Langer Cup 2020: Langer Cup heartbreak as Coombabah comeback foiled

Coombabah State High School have fallen agonisingly short of a return to the Langer Cup competition after fighting back to tie the game up with 20 minutes to play.

Coombabah State High School has suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of St Mary’s College, Toowoomba in the Langer Cup qualification final.

The Gold Coast school fought valiantly from 18-0 down in the opening 20 minutes to tie the game up shortly after half-time.

A late surge from their hosts blew out the scoreline with three converted tries to end the match ahead 36-18.

The defeat will condemn the northern Gold Coast school to another season in the Titans School Boys competition while St Mary’s continue on to the top southeast Queensland division.

Fullback Keanu Wright-Dunrobin starred for the home side, with a try and two try assists, with captain Xavier Va’a unstoppable in the middle of the field.

“It was intense and tiring to say the least, but the boys worked hard and we got the win,” Wright-Dunrobin said.

“We’re back.”

Despite a shaky start characterised by a couple of loose carries, St Mary’s quickly regained its composure to take the early ascendancy.

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A deft grubber kick close to the line from Blake Moore was grounded by Wright-Dunrobin in the 6th minute.

Va’a carried defenders from the first hit-up after the kick-off, setting the tone for another deep attack in Coombabah territory.

Halfback Brayden Paix proved unstoppable one off the ruck, stepping his way to the line and a 12-0 scoreline after just 10 minutes.

The visitors started to work their way into the contest and build pressure of their own, but St Mary’s held solid, and once again struck as Blake Moore burrowed his way over from dummy half.

Penalties and dropped balls kept Coombabah camped on St Mary’s line, and the pressure finally told, with two late tries to close out the half at 18-12 down.

St Mary’s looked to have their opponents pinned down in their own half, before a quick play the ball and second phase play saw the visitors cross again, cutting the deficit to two with 22 minutes remaining.

A mounting penalty count against St Mary’s began to take its toll, with another infringement directly in front of the posts levelling scores in the 46th minute.

Tyson Stevens produced a game-changing hit from the ensuing kick-off forced an error, and a grubber from Moore forced a repeat set as St Mary’s began to build pressure of their own.

The extra set was all they needed, as Wright-Dunrobin double pumped to perfection, putting Angus Wright over to put them ahead 24-18.

As they took over the running of the contest, Va’a put the result beyond doubt with a charging run close to the line, crossing to give them a 12-point lead with six minutes remaining.

Fatigue started to set in with Coombabah as they piggybacked St Mary’s down the field, with Wright-Dunrobin linking with Wright again for his second of the afternoon.

The result means Palm Beach Currumbin and Keebra Park will fly the Gold Coast flag alone in the Langer Cup.

ST MARY’S COLLEGE 36 (Angus Wright 2, Keanu Wright-Dunrobin, Blake Moore, Brayden Paix, Xavier Va’a tries; Paix 6 goals) defeated COOMBABAH STATE HIGH SCHOOL 18

Earlier

Coombabah State High School will play the biggest sporting match in their school’s recent history when they take on Toowoomba powerhouse St Mary’s for a place in the 2020 Langer Cup on Wednesday.

The northern Gold Coast school were a fixture in southeast Queensland’s most elite schoolboy rugby league competition up until two years ago, when they were knocked out.

For two seasons straight they have tried and failed to reclaim their place.

On Wednesday afternoon they’ll hope their third time is the charm.

The stakes are high because a win will qualify more than just the school’s senior team for a place in the top competition.

The fate of their junior teams hangs on Wednesday’s result as well.

“In the last few years we’ve had quality boys and quality teams, but (playing in a competition that) is a little bit of a lower standard doesn’t enable our players to reach their potential,” coach Rod Pryor said.

Langer Cup launch. Brodyn Gudgeon and Xavier Va'a. Thursday June 25, 2020. Picture: Renae Droop

“You want to be in the best games to give players the best exposure because they’re playing for potential contracts.

“It’s important to be on the big dance floor to show your talent against those who have that quality.”

Coombabah’s position in the lower-ranked Titans School Boys Competitions has contributed to several top talents leaving the school for bigger programs on the Gold Coast or private school rugby union in Brisbane.

A win over St Mary’s, the alma mater of future Immortal Jonathan Thurston, could help stem the tide of players looking elsewhere for opportunities to play in the Langer Cup.

Coombabah will enter the match as staunch underdogs but have the talent to spring a momentous upset.

Halves pairing Harradyn Wilson and Brodyn Gudgeon are a playmaking duo with talent that belongs in the Cup.

Coombabah State High product Harradyn Wilson carries the ball for Queensland Country under-16s in 2019. Picture: QRL Media

“Their ball-playing gives us attacking flair,” Pryor said.

“If we get to key points in the game it’s due to their direction.

“They have a big job on their hands but they’ve been great in training and we’re confident in their ability.

“If we can control the ball we have the ability to score some points.”

A forwards nucleus of returning Queensland U15s prop Joseph Shannon and edge forwards Zach Johnson and Jordan Lewis can be electric on their day.

The match will be livestreamed at goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport from 3pm.