Wavell SHS Homecoming special: 50 Players of the Day from clashes with Ipswich SHS
It was a massive day of school footy as Wavell State High School celebrated its homecoming. We’ve broken down the action to give you the 50 players of the day ahead of today’s Langer Trophy livesteam bonanza.
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Wavell SHS celebrated its annual Homecoming Day with a bang as six thrilling matches of schoolboys action unfolded against Ipswich SHS today.
Homecoming Day, a celebration of the Wavell SHS community both past and present, featured matches in the Brisbane Broncos Old Boys Shield (Year 7), Renouf Shield (Year 8), Hancock Cup (Year 9), Walters Cup (Year 10), Langer Reserves and Langer Trophy.
WATCH THE LANGER TROPHY REPLAY HERE
The games were a forerunner to today’s bumper livestream coverage of three Langer Trophy round 1 games - PBC v Mabel, Keebra v Redcliffe and Marsden v Stretton.
Yesterday, Wavell won three of the six Homecoming Day fixtures. After a BBOB Shield draw, Wavell won the Hancock Cup, Walters Cup and Langer Trophy clashes, but Ipswich claimed the Renouf Shield Year 8s and the Langer Reserves.
Ipswich SHS were the ultimate litmus test for Wavell because, last year, they became the first Langer school to feature teams in all secondary school competitions sponsored by the Brisbane Broncos.
So who were the players of the day from both schools? All is revealed here.
BBOB SHIELD (Year 7)
Wavell SHS 10 drew with Ipswich SHS 10
Ipswich No.13 Salvation Tuiafutea scored with four minutes remaining, and his halfback Bentley Tikinua stepped up from near the posts to land a pressure conversion – levelling the scores.
What a match it was as both teams went hammer and tongs at each other across 50 minutes of outstanding rugby league.
Highlights included:
+ Lachlan Duggan bursting through, only to be cut down by covering defence from hooker Aquila Vunipolu (Ipswich SHS);
+ Ipswich No.13 Salvation Tuiafutea produced a bone-jarring, driving front on tackle on Wavell forward Elijah Unasa who was coming out of the defensive end. It shook the suburb;
+ Ipswich centre Chris Lolohea twice worked up a head of steam in the first half, with his second burst resulting in the opening try of the match;
+ a classic backs ball movement brought Wavell its first try early in the second half, as the ball was swept along the line from halves Strickland Rutene and Roman Tetevano and onto stylish centre Ryda Roberts. It was old fashioned rugby league where the ball beat the man;
+ a super pass by halfback Tetevano released his second rower Noah Rawenata who kept his legs pumping during an inspired 15m surge to score. Wavell led for the first time, 10-4, with 10 minutes remaining.
Scores: Wavell 10 (R Roberts, R Tetevano tries, goal) drew with Ipswich 10 (C Lolohea, S Tuiafutea tries; B Tikinua goal)
Players of the Match
Kauri Pene (Wavell SHS)
Mr Clean-up man was magnificent, cutting down opponents and making runs when momentum was not always on his side.
Salvation Tuifutea (Ipswich SHS)
The Ipswich No.13 was the prime mover of the game, the most dangerous ball runner with his strength and pace through the middle.
Lachlan Duggan (Wavell SHS)
A mighty mite fullback, Duggan bobbed up to threaten with his darting runs. He was dangerous throughout.
Aquila Vunipolu (Ipswich SHS)
The Ipswich hooker was outstanding in defence, hitting and sticking, and rushing off the line to pressure opponents. His dummy half work was also classy.
George Moala (Ipswich SHS)
The big prop played all match, churning through 50 minutes on unrelenting toil. He had a big motor and it worked overtime.
Special mentions:
Bentley Tikinua (Ipswich)
Roman Tetevano (Wavell)
RENOUF SHIELD (Year 8)
Ipswich 30 defeated Wavell 10
Ipswich SHS fullback Josh Sapolu scored an 85m kick return try as his team’s power game and execution to the backs proved too hot to handle for home side Wavell.
Sapolu lit up the game with a withering individual try as Ipswich flexed its flair and forward might in round one.
After Wavell had scored first, Ipswich went bang, bang and bang, with a barge over try by Kingi Karaitiana, and a powerful, close to the line charge from second rower David Malu establishing a 18-4 advantage close to halftime.
Wavell rallied late to win the run to the line, but Ipswich had long created the victory.
Highlights included:
+ Of course Josh Sapolu’s solo burst to score was a highlight, but there were others;
+ One of the passes of the day when a bullet by Ipswich hooker Tallis Naleba found his winger Favour Mukendi who scored.
+ Mukendi scored his second try, this time after a shift almost the width of the field, as Ipswich fullback Josh Sapolu made the extra man, passing to classy centre Jarryd Metuli who put his winger over to score in the corner. It was a golden try by Ipswich.
+ the way hooker Naleba took advantage of momentum generated by his wingers, Mukendi, Bernard Ama and centre Josh Tamamasui, blasting through the ruck to score a 20m solo try early in the second half.
