AIC First XIII rugby league round 1 wrap up
The AIC First XIII rugby league season is off and running. Here’s an insight into how it unfolded and round 1’s best of the best.
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The AIC First XIII rugby league was off to a flying start, with wins to Iona, Padua, Marist College Ashgrove and St Edmund’s College.
AIC FIRST XIII RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYERS TO WATCH
The match of the day featured a rugged clash between Ashgrove and Villanova, with the 38-12 scoreline not reflecting the closeness of the match.
MARIST v VILLANOVA
Marist co-coach Dallas Williams said his team’s 38-12 win over Villanova was highlighted by the manner in which his players “stood their ground’’ against a physical Villa outfit.
“The scorelines actually flattered us as it was 18-12 for most of the second half,’’ Williams said.
Lachlan McCall, a recent selection in the representative Confraternity Shield Merit team, swung successfully between hooker and lock, tackling himself to a standstill in both positions.
Elusive attacking back Tom Howard showed his class in big moments from either fullback or centre, while impressive prop Isaac Roach displayed tremendous athletic ability, including when scoring a powerhouse individual try.
Villanova coach Michael Cahill said his squad generally did a good job, but what hurt his side most was giving away 17 penalties. “That was where we fell away.’’
Jackson Moloney at lock was tremendous for Villanova, prop Sam Binney his reliable, powerful self in the middle, hooker Hudson Bishop who was excellent and talented five-eight Nate Wallin
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IONA v ST LAURENCE’S COLLEGE
Iona College impressed with its kick-chase pressure and defensive effort during a 58-0 win over St Laurence’s College.
The goal line defence was particularly impressive, with the Iona side turning a probing Laurie’s away.
The backline then swung into action and were able to execute some long range tries.
Iona have a good one in young prop Cooper Benvenuti. In an All-Star school league side rich with skill and rugby league experience, it was Benvenuti in the engine room who made a tremendous impact.
Benvenuti is match hardened having played during the summer for the Tigers in club rugby league and you could see the benefits of that demanding campaign in his performance.
Others too impress for Iona were Broncos-contracted hooker Ezekiel Jones, fullback Tyler Pereira, Campbell Rolfe who handled things nicely from five-eight, and strike centre Connor Quinn who troubled the opposition with his pace.
St Laurence’s were best served by Liam O’Callaghan, the gutsy First XV rugby flanker who held down the No.13 position at the weekend, courageous prop Cooper Hamilton and hooker
Elijah Kemp who put in an exhaustive performance.
ST PATRICK’S v PADUA
Padua centre Ryan McPherson impressed with his attack and Fynn Dalton with his defence as Padua enjoyed its local derby win, 38-18, over its northside rival.
McPherson’s thrusts proved dangerous while Dalton, a recent selection in the Confraternity Shield Merit representative side, locked down the middle with his strong tackles.
However, Padua coach Gary O’Brien said his side only completed at around 50 per cent, and would like an improvement in round 2.
Padua’s ball control eroded a gallant effort by Paddies, with a flow of possession late in the second half ensuring Padua enjoyed victory.
Indeed there was a period where Padua had nine sets to St Patrick’s three, and with this possession Padua were able to seize the upper hand.
“We burnt a lot of energy and could not turn it around,’’ reflected St Patrick’s coach Brian Polich.
“We responded in the second half and played our shape and got success, but not enough control and execution.’’
St Patrick’s were well served by halfback Riley Horn, second rower Henry Armstrong and strike weapon Jack Boland on the wing.
AMBROSE TREACY COLLEGE v ST EDMUND’S COLLEGE
St Edmund’s enjoyed a first round win over newcomers Ambrose Treacy whose players were making their First XIII debuts.
ATC started enthusiastically, but the squad’s depth was tested when they lost three players to injury, including one of their best players.
“From here the boys struggled to gain any real momentum and we were outclassed across the field,’’ explained Ambrose Treacy Director of Rugby League Ben Marriott.
But ATC had its share of top line performers, including hooker Declan Lever and prop Jack Noonan who both tried their hearts out.
Special mentions also to Jasper Dittmar, a halfback who stood up and competed well as a leader. The Year 11 student also had a strong passing and kicking game.
ATC winger Drew Wagner, five-eight Cooper Oghanna and second rower Joseph Romer all played well, with Romer’s defence helping keep his side in the game.
For St Edmund’s, life was made easy for the outside backs with halves pairing Conrad Browne and Ryder Rundell on their A game.
The dynamic duo did not overplay their hand and stuck to the game plan, making good decisions along the way to mount pressure on their opposition.
In the forward pack, edge forward Will Tatt was the pick of the bunch with his line bending carries and quick play the balls getting his side on the front foot.
In defence, Tatt set the tone.
Originally published as AIC First XIII rugby league round 1 wrap up
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