Try trebles, finalists decided at Australian schools rugby, day 2 stars, standouts and photos
Old rivals will battle for the top prize at the Australian schools rugby championships on Thursday after a day of standout performances by individuals and teams. Stars, result wrap
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It will be a bluesfest at the Australians schools rugby championships finale on Thursday with NSW II fired up to defend their crown against NSW I in the premier competition for the rising stars of the game.
At stake is silverware but also the chance to make selection in either the Australian U18s team or the Australian schools team playing a series of matches later this year.
The NSW II side beat NSW Juniors to confirm their spot in the playoff while NSW I beat Queensland I to end the hopes of the home state breaking the NSW domination at the annual tournament.
It’s is a result which bodes well for NSW players dominating both the Australian U18s and Australian schools teams which will be selected post the tournament.
NSW I 38 DEFEATED QLD 5
Missing out on the final a year ago, NSW ensured they would be a big presence in the tournament decider on Thursday with a rollicking victory over Queenland in their afternoon battle at Sunshine Coast stadium on Tuesday - playing 20 minutes a man down. .
Coach Anthony Calavassy was delighted with his teams defence but said they must still step up to have a chance of dethroning NSW II for the title.
Chayse Geros was again one of the stars of the show for NSW I with two tries while Oscar Tremlett, Oliver Metcalf, Henri Dempsey and Cyrus Bloomfield all scoring tries and Harrison Dene converting four.
Malaki Lemalu was Queensland’s only scorer.
“The boys were really strong defence,’’ Calavassy said.
“Really proud and happy with the defensive efforts but we need to step it up for the grand final.
“I likes our halfback again, Chase Geros, he has a real ability. When there’s a half chance he’s in there before anyone can see it. He is pretty special, pretty amazing.’’
NSW II 51 DEFEATED NSW JUNIORS 29
A quality match much harder fought than the score indicated and which saw NSW II become the first team to book a spot in the finale of the Australian schools championships.
In an extraordinary coincidence, two players scored hat tricks for their teams in this engrossing battle.
Glassie Glassie scored in the 2nd, 13th and 19th minutes in a stunning first half display for the Juniors.
Darcy Feltham scored his three tries in the 5th, 23rd and 25 minutes in another standout performance for NSW II side.
Other scorers for NSW II were Daniel Muir, Payton Tarau, Matthew Harrison and Reilly Caswell.
Riley Donohoe also scored twice for NSW Juniors.
“We are really happy with that win, it gives us the chance to defend the title which we are really excited about,’’ said coach Kieran Wallace.
“We had touches of absolute brilliance and opportunities where we probably let the pressure off.
“Payton (Tarau) was exceptional, Noah Rylands our No 8 and our six Oscar Cleary were our standout players.
“They really lifted us to another level.”
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 13 BEAT ACT 10
In the closest match of the event so far ACT were left to lament what might have been after being beaten by a penalty kick in the dying stages of the match against Western Australia.
The Western Australians, who lost their first game on Tuesday after arriving on the Sunshine Coast in the early hours of the morning after transport delays, were fired up for the match and it showed.
“Our boys were disappointed in how things went the first day,’’ said coach Jono Lance.
ACT were first on the board from a Fletcher Burrows try and Cameron Kirsten conversion with Western Australians Charles Cairns and Chase Bunce scoring tries.
The game came down to a penalty kick from 16-year-old Kaiawha Heke.
“Obviously it’s an amazing win for our guys to get that one.
“We had a big penalty count against us in the second half and the boys were under pressure but they dug deep in those last five minutes to get us out of trouble.
“We had a few standouts. I thought our halfback Cruz Remi (captain) started the game and really implemented what we spoke about and Tamarangi (Tunui) came off the bench.
“Our 16 year-old, who kicked the goal at the end has been excellent.’’
QUEENSLAND II 67 BEAT VICTORIA 12
“Defensive line speed, connecting more in attack and starting the game like we did yesterday but taking our opportunities.”
That was the message from Queensland II head coach Andrew Rye before kick off on day two and his side responded with plenty of firepower.
Queensland II shot out to a 30-point lead at halftime with the possession and field territory heavily in their favour as they took pride in pinning Victoria back in their own half to limit their exit channels.
“We made our redzone a bit longer today as we wanted to play down their end,” Rye said.
“We kicked to the corners well and early which helped us get those early points and allowed us to drive it home.”
Queensland II fullback Isaac Fidock, who also impressed in yesterday’s loss to NSW II, was his side’s best with plenty of attacking flair and found plenty of grass when kicking out of danger.
“Isaac set up some good passages of play, he got good space out the back but also on the counter-attack which gave him the option to get back, kick if needed or take the line on so his decision making was really positive,” Rye said.
“Our winger Cooper Knowles came on and scored a hat trick so good on him.
“It was a pretty even effort from our tight five, Ryker Smith was strong over the ball and got some key turnovers.
“Our No. 8 Malachi Figota had some great carries over the gain line as well.”
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