A custard pie for Hugo!
From the Convenor of Rugby, John McCoy
1st XV Match Report – CAS Round 5 – Waverley College Vs Trinity Grammar
The final game of the 2018 had arrived. The season, which extended over 6 months, seemed to have quickly flown past. This was it; 70 minutes remained. For the Year 12 students in Harley McGuiggan, Kieran Donohoe, Harry Whiteman, Luca Moretti, Tadgh Murphy, Conor Molloy, Reece Thorn, Jacob Tomasiello, Phoenix Baldwin and Daniel Andrews, this would be there final time on QP1. The final chance to make a contribution to the jersey that they served so well.
The Double V walked out onto the dusty Queens Park surface led by Waterford legend, Hugo Kulscar and his brother, Noah. Although being the final game for many players in the Blue and Gold, the 1st XV had decided that they wanted to give Hugo the chance to lead the team out and as a show of support to Hugo, wear a Double V jersey, as a symbol that they stand behind Hugo.
Waverley kicked off, as the famous “We are Waverley” song was belted across Death Valley one final time in 2018. It did not take long for the Waverley side to take the first points in the match as Lathan Hutchinson-Walters rolled one through to Moretti who scored in the corner.
Although up on the scoreboard, the Waves had to be careful not to take the foot off the accelerator. The Trinity line-up included a total of three Australian Schoolboys. Through this combination, the side from Summer Hill were able to jump ahead through a try to the left winger.
Waverley hit back through Kieran Donohoe, whose side-step had the opposition bamboozled. Donohoe was pulled down just short, but the Trinity side could not stop the magic feet of Ronald Volkman who beat four players to score under the posts.
An infringement at the kick-off had Waverley reduced to 14 men which put the visitors in a strong point scoring position. The big Trinity hooker, Malachi Hawkes, made a strong charge up field and could not be stopped. This try put Trinity back in front after 25 minutes of rugby.
Some good defensive pressure by Levi Milford ensured that Trinity were unable to clear out of their own 22 metres. A long cut-out pass from Hutchinson-Walters found Phoenix Baldwin on the left sideline. Baldwin was able to scurry his way past his opposite winger to touch down and put the Double V back up. A further penalty conversion put the Waves up by another 3 points, as the halftime whistle blew.
Trinity came out in the second half with plenty of energy. After a series of phases, one pass changed the dynamic of the early threat. The Trinity halfback looked to spin the ball wide to his winger, but picked out Volkman who scooted away to score early for the Waves.
From the kick-off, it was a famous run from Luca Moretti (a run that has served the Double V for 3 great years!) to put the home side in a great position. Moretti’s off-load to Levi Milford put the outside centre away. Milford was just pulled down short of the line but managed to place the ball back to Aisea Aholelei who finished the job off.
Another try was scored in quick time, to make it three tries within the opening five minutes of the second half. This time it went the way of Trinity’s hooker, Hawkes, who touched down for his second try of the match. Hawkes, an Under 16s representative, will no doubt be a player to keep an eye on in the years ahead.
It was all happening at Queens Park with plenty of try scoring. The tries were coming from everywhere and all players were keen to make an impact in the last match of the season. Even the local dog, Snoopy, tried to catch a Moretti off-load at one point of the match to the delight of the crowds!
With 15 minutes remaining in the match, the Double V had the Trinity side pinned inside their own 22. Trinity held strong and managed to keep the ball held up over the line on two occasions. Reece Thorn then sent the ball wide to Tadgh Murphy, who was able to off-load to Volkman. The Waverley fly half was able to grubber the ball through the green defensive line, re-gather and score for his third try to put the Waves well and truly clear.
Unfortunately, the match did not finish as the Waves would have liked with three players sent to the sin bin due to infringements at the tackle. With only five minutes remaining in the season, it was 12 on 15. Gutsy work at the breakdown from Tadgh Murphy saw a turnover which had the crowds cheering. Harley McGuiggan also made one of his famous charges to get his side out of trouble.
In the end, as Trinity looked to end their season with a try, Captain Conor Molloy’s final effort at the breakdown provided Waverley with a penalty. When the ball went into touch, the match was over. The end of the 2018 season. Final score 39 to 21.
To the Class of 2018, we thank you for the memories and the contributions you have made to your school. You have kept the spirit of Waverley College Rugby alive and well. We look forward to seeing you on the sidelines in the many years ahead. Good luck and God Bless!
Around the Grounds
The 2nd XV farewelled Byron Howe, Anthony Santamaria, Oliver Small, Barnaby Bickmore-Hutt, Luc Johnson, Hugo Carr, Jarrod MacAskill, Daniel Kelly, Hunter Markham, Corey Kallis and Luca Martin, and recorded a strong win against Trinity. This secured the CAS premiership for the 2nd XV for the 2nd year in a row. The 3rd XV said goodbye to Nick Corias, Jacob Gibson, Pat Kossenberg, Joseph Wightwick, Steven Schocher, Cameron Shearer and Aidan Arabi, in an entertaining finale to the season. This made it 4 titles in a row for Mr Frost’s men. The 4th XV faced up against Riverview and despite an early scare, the mighty 4ths could not be denied winning 19-17. Congratulations to Thomas McMah, Gerry Fragias, Daniel Hassan, Jack Hamilton, James Bodkin, Daniel Allen, Harrison Keir, Tom Graham, Joseph Moroney, Ryan Connolly, Lucas Dedes and Alastair Alston, who secured the 4th XV a CAS title and made it a special year for the Opens.
