The 15As celebrating after a Barker win
From the Convenor of Rugby, John McCoy
1st XV Match Report – Waverley College vs Barker College
The Double V travelled up to Hornsby to take on Barker College for the first round back for Term 3. Waverley and Barker both still remained undefeated in the CAS completion after two rounds. Conditions were perfect for running rugby, with a dry surface and no breeze to report. This set it up for a classic game of schoolboy rugby.
Captain and Australian Schoolboys Representative, Ben Donaldson, kicked off to Barker who were looking into the sun in the first half. Barker held possession effectively early, throwing the ball around and testing Waverley. The Waves held together well and a nice turnover by Will McCormick had Donaldson find safety down field.
From an early point Barker were putting a stack of pressure Waverley at the set piece, both at the scrum and lineout. After a short period, it became apparent that the points were going to be crucial in this encounter. Donaldson had no hesitation in taking the points on offer from in front. Waverley up by 3.
At the restart, Waverley were their own worst enemy, dropping the ball and giving Barker a sniff of points. Barker were held up over the line a total of three times, which included a miraculous effort by Will McCormick again. The defensive efforts of Waverley were simply remarkable.
Waverley did have chances and were creating opportunities, but struggled to keep ball in hand, which really hurt the attack. Barker had a chance to hit back, however, missed a crucial penalty from in front. On the back of this, Barker adjusted the game plan. After spreading the ball wide to the fast men, the “Reds” kept the ball in tight which proved to be effective. The simple pick and drives starved Waverley of the ball. A try finally came once Waverley were reduced to 14 men following an infringement at the lineout. At halftime, Barker had their noses in front 7-3.
Straight after the break, an error off the kick off again put the Waves under a stack of pressure once more. On top of this was the fact that Barker had examined the Waverley lineout well and seemed to know every call, which prevented Waverley getting out of their half. Strong defensive efforts from Liam Cornish, Hunter Doyle, Tadgh Murphy and Daniel Andrews at the back ensured no points would be scored easily.
After 52 minutes the scoreboard still showed 7 to 3. It was Joel Ellis who found a gap through the centre of the ruck to put Waverley up 8 points to 7. With 20 minutes remaining the crowds supporting both schools were on the edge of their seats.
Barker continued to keep the ball in close to the ruck and made easy metres by picking and driving the ball forward. A powerful run by inside centre and captain, Will Harding, put the home side back in front. The scoreboard now reading 14 – 8 to the home side.
Brooklyn Hardaker somehow found the ball from the kick off and Waverley were back in a point scoring position. As the ball swung wide, Daniel Andrews went agonisingly close to scoring only to be cut short by the desperate Barker defensive line. As the ball was passed around from side to side, Donaldson threw a magical pass to find Finn O’Sullivan in space. OVER! Waverley back in front 15-14. Plenty of rugby remained.
Another error inside the 22 metres put Waverley under immense pressure as Barker charged into a point scoring position. It was frantic, as Waverley were somehow able to secure possession once again.
A kick behind the Waverley line looked as though it had found space for Barker to go in. Mr Reliable, Daniel Andrews, was there to save the day! A penalty relieved some pressure for Waverley, but the heart rate of all watching on was still sky high.
When Marco Bell passed the ball back to Ben Donaldson who booted the ball into touch, the stress was over. The final score 15 to 14, in favour of the boys from Birrell Street. Credit must go to Barker, who put together an incredible game plan which almost got over the top of the Waverley side.
CAS Round 4 will see Waverley head across to Summer Hill to take on Trinity Grammar. Our boys must again get up for what looks to be another competitive game against a talented side. Eyes will also be on the local derby between Knox Grammar and Barker College to be played at Knox.
Around the Grounds
Tremendous work from Luca Martin at the back as well as Jake Thomas up front helped the 2nd XV to a nice 31-19 victory. Jacob Tomasiello also made a fantastic contribution with an exciting length of the field run. In a competitive match up, the 3rd XV just fell short against Barker College 12-0. While disappointing for the team, the side were not afraid to pass the ball around and play an entertaining brand. Mark Brown was a standout. The 4th XV could not seem to get into the game, as the home side were able to find plenty of gaps in the Waverley defence.
