GPS football: Players of the week revealed following stunning round one of action

GPS First XI football: Who stamped their mark in the opening round of competition? Find out here with the Players of the Week, featuring an inspirational Nudgee captain.

Last year’s top two teams, Ipswich Grammar and Nudgee College, engaged in an early season blockbuster on Saturday won 3-0 by Nudgee on Ross Oval.

It was a huge scalp for the boys in blue and white on their quest for another GPS First XI premiership.

Across town a wet weather skirmish unfolded at Gregory Terrace with TSS and GT sharing spoils with a nil-all draw the final result.

Toowoomba Grammar tamed Brisbane State High up on the range, 4-1, while Churchie got their season underway with a 1-nil victory over Brisbane Grammar, at Northgate.

GPS FIRST XI PLAYERS TO WATCH

A terrific trio of Nudgee schoolboys headline this week’s Players of the Week story following their redemption victory at home.

Last year Nudgee were defeated by Ipswich Grammar in the first round.

Declan Warnes, Jamie Waddington and Archie Mitchell all produced inspired performances, leading the playing group to a shut-out win.

Warnes was calm under pressure, settling the squad with his decision making in crucial moments.

Declan Warnes. Picture courtesy of Brody Grogan Photography.

The head of the snake was Waddington however, the Nudgee captain and defender who had a superb showing in his first game as skipper.

He led the way for the side, which included young gun Mitchell who came out on top in a baptism of fire.

In his First XI debut, he stood up against a physical IGS outfit.

On Saturday, April 27, Ipswich Grammar will host Toowoomba Grammar in what looms as the match of the round.

See below some of the top performing schoolboys from the first round of the season, as part of our weekly coverage of the GPS competition.

ROUND ONE SCORES

Nudgee College 3 def Ipswich Grammar nil

Gregory Terrace and The Southport School drew nil-all

Toowoomba Grammar 4 def Brisbane State High 1

Churchie 1 def Brisbane Grammar School nil

ROUND ONE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Churchie skipper Luke O'Sullivan walking his team into battle.

Declan Warnes (Nudgee)

Warnes brought a sense of calmness to what was a fast paced, high intensity contest.

He scored a brilliant goal from outside the box to put Nudgee up 2-0 and from there IGS were chasing their tail.

Jamie Waddington (Nudgee)

Jamie Waddington produced a player of the match performance in his first game as Nudgee First XI captain.

He marshalled the backline expertly and showed his growing leadership qualities throughout, never giving up on a play.

His goal line clearance late in the game ensured Nudgee kept a clean sheet, capping off a classy captain’s knock on a high note.

Archie Mitchell. Picture courtesy of Brody Grogan Photography.

Archie Mitchell (Nudgee)

Mitchell’s 1st XI debut was a baptism of fire, the young gun coming up against a physical IGS side that countered punches with punches.

Mitchell did well matching the physicality of the game and while there is improvement to be had, his ability and willingness to defend in one-on-one situations was an early season highlight.

Nelson Deng (Ipswich Grammar)

The IGS centre back had a commanding performance at the back, displaying sheer strength in all of his challenges.

He got IGS on the front foot consistently and proved a consistent threat in the attacking third on set-pieces.

Tdonson Hammond (Toowoomba Grammar)

Last week we said this about Hammond: “has shown signs of exciting football to come”.

He delivered on Saturday and it was exciting.

The youngster scored two goals and found a way to influence the match when he was not in possession of the ball.

Watch this space.

Cole Fenton and Max Peereboom (The Southport School)

Last season TSS would have lost this clash, but it’s a different story this year. With Fenton and Peereboom at the back, that should come as no surprise.

The gutsy defenders stood tall against an on song Gregory Terrace attack, defending bravely to keep a clean sheet.

Patrick Maher (Brisbane Grammar)

At times Churchie threatened to run away with it but keeping Brisbane Grammar in the fight was this courageous goalkeeper who proved a man possessed between the sticks.

Made a couple of crucial saves to keep BGS within striking distance.

Xavier Veivers in action on Saturday.

Xavier Veivers (Churchie)

The Churchie First XI secured a gritty 1-0 win and it was Veivers’ physicality which played a big part in the team’s success.

Brown smashed in a goal in front of a roaring Churchie crowd, a goal which proved the difference in a round one spectacle.

We suspect this won’t be the last time Veivers makes an impact with his finishing ability.

Sander Griggs (Brisbane State High)

What a return this bloke had.
Coming up against a strong TGS side, Griggs, who was returning from a long term injury which saw him miss last season, looked comfortable in possession.

A starter, Griggs worked overtime off the ball, inspiring his teammates with his work ethic under less than ideal conditions.

Sani Logoro (Gregory Terrace)

It was deja vu with Logoro making our round one Team of the Week for the second year running.

The Year 12 student’s link up play was classy and dangerous.

Zack Damianakis (Gregory Terrace)

He caused problems for the TSS defenders and very nearly got himself a chance at a penalty goal.

The young veteran started his season very well.

ROUND 2 FIXTURES

BSHS v BBC

CHURCHIE V TERRACE

IPSWICH GRAMMAR V TOOWOOMBA GRAMMAR

TSS V NUDGEE

Originally published as GPS football: Players of the week revealed following stunning round one of action