GPS Rugby 2020: Churchie on title fast-track after lucky break with

The party should have already started for one GPS school after a revised First XV draw set them on a path of least resistance to a season decider.

The party should have already started for Anglican Church Grammar School after a revised First XV draw set them on a path of least resistance to a GPS Rugby season decider.

Churchie were scheduled to take on defending champions The Southport School and runners-up Brisbane Boys’ College in a season-defining fortnight in rounds two and three.

A delayed start due to COVID-19 has wiped those matches from the schedule and replaced them with trial matches against those same schools.

2019 GPS rugby season launch with captains of all the schools in playing kit, South Brisbane. BBC Jacob Blyton, GT Lewis Jorgensen, BSHS Linston Tafa-Tuimavave, NC Mitch Lowrie (with trophy), TSS Zane Nonggorr, BGS Ben Hains, ACGS Aidan King, IGS Jack Webber. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Churchie’s advantage is doubled because they have scored an opportunity to test themselves against the competition’s best without the consequences of falling short.

It is a golden springboard from which to tackle reigning wooden spooners Brisbane Grammar School in their new opening game.

Coach Dale Roberson said although his players would have preferred a full season the revised draw had been advantageous.

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“Obviously it’s probably a bit of a bonus not having to play them but the good thing is we get to play them in the trials,” the former Australian Rugby Sevens assistant coach said.

“To miss out on playing them is advantageous to us but for the sake of playing a full season you’d rather face them.

“You want to play the best teams to get an understanding of where you sit, and to play them in trials is a good gauge for where we sit and our prep for the season.”

Churchie must run the lower end of the 2019 First XV ladder before their final clash of the year, hosting Nudgee College on Oaklands Parade.

Churchie player Luke Philp GPS Rugby match with Nudgee College against Churchie at Nudgee College. Saturday September 14, 2019. (AAP image, John Gass)

They will recall 12 players from last year’s side who lost the corresponding fixture to Nudgee 62-0.

Coach Roberson says that veteran nucleus will be excited at the chance to redeem themselves in what could be a final week premiership decider to close out their schoolboy rugby careers.

“The boys are really keen to play Nudgee, a lot of them are keen to make amends and take them on at Churchie,” he said.

“We do have a couple of new players but the majority of the team is back from last year, and that would be our real strength.

“Hopefully that experience and understanding of what it takes to go against them will hold us in good stead.”

GPS rugby season launch. First round captains TSS Zane Nonggorr and NC Mitch Lowrie. Picture: Liam Kidston.

The Southport School will be frustrated at the lost opportunity to take down rivals Nudgee College because they might prove the only squad capable of doing so.

TSS must topple BBC in Round Six then cheer them on to defeat Nudgee two weeks later if they hope to retain their solo Premiership.