GPS First XI thriller ends in glorious victory for Churchie: Rd 8 Team of the Week
GPS First XI football finale: It took an absolute thriller to get there, but Churchie have been crowned premiers after a mighty undefeated season. See the round eight Players of the Week here.
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With around 1000 spectators creeping forwards on their seats, the Churchie First XI edged out a daring The Southport School outfit to snare a 1-all lead and claim the school’s second GPS First XI football premiership in the competition’s 34 year history.
The boys in blue achieved an undefeated season where, for two months, no team could come over the top of the champions.
It was an epic battle between Churchie and TSS, a fitting clash with a finals feel to it that delivered Churchie its latest title – five years after winning in 2019.
What a battle TSS put up, scoring with 10 minutes to go to draw equal at 1-all.
But Churchie, as they have done so well this year, defended bravely in the dying stages to come away with a draw and a trophy to lock away in the cabinet for another year.
Revelation of the season, Levi Collins, broke the nil-all deadlock 20 minutes from time, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
The youngster broke down the left hand side, before evading a defender and coolly converting from a tight angle to give Churchie the lead.
It was a workmanlike performance that delivered Churchie the premiership and a fitting way to farewell inspirational captain Luke O’Sullivan and his fellow seniors.
“A number of the Year 12 boys have been involved in the first team set up for 3 years now, they have seen the lows (9th place finish with one point in 2022) and now the highs of winning the premiership,” said Churchie head of football Alex Rados.
“We could not be any prouder of them. Their growth on and off the field has been phenomenal.”
Coach Scott MacNicol, the Dad of boom Roar teen Quinn, said the success was a result of hard work and high standards.
“The boys hard work and dedication has paid off,” MacNicol said.
“The success came about from the wonderful culture and high standards from all 22 players that were involved.”
ROUND EIGHT SUPER 15
The Churchie First XI
It was no one man that ensured premiership glory on Saturday. Churchie’s best efforts were required to prevent a fast finishing TSS from ruining the party and while Levi Collins scored a telling goal, it was a strong team performance which added another feather to Churchie’s cap.
Xavier Viewers Brown, Levi Collins, Ethan Castle, Arden Hogan, Oliver Reid, Max Slaughter, Josh Tanner all played a strong game, while the mere presence of gun rookies MacNicol and Lucas Herrington played a massive part in the fairytale season.
Max Peereboom and Cole Fenton (TSS)
The trusted TSS centre back pairing were up for the battle and almost changed the course of the premiership.
The dynamic duo were responsible for keeping Churchie’s attack quiet, both boys winning their headers and tackles, while picking the side’s key passes through the midfield – a skill highly sought after in defenders.
Rex Oliver (TSS)
Year 11 Rex Oliver had a moment of magic in Saturday’s spectacle.
Coming off the bench, Oliver went up front and scored an excellent low driven goal from inside the box to equalise the scores at 1-all.
It was a huge play.
Harry Woodruff (Brisbane Grammar)
A pacy customer, Harry Woodruff scored the match winning goal which got BGS up 1-nil over IGS.
Woodruff was tireless all game and has been a big improver this season.
Liam Donoghue (Ipswich Grammar)
One of the form players of the competition, Liam Donoghue was steadfast in defence and linked up brilliantly with teammates on the left edge to create numerous chances for his side.
Jac Parrott (Ipswich Grammar)
Jac Parrott paved the way for his side.
It was a showing full of determination and grit and it played a platform for which plenty of chances were created.
Will Booth (Ipswich Grammar)
Will Booth, the creative midfielder, had a cracking game both in defence and on the counter-attack.
His team could not capitalise, but his tireless work in the middle of the field prevented BGS from scoring more goals and put IGS in a position to score on more than one occasion.
Sani Logoro (Gregory Terrace)
In a losing side, Sani Logoro’s relentless effort did not go unnoticed.
A young veteran, Logoro led by example and worked harder than anyone to keep his side in the contest.
A highlight of his came when he scored a terrific free kick to give the home side a glimmer of hope.
Rylan Brownlie (Nudgee)
A handful, Rylan Brownlie scored a hattrick on Saturday and could have had more.
Composed in front of goals and a constant threat, Brownlie was Nudgee’s prime mover who will give the BBC defenders nightmares for weeks to come.
What a performance it was from the Roar young gun.
Rhys Williams (Nudgee)
Fresh off the back of Australian Under 17 selection, Rhys Williams continued to enhance his reputation in the Nudgee midfield.
He found little pockets of space and was direct in his passing and running, linking up well with his forwards to put BBC under immense pressure.
Luca Howlett (Nudgee)
Luca Howlett’s delivery was of the highest standard on Saturday.
He constantly found space down the right hand side and was electric in his defensive cover.
A big part of Nudgee’s success over the last two years, Howlett will finish a stellar schoolboy First XI career on Saturday against BSHS.
Declan Warnes (Nudgee)
Declan Warnes was on fire on Saturday, scoring two goals in a clinical display.
Warnes’ work ethic in the First XI had reached another level this season and with him on the park, firing on all cylinders, Nudgee are a different side.
In his return from a knee injury, Warnes was back to his best and will no doubt be looking for a similar performance in the final round to end the season on a high note.
Originally published as GPS First XI thriller ends in glorious victory for Churchie: Rd 8 Team of the Week
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