The 16As picked up from a disappointing loss to post a strong win against Trinity. Mitchell Eyles scored a great try which was exciting to watch. The 16Bs secured the CAS premiership with a great win against Trinity. Charlie Barber scored an excellent solo try. The 16Cs put a big margin on the Trinity side and the 16Ds came up a competitive team from St Joseph’s, just missing out on the win. Thanks to Mr Max Shanahan who stepped in as the 16Ds coach at the end of the season.
The 15As were in trouble at halftime, and held a narrow 14-7 lead. The cream eventually rose and at the end it was a wonderful second half performance to put the Waves up, 55 – 7. Congratulations to this team on a wonderful CAS undefeated season. Mr Aird’s 15Bs had a fantastic 50-0 win to go out on a high note, despite a controversial penalty count. The 15Cs played a modified 10-a-side match and ran out convincing winners, 61-7.
The 14As maintained a perfect CAS record defeating Trinity, 58-12. Congratulations to coaches Mr Richard Bryant and Mr Brendan Davis who did a tremendous job continuing to build momentum with this age group. The 14Bs also remained CAS undefeated, under Miss Rebecca Gair, with a big 90 point win. The 14Cs impressed coach Mr Phil Davis to end the season on a pleasing note. The 14Ds travelled to Tempe to play against Newington who were too strong on the day. Thanks to Mr Ethan Howe for his assistance in coaching this match. The 14Es were impacted by a number of players out ill late in the week but still held a good win. Isaac Diaz scored 4 tries and Patrick Rindlisbache scored 3.
The 13As came up against a strong Trinity side. Both teams were undefeated in the CAS competition up until that point and this looked to be the match of the round. Trinity proved to be too good with some impressive players, particularly in the backline. Well done to the 13As players who provided plenty of thrills throughout the season. The 13Bs also met a very well drilled opposition according to Mr Chris Soden, and were just able to get the win and take out the CAS premiership. Miss Kaitlyn Downey’s mighty 13Cs also secured the CAS premiership, playing some stylish rugby. The 13Ds had a good transition to cricket season with an 105 point win and the 13Es played against St Patrick’s, Strathfield and also recorded a big win. Thanks to Roman Mellis, Vidar Sundkvist and Jules Walker who were kind enough to run out for St Patrick’s who were short on number. You were great representatives for Waverley in helping our EREA brothers out!
Hugo Kulscar – 1st XV legend!!!
One of the highlights of the season was watching the joy on young Hugo Kulscar’s face last weekend. Earlier in the year, Hugo, a member of Waterford’s Prep 1st side, was sadly diagnosed with Leukemia. This has forced him to have time away from playing his much loved rugby. The 1st XV came up with the idea to allow for Hugo to join the team in the changing rooms before the final match and lead out the team with his own 1st XV jersey on. Hugo was also provided with a game ball signed by all the players. At the end of the game, Hugo was specially requested by the team to join in with the “Custard Pie”.
This gesture provided Hugo with a tremendous lift and a memory he will never forget. A big thanks must go to the 1st XV players and coaches, to all the Waverley College students in the tunnel who gave Hugo and his brother Noah a big cheer as he ran out, and to the Waverley Community in the stands who made it such a big occasion for Hugo just by being there. We look forward to seeing Hugo running out onto Queens Park again very soon!
Wrap Up
Last weekend marked the final round of rugby for the 2018. Reflecting on the results, it was fantastic to see the success stories throughout the ranks, with each age group producing at least one CAS premiership team. Congratulations to the following 10 teams and their coaches on becoming CAS champions in 2018:
2nd XV – Mr John Boyd, Mr Kyle Newbury
3rd XV – Mr Peter Frost, Mr Warren Howe
4th XV – Mr David New
16Bs – Mr Lachlan Drew-Morris, Mr Ben Donaldson
15As – Mr Stuart Donaldson, Mr Deon Smith
14As – Mr Richard Bryant, Mr Brendan Davis
14Bs – Miss Rebecca Gair
13Bs – Mr Chris Soden
13Cs – Miss Kaitlyn Downey
13Ds – Mr Eden Hodge, Mr Max Manicinelli
Thinking Ahead
As we think towards the 2019 season, a number of opportunities have opened up for members of the community to jump into positions to keep the wonderful traditions of Waverley Rugby alive.
Next year we have a number openings in the Rugby Supporters Club committee. We are looking for interested parents who are willing to assist with the rugby season to consider taking on positions within the Supporters Club in 2019.
On another note, Mr Lindsay Jordan, a wonderful admin for the “Waverley Sport” Facebook Page is looking to pass on the baton to a parent or Old Boy that might be interested in keeping the Waverley Sport page up to date.
If you are interested in either of these roles, please feel free to drop an email to the Convenor of Rugby (jmccoy@waverley.nsw.edu.au).
I look forward to seeing members of the Rugby Community at the Presentation Night this Friday!
WAVERLEY TO WIN!
