GPS Rugby 2020: Records tumble at TSS as BBC race towards second crown

Brisbane Boys’ College is racing towards its second ever GPS rugby title after ending The Southport School’s 11-match undefeated streak on Saturday, rewriting the record books.

Brisbane Boys’ College is racing towards its second ever GPS rugby title after ending The Southport School’s 11-match undefeated streak on Saturday.

The 45-6 scoreline was Southport’s widest losing margin since 1998 and their worst defeat to BBC in school history after 13 straight victories over that opponent.

Not since the Moon Landing in 1969 have TSS been so thoroughly beaten by BBC but Saturday’s seven tries to nil defeat broke new ground.

The experience at BBC’s disposal was telling with a mature performance from flyhalf Mason Gordon, the brother of Queensland flyhalf Carter, pulling the strings to suffocate TSS out of the contest.

BBC centre Jack Howarth reacts against TSS during their GPS Rugby clash. Photograph : Jason O'Brien

Wallabies coaches Dave Rennie and Matt Taylor were on hand to scope out Queensland’s best emerging talent.

“The thing about GPS rugby is every game is a grand final in a certain sense, if you don’t turn up on the day someone will knock you over,” said Taylor, who coached TSS to GPS titles in 2006 and 2007.

“It’s been a long time since BBC has been able to knock over Southport but both teams have very good players.

“That’s why I’m here, to take a look at them.

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“One that really stands out for us at Southport is Jojo Fifita.

“We saw him play against State High where he scored four tries.

“He’s an exceptional player with a big future ahead of him.”

Syrus Schmidt of TSS runs with the ball against BBC during their GPS Rugby clash. Photograph : Jason O'Brien

Fifita was a late inclusion to face BBC after three weeks on the sidelines alongside hooker Harry Vousty but not even their returning class could alter TSS’ fate on Saturday.

Twin penalty goals to flyhalf Syris Schmidt were all the points Southport could muster as BBC’s efficient kicking and attacking game starved the school of meaningful possession.

BBC led 19-6 at the halftime break after a penalty try and accompanying yellow card to TSS flanker Nick Hilton for illegally sacking a maul, a pick-and-drive try to No.8 Thomas Wheen and a wide score to winger Lachlan Rubens.

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Man of the match Gordon extended the gap in the second half before hooker Harvey Guest, star centre Jack Howarth and Thomas Wheen again joined him on the scoresheet to complete the rout.

BBC centre Harry McLaughlin-Phillips converted five of seven attempts to further bury the hosts.

Southport’s only chance to raise the GPS rugby trophy again is if they win both of their remaining games, against Gregory Terrace and Ipswich Grammar, and Nudgee and BBC lose one or more of their three remaining games.

THE SOUTHPORT SCHOOL 6 (Syris Schmidt (2) penalty goals) defeated by BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGE 45 (Thomas Wheen (2), Lachlan Rubens, Mason Gordon, Harvey Guest, Jack Howarth tries; Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (5/7) conversions; penalty try)