden said.
“Solo’s the kid you could put any jersey on him and he’ll do a job for you. The Dogs play him upfront and we’re playing him at fullback.
“He‘s a very natural footballer — quick, big, agile, just a good kid.”