Rugby Report

CAS Round 2 vs Knox Grammar School – 1st XV Match Report

Waverley College travelled to Wahroonga for the 2nd round of the CAS competition, for an important match against Knox Grammar School. Both sides remained undefeated going into the final fixture of Term 2, and the pre-season form indicated that there would not be too much separating both sides.

The conditions were perfect for rugby, with a dry pitch and not too much of a breeze to report. Waverley set their intentions early by keeping the ball in hand, and rumbling the ball forward. Knox did well to pull down barnstorming runs from Ky Pule and AJ Preketes.

Knox managed to work their way out of trouble, and secured some good field position. This eventually led to a try to the home side. Unfortunately, Ben Finegan was forced off the field to the blood bin, and the Double V were under early pressure.

The Waves responded well, and worked hard to get into a point-scoring position. A strong run from Captain Preketes had Waverley camped right on the goal line, and Ethan Halatokoua used his strength to crash over the line. Soon after, a cheeky kick behind the line into space from Tom Martin, followed by a charge down by Charles Alexander, had Noah Tofaeono in for another Waverley try. 

It did not take long for Knox to come back, as they found space down the left edge of the field. Waverley looked like regaining the lead as the Knox defensive line began to tire. However, the Knox winger managed to pluck the ball from the air, and race away to score a 100m intercept try. 

The match became a great battle as both teams tried and tried to find a way to score. Waverley elected to take the three points on offer, as half-time approached. Both teams looked exhausted, but there was a feeling in the air that this encounter would take the full 70 minutes to decide who the winner would be. At the break, Knox were in front 19-17.

Knox extended their lead early in the second half, finding a weakness in the Waverley defensive line down the right-side edge of the field. A dashing run from Jonti Morshead-Feildel set up a try for his centre partner, Solomon Tuqiri, to put the Double V one try away to regaining the lead.

The kicking game from both teams became a focus as the match progressed into the second half. Some precision kicking from Caleb Sinclair-Harris and Dane Towns had the Waves back into a scoring position. Tom Martin was able to find a gap just behind the ruck to take Waverley to the front. The score now 29 to 26 in favour of the visitors. Plenty of time remained on the clock.

Waverley went close to scoring again through young Kahu Capper on the wing, however, he was called offside. This penalty put Knox back into a position they wanted to be in. Waverley managed to get the ball back, but as they looked to exit, Knox charged down the clearing kick and the ball fell into the hands of the Knox Hooker, who scored under the posts.

As the conditions became darker and darker, the field lights at Knox 1 came on. Knox held the lead, but Waverley threw everything at the home side. I think a kitchen sink was spotted at one point! In the end, it was the side from Wahroonga who held the 4-point margin to win the match. Congratulations to both sides on an entertaining encounter.

The CAS competition now goes on hold for the school holidays. Waverley will meet local rivals, Cranbrook, in Round 3 of the CAS competition. While the Double V might feel disappointed, the Henry Plume Shield is still within reach.

Around the Grounds 

The Waverley vs Knox fixture was a terrific and very evenly-contested round of rugby. On the day, from the 17 matches played, both schools had eight wins, with the 14Bs match drawn, 5-5. 

The Opens tried hard, but just went down in some tight matches. The 16As and 16Cs played matches which were enjoyable to watch, with the Bs just falling short of the win. The 15As had a gutsy three-point win, which was courageous, with a number of players out injured. The 14Cs were the stand outs in the 14s age group with a dominant victory, and the 13s teams again did extremely well.

Thank You

As we come to the end of Term 3, I thank all our parents, carers and friends who have helped create a welcoming atmosphere at Queens Park. Thank you for the numerous hours you have spent volunteering on the BBQ and Canteen.

I would like to highlight the efforts of Year 6 student and Prep 1st star, Charlie Gibbins, who kindly donated two hours of his own time to help out on the canteen. We very much appreciate your efforts and dedication to your school on and off the field!

Should any parents, carers or friends be happy to assist at any point for the final three matches of the season next term, we would love your help. Please register on the online roster below:

>>> Click here to register on the online roster.

Term 3 Schedule

Please note, that training will recommence in Term 3 on Tuesday, 19 July (ALL 16s and Opens teams) and Wednesday, 20 July (ALL 13s, 14s and 15s teams). These will be important training sessions in the lead into the Cranbrook fixture on Saturday, 23 July.

Our 13s, 16s and Opens will play at Cranbrook fields, with the 14s and 15s playing at Queens Park.

I wish all members of the Waverley College community the very best for the upcoming holiday break. We look forward to seeing you back in Term 3!

WAVERLEY TO WIN!

 

Mr John McCoy

Convenor of Rugby

E: jmccoy@waverley.nsw.edu.au