Scores: Ipswich (F Mukendi 2, J Sapolu, D Malu, K Karaitiana tries; J Sapolu 2 goals) defeated Wavell (D Cherry, P Faafua tries; M Shephard goal).
Players of the Day
Tallis Naleba
He benefited from his strong forward performance, but hooker Nalena was a bit special around the ruck. Put a watch on the kid.
Will Liku (Wavell)
The prop took on the Ipswich pack, and his final 15 minutes was a credit to him. The game was lost, momentum was against his side, but his thrusts enabled Wavell to more than gain parity with their rivals in the run to the full-time siren. Liku had the heart of a lion.
Kingston-Jonny Fale (Ipswich SHS)
The Ipswich forwards were outstanding, but this edge second rower poked his head marginally above the rest of the side with his power game and willing defence.
The Ipswich back five of fullback Josh Sapolu, centres Josh Tamamasui and Jarryd Metuli and wingers Favour Mukendi and Bernard Ama caused curry with their energy runs. Both centres also defended strongly.
Special mentions
Cooper Hunt (Ipswich SHS)
Hunt’s passing was crisp and he provided the perfect link between Ipswich’s short game around the ruck, and using his backs. He also straightened the attack when carrying the ball.
Wavell halfback Hudson Elliott
HANCOCK CUP (Year 9)
Wavell 22 defeated Ipswich 4
Queensland schoolboys selection Kalani Ford- stood out like a lighthouse, but around him his fellow Wavell SHS forwards rose to the occasion on Homecoming Day.
Ford-Stevens was the front man with his striding runs and ability to stand in tackles and unloading, but he had plenty of helpers in a fine team performance.
It was a real back three forward blockade as Ford-Stevens, Hayden Watts and Murphy Ballin ran hard and tackled hard.
The Wavell back five division of Lui, Nagas, Beazley, Martin and Soutar also aided their team’s performance.
The centre-wing combination of Martin and Soutar also prevented a late try.
Highlights included:
+ Ipswich SHS’s right and left side spreads which opened up the field leading to left centre DJ Kang Siu punching his way over in the corner. It was great to see ball movement beat the man.
+ the second effort try by Wavell fullback Tala Lui, a crucial performance close to the break which helped his side to a 10-4 advantage.
+ the non-try of second row Hayden Watts (Wavell) who fumbled the ball as he was about to score after producing more steps than a tap dance teacher. Later in the half Watts did score, straightening the attack to hand his side a 16-4 break;
Scores: Wavell 22 (K Ford-Stevens, T Luli J Bell tries; J Hotere 3 goals) beat Ipswich 4 (DJ Lang Siu).
Players of the Match
Kalani Ford-Stevens (Wavell)
The No.13 was a powerhouse in the middle, with his striding runs and strength in post contact metres.
Murphy Ballin and Hayden Watts (Wavell)
Ballin and Watts were other forward juggernauts. Watts’ ability to change direction and alter angles with his edge charges also helped Wavell move to victory while Ballin was just tough on both sides of the ball.
They simply ran hard and tackled hard.
LANGER RESERVES
Ira Yeatman was puppeteer, helping thread together a winning performance against Wavell in the Langer Reserves.
Ipswich led 20-nil with 20 minutes remaining, only for a gutsy Wavell to wrestle their way back into the match.
Twice Wavell scored, and with 11 minutes remaining, Wavell had the momentum trailing 20-8.
Indeed if outstanding Wavell halfback Hayden Madders had scored six minutes from full-time - and there was barely a fingernail between him grounding the ball and dropping it - Wavell would have reduced the margin by another six points.
Match highlights
+ Baxter Best hit the bullseye as Ipswich twice went hard right, swinging possession quickly to feed Best who scored one try and put his winger Fletcher Ebbsworth-Briggs in after fullback Yeatman had entered the line at pace.
+ Ipswich interchange forward Spaniyon Gray saving a try with a tremendous second effort tackle on Wavell halfback Hayden Madders;
+ the run by Ipswich SHS winger Fletcher Ebbsworth-Briggs which gave his side the momentum leading up to James Pau’s try;
+ again the spirit of Wavell was evident when, down 20-nil with 18 to play, they found a nice passing movement in the direction of winger Darius Andrews. Soon after Hayden Madders put his centre Jai Pattinson over to score;
+ a try saving tackle by Ipswich centre Baxter Best on runaway Wavell halfback Madders two minutes from full-time.
Scores: Ipswich 20 (J Pau. B Best, L Junge, F Ebbsworth-Briggs tries; T Carlo 2 goals) defeated Wavell 8 (D Andrews, J Pattinson tries)
Players of the Match
Ira Yeatman (Ipswich)
As mentioned earlier, Yeatman was a fine performer in all aspects, supporting his forward performance with an exemplary performance in the No.1 jersey. He looks a Langer Trophy player for sure, maybe as a No.14.
