National Schoolgirls Cup Round 2
How the National Schoolgirls Cup Round 2 unfolded and best players from matches, including the bumper Marsden-Keebra Park clash which saw debut girls galore.
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Marsden SHS started its National Schoolgirls Cup campaign by ushering in a new era when 14 of the 17 players made their top grade debuts.
The round featured another win by Mabel Park SHS, this time over St James, a high class clash between Marsden and Keebra Park SHS also unfolded which saw the Mako’s pull away from their rivals in the second half and win 26-8
Marsden SHS had half a dozen players unavailable which gave coach Shane Hammond a chance to “toward a number of our Division 2 girls an opportunity to play Schoolgirls following on from their good form and commitment all season’’.
The debut girls were Angel Austin, Nikeisha Ngaru, Charlotte Wells, Rosa Lefono, Sasha Willemse, Kylah Edmonds, Hawke Kahu, Tusitina Fale, Memory Paitai, Deleni Paitai, Evelyn Roberts, Maia Pakaru, Gesa Mako, Mya Tronc and Dhanievah Lepua.
In a link back to the start of the schoolgirls program in 2018, coach Hammond allocated jerseys featuring the number player they were to represent the senior girls’ top team.
“It was just a little something to try and give the girls a knowledge of their place in the history of our girls program at Marsden,’’ he said.
Marsden SHS v Keebra Park SHS
Marsden SHS turned an 8-all score line into a 26-8 win.
Marsden coach Shane Hammond said he was most impressed with the girls’ capacity to learn from their errors and improve as the game progressed. He said it showed he had a “smart’’ team to coach.
Keebra Park SHS head of department Daniel Schwass said his girls suffered because they made too many errors and did not capitalise on field position.
“We defended well in the first half after giving away cheap field position,’’ Schwass said.
He said the team’s goal line defence was good until dropping away in the second half, while “we stuck to processes well but couldn’t execute”.
SUPER 10 FROM ROUND TWO
Evelyn Roberts (Marsden SHS)
Playing No. 13, the Year 11 student defended strongly and provided a good link between halves and the hooker. The scorer of two tries, Roberts is new to the school after linking with her cousin.
Eta Sikahele (Keebra Park)
There was no better forward on the ground than Sikahele, the Keebra Park SHS prop who was excellent with her strong carries, finding her front and defence. A girl with a massive league engine, she led from the front.
Rina Francis, Memory Paitai and co. (Marsden SHS)
The entire Marsden SHS forward pack went well, and they had to in order to take time away from Keebra Park halfback Torah Luadaka.
“We knew Keebra would try and play fast through the middle and make space for their halves,’’ Marsden coach Hammond said. “Our forwards were strong defensively and in attack bent the line. All of our tries came from our pack.
In particular prop Francis, second rowers Deleni Paitai and Memory Paitai and interchange forward Dhanievah Lepualocal did well for Marsden SHS.
Francis and Lepualocal, have been with the league program for years, with Lepualocal a part of the originally Year 6 trials
Torah Luadaka (Keebra Park SHS)
An elite halfback, Torah Luadaka was the No. 1 player to stop on the Marsden game plan which was a huge compliment to her.
“We knew she was very good and wanted to limit her time and space. The girls really respect her,’’ said Marsden SHS coach Shane Hammond.
Keebra Park’s Schwass said Torah was a tremendous player. “She has vision and maturity beyond her years and knows where we need to get the ball too and the best way out of a hole and her kicking game is second to none.
Genesis Tupa’i (Keebra Park)
The young winger was brave and energetic with her tough runs from the defensive ended of the field. She also made good reads and was solid in defence.
Mabel Park SHS v St James
Amanii Misa (Mabel Park SHS)
The crafty Souths Logan ace played No. 13 for the Magpies in their Harvey Norman Under-17s campaign in the autumn and in the winter is the traffic conductor for Mabel’s First XIII.
A star halfback of this competition, Amanii Misa was on fire again in round two after a strong start at the North Ipswich Reserve in round one against Ipswich SHS.
In the first 25 minutes against St James, she scored a try and set up two.
Marni Auvae (Mabel Park SHS)
Redcliffe Dolphins Under-19s middle forward wrecking ball marni Auvae also kept her foot on the gas at Langlands Park on Wednesday.
The lines she ran were excellent and support play a highlight as well.
With Alice Shannon and Auvae manning the pumps, Mabel looked primed to challenge for the National Title again this year.
TRY OF THE DAY
There were plenty to choose from at Langlands Park, but the footwork Mabel Park halfback Ella Tutakangahau put on to bring the scoreline to 30-4 was something special.
A talented rugby 7s player, Tutakangahau went bang early in the second half with two right to left steps as she sliced back on the inside and strode over under the posts. Her pink boots and red ribbon tied into her hair add to the excitement of the crafty young playmaker.
Mikahla Saltner (St James)
With the loss of a front rower on Wednesday, Mikahla Saltner moved into the middle from the second row and had a cracking game.
She matched the intensity of the mighty Mabel forwards and had a “great go forward game” according to coach Andrew Ebrington.
Mia Mackay (St James)
St James right wing Mia Mackay brought her A-game on defence.
With Mabel outside backs Nazlyn Waaka-Rhind, Tyrah Oconnor-Cox and Tiahna Kanawi looking dangerous, Mackay stood up and saved the side on numerous occasions.
Mackay’s representative five-eighth Ellycr Tighe was also classy with the ball.
Round 3, July 17
Ipswich SHS v Keebra Park SHS, North Ipswich Reserve
Marsden SHS v St James College, Marsden SHS
Bye – Mabel Park SHS
Round 4
Keebra Park SHS v Mabel Park SHS, Southport Tigers
Marsden SHS v Ipswich SHS, Marsden SHS
Bye – St James College
Round 5
Mabel Park SHS v Marsden SHS, Mabel Park SHS
St James College v Ipswich SHS, TWW Stadium
Bye – Keebra Park SHS
Originally published as National Schoolgirls Cup Round 2
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