From the Convenor of Rugby, John McCoy
1st XV Match Report – Waverley College Vs Trinity Grammar School
Waverley College headed across to Summer Hill to take on Trinity Grammar School in CAS Round 4. This was a crucial round of rugby, as a win for Waverley would set up a classic match against Knox Grammar in the final round for the 2017 season.
It did not take the Double V too long to cross the line, which came from a driving maul down the right edge of the field. Trinity hit back soon after this with a try, following a Waverley error at the kickoff. The quick scoring set the tone for the match. It was going to be a high scoring affair in beautiful playing conditions.
A clever tap inside from Lachlan Wallace had Phoenix Baldwin over to put the boys from Birrell St back in front. Some impressive tackles were made by Tadgh Murphy as well as Finn Wright who returned from a freshen up in Ireland.
Daniel Andrews was very good at the back and was able to find some holes in the line, as did Lachlan Wallace who scored and gave the Waves some breathing space. Trinity came back again and found room out wide in the form of fast man, Byron Hollingworth-Dessent.
Joel Ellis was very sharp around the ruck and was quick to pick a gap, beat the fullback and touch down. When Ben Donaldson went through untouched just before the halftime whistle blew, Waverley had reached a commanding lead, 31-10.
Lachlan Wallace went in for his second try of the match soon after play resumed, which had the Double V up by four converted tries. To the credit of the Trinity side, they continued to try hard and build phases in attack. This effort was rewarded with a try to the Green & White’s fullback.
A brain snap had the Waves down to 14 men at the kick off, and when Trinity’s champion sprinter, Hollingworth-Dessent, got into the clear he looked to be away again. That was until Captain Donaldson tracked him down with ease and, in this tackle, he gave his team the impression that they were well in control.
Late tries to Liam Cornish and Donaldson, put the game beyond doubt as the scoreboard displayed 52-17. Coaches Cornish and Coleman rotated the troops towards the end of the match, as the Double V started to look towards the final round of CAS.
The fulltime whistle sounded, and news had travelled through from Wahroonga that Barker had defeated Knox. The Double V sang “Custard Pie” proudly on TGS1, but there were no big celebrations. As the playing group huddled together, there was a clear sense that the job was not done yet.
Around the Grounds
The 2nd XV continued to play an entertaining brand of rugby, as they defeated Trinity 53-0. Hugo Carr and Liam Rayner controlled the game well, with Joshua Weinstein and Harley McGuiggan making some strong charges up field. The 3rd XV also had a 50-point win and were pleased to hear the news that Knox had defeated Barker, meaning the CAS Round 5 fixture against Knox would be for a premiership. The 4th XV ran away with a strong 68-5. Brendan Morrisey played a big part in the win at fly half.
The 16As continue to show signs of improvement, winning 20-7 against Trinity. Aiden Arabi and Charley Howell both had their best games of the season. The 16Bs had a dominant 58-0 win. Special mention to Daniel Allen who was brave enough to take the field after having an illness just days before. The 16Cs had a terrific 19-7 win against Riverview and despite strong efforts by Alistair Alston and Michael Gatto, the 16Ds just went down against Knox.
In 2016, the Trinity 14As had put 60 unanswered points on the Waverley College 14As. In 2017, only three points separated the two sides. Waverley just missing the win, 10-7. This was a wonderful achievement and shows how much this side has improved. The 15Bs enjoyed a fantastic 19-12 victory, with Liam Andrews making some great contributions at halfback. The 15Cs match finished at 22-7 in favour of the Waves, and the 15Ds defeated St Joseph’s College, 31-19.
15As vs Trinity, Queens Park 2017
The 14As go in to the final round of CAS as another CAS undefeated Waverley side, after enjoying a 38-0 win. Coach Bryant was particularly proud of how the Waverley line had not been crossed in a CAS fixture and will look to keep this record in order against Knox. The 14Bs won 52-0 and the 14Cs did a try better, getting up 57-0. The mighty 14Ds started the day well on QP3 as they won 62-12.
The 13As had an incredible 70-point win against Trinity and will move into the final game against Knox as undefeated. This side was very lucky not be undefeated all year, just going down to Joeys earlier in the year. We wish them well on Saturday as they look to cap off a terrific season. The 13Bs also ran away with a 70-point win. At halftime in this match, this team was set a challenge by Coaches Soden and Bell to not let the other side touch the ball. The 13Bs successfully held the ball for 22 minutes straight! The 13Cs and 13Ds travelled to Riverview, and both fell just short, going down 22-10 and 16-12 respectively. The 13Es tried really hard but were unable to catch the Trinity 13Cs who won 6 tries to 2. The 13Fs started the day at Trinity in very impressive fashion, winning by over 70 points against the Trinity 13Ds. Great work boys!
CAS Round 5 Vs Knox Grammar
This Saturday is the final round of rugby for 2017 and what a round of rugby it will be – Waverley College Vs Knox Grammar School! The 1st XV fixture is sure to be a thrilling match as both sides play for the CAS title – the Henry Plume Shield.
The coaching staff and all the players are hoping to get a big crowd of Waverley supporters to help get them home. The main game commences at 3:15pm. It would be great to see (and hear!) plenty of Waverley students and families at Queens Park! All are welcome!
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 HERE.
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)
More Representative Honors
I am pleased to pass on the news that three Waverley College students have made the Under 14s Sydney Rugby Team. The boys were selected into the squad from over 185 players during the State Championships held in Orange in June, with the final team being announced recently. The Sydney team will travel to Bathurst on Saturday, 5th August (after their Knox game) for the Under 14s ‘Sydney v Country’ match to be held on Sunday, 6th August. Congratulations to the followings students:
- Klayton Thorn
- Clem Halaholo
- Aaron Dimovitch
Thanks to Vicki Thorn for sharing this wonderful news and, on behalf of the Waverley Rugby Community, we wish Klayton, Clem and Aaron the best of luck for a successful game.
A trip down memory lane
Check the carousel of photos above to see many of our First XV playing against Trinity in 2012 as the 13As!
Good luck to all teams in the final round of rugby for season 2017! I hope to see you at Queens Park this Saturday for what looks to be one of the most enthralling matches in Waverley College history!
WAVERLEY TO WIN!