Jai Pattinson (Wavell)
Playing centre, he was elite with his effort plays from the ruck, defence and finishing prowess. Wavell have depth with blokes like Pattinson in the seconds.
Fletcher Ebbsworth-Briggs (Ipswich)
Ipswich have a good one here. Ebbsworth-Briggs was a finisher, a battering ram and a solid defender on the flank.
Logan Dudley and Cordell Kirk (Ipswich)
Ipswich needed a big middle forward effort and both props delivered in spades in what was a demanding away game.
Special mentions
Hayden Madders (Wavell)
Madders ran Wavell’s recovery, rewarding his forward effort with energy, smart passing and dangerous running. He helped continue the momentum generated in the second half by his forwards. It was unfortunate he was injured with 90 seconds remaining.
James Pau (Ipswich)
Pau was strong throughout, defending stoutly and running with vim and vigour. He’s an ace in the pack.
Isaac Lui (Wavell)
Lui was a pillar for Wavell, as consistent in the last minute as he was in the first. He was simply strong throughout against imposing opponents.
WALTERS CUP (Year 10)
Wavell’s Walters Cup side is off to a flying start, claiming a significant scalp in Ipswich.
Wavell led 20-nil before Ipswich scored the try of the match, a razzle, dazzle effort by left centre Lasaro Momoka whose 40m burst to score following a stunning pass by his fullback Joey Salafia was worth the admission price alone.
Not surprisingly the most promising player on the field, Wavell SHS No.13 Cruz Molo, scored in the second half to ensure there was no recovery by the visitors.
Match highlights
+ a brilliant grubber kick try by Mikaere Cleave set Wavell on the road to victory;
+ the crashing run by Bensen Manu which brought Wavell their second try. It was athletic, powerful, imposing - a big effort against a very competitive pack;
+ the try saving tackle by Ipswich centre Tyerell Momoka was outstanding, although it was to no avail as the world’s biggest five-eight, Aki Tupouniua, crossed for Wavell moments later.
+ Wavell halfback Maihi Pene threw a cracking pass that spun through the night air into the arms of try scoring winger Silas Tohilima-Gardner.
Scores: Wavell SHS 30 (S. Tohilima-Gardner 2, M Cleave, B Manu, A Tupouniua, C Molo tries; A Tupouniua 3 goals) defeated Ipswich 6 (L Momoka try, B Tikinau goal)
Players of the Match
Cruz Molo (Wavell SHS)
Molo was enormous, a tremendous athlete whose leg speed and agility through the ruck was hard to handle. An athlete, he looked as fit as a 1500m Olympian medallist, and it was no surprise he scored Wavell’s fifth try.
Aki Tupouniua (Wavell SHS)
Fresh from playing up in age group for Canterbury in the Harold Matthews Cup, the tall five-eight was a guiding light for his side.
Jayden Afoa (Ipswich SHS)
The Ipswich SHS hooker finished with an enhanced reputation for his tireless work around the ruck in a well beaten side.
Lennox Fakatani (Wavell)
In an outstanding forward pack performance by all involved, second rower Fakatani stood out from the crowd with his high work rate, defence and impact running.
LANGER TROPHY
Wavell SHS’s fullback Timahna Tandy was a 20 point hero as the Warriors Langer Trophy campaign started in a blaze of glory by beating Ipswich SHS 36-18.
On the annual Homecoming Day, when the Wavell SHS community past and present descend on No.1 oval to celebrate rugby league at the school, the Wavell’s 11 debut boys contributed to a grand win.
Tandy scored two tries and kicked six from seven as Wavell turned an 18-12 cliffhanger into a 30-12 advantage and finally a 38-18 victory.
Tandy’s second try was sublime, a brilliant kick and chase effort which was crucial after Ipswich had closed to within six points of the Warriors.
That try by Tandy came off the back of two match changing runs by the Webb brothers, winger Ruben and halfback Charlie, who took their side from defence into attack.
Wavell played a quick, upbeat game featuring swift ball movement that pressured the Ipswich defence.
Parker’s super effort
The season was only nine minutes old when Ipswich fullback Tom Parker hoisted an ever so high bomb into a starry night sky - only to brilliantly regather his own kick running 20m at full pace.Could we have seen the try of the season already?
Players of the Match
Timahna Tandy (Wavell SHS)
Tandy put the disappointment of a missed kick at the recent QRSS championships behind him with a 20 point haul. Around his two tries and six goals, Tandy was a constant threat and looked a young leader of the side.
Charlie Webb (Wavell SHS)
One of 11 Langer Trophy debut boys, halfback Webb was outstanding. Highly skilled, he was tough and made a big first half tackle when Ipswich were on the attack. He will only get better.
Dallas Davidson (Wavell SHS)
In an unsung pack, prop Davidson played a ripper of a match against imposing rivals. What a debut performance it was on a big occasion.
Originally published as Wavell SHS Homecoming special: 50 Players of the Day from clashes with Ipswich SHS
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