The 16As played out a 7-7 draw against Barker. After an early try to Barker, Waverley hung in the battle and were awarded a penalty try. Both sides threw everything at each other but the scored remained tied when the fulltime whistle blew. In a controversial match, the 16Bs held on for a 17-10 win, finishing the game with 11 men. The 16Cs travelled to Knox where they recorded an impressive 26-5 win. The 16Ds travelled to St Pius X and just went down in a tight match. Thanks to those players and parents who made the journey to Chaplin Oval early on Saturday morning.
Finally, the 15s age group were able to enjoy a home game against Barker. The 15As had a special win, as Flynn Wild went in for a try in the final play of the game. This was the first time this group had defeated a Barker side. Well done to all involved. The 15Bs got off to a slow start and could not run down the Barker team. The 15Cs enjoyed an outstanding 58-0 win.
15As vs Barker
The 14As (55-0) and 14Bs (38-0) enjoyed comfortable victories. The 14As were pleased to welcome back Reeve Smith, after he suffered a painful elbow injury earlier in the season. The 14Cs and 14Ds were both tested against higher graded Knox Grammar sides. Our boys, while having suffered a loss, turned up and tried hard.
14Bs vs Barker
The 13As faced up to the best Barker 13As side in a number of years. Cade Lacey was a standout in Waverley’s 36-5 victory. This included a fantastic opening team try which came on the back of 22 phases. Coach O’Donnell was particularly impressed with this effort. Unfortunately, the 13Bs dropped the ball too often and just went down 17-15 in a highly competitive affair. The 13Cs enjoyed a 34-7 victory, with Axel Jefferis and Hugo Sewell the pick of the players. The 13Ds also ran away with a 54-29 win, as did the 13Es who won in a high scoring match 44-35 against Trinity. The 13Fs started the day nice and early at Queens Park, winning 35-5 against Newington.
CAS Round 4 Vs Trinity Grammar
This weekend is the penultimate round of the winter sport season. Waverley College will come up against Trinity Grammar School. Our Opens, 16s and 13s will travel across to Summer Hill, while our 14s and 15s will play at Queens Park.
Trinity possess some talented teams which include some particularly big packs. Discipline will be crucial this weekend and execution of attacking efforts will need to be a focus, as every opportunity that is presented will need to be taken.
CAS Round 5 Vs Knox Grammar – Final Round
August 5th will mark the final round of rugby for 2017. This will be a big day of sport at Queens Park with big crowds expected. A number of Old Boy groups will also be celebrating reunions on this occasion. The Waverley College Rugby Supporter Group is looking for support from parents and friends on the day to assist with BBQ/Canteen duties, to help provide for the big crowds expected. If you are able to assist, even for a half hour block, please contact President Darren Ellis (darren@ellisplumbing.com.au) who will let you know how you can assist.
Final Week of Training
Next week is the final week of training for 2017. It is important that all players do arrive at training promptly, ahead of a big round against Knox Grammar. It is a round which both schools have been looking forward to for a long time and will be bringing a great amount of energy to.
Following the end of winter sport, I would encourage all rugby players to get involved with the Track & Field season. This commences immediately after rugby season, with the first training session on Monday 7th August at Queens Park after school.
Presentation Night – GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!!!
On Friday 11th August, the Waverley College Rugby Supporter Group will be holding the annual Presentation Night. This year the event for families from Years 7-12, and will be held at the Br Lacey Gymnasium, Waverley College. This will be a great opportunity for players and parents to gather to celebrate the 2017 season, as we recognise the outstanding player performances and say farewell to our departing Year 12 students.
Tickets are $30 for Adults and $15 for Students/Concessions (price includes meal provided by “The Field” catering company – from Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club – as well as a “Lucky Door Prize” ticket). Drinks and Soft Drinks can be purchased at the bar at club prices. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.trybooking.com/301425
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets MUST be purchased by 7th August (for catering purposes). No tickets will be sold at the door. Any enquiries please contact Mr John McCoy (jmccoy@waverley.nsw.edu.au)
Good luck to all teams in the penultimate round of rugby for season 2017!
WAVERLEY TO WIN!
