From the Convenor of Rugby, John McCoy
1st XV Match Report – Waverley College Vs Scots College
Waverley College travelled to Bellevue Hill to take on neighbouring Scots College in perfect rugby conditions. A large crowd had gathered to watch the much anticipated contest, as the 2017 CAS Champions kicked off to the 2017 GPS Champions.
The commencement of the match was very physical as expected. The Double V knew that hard work would be required to win this one. Much of the opening was about getting in the arm wrestle. The Waves were tough and put in plenty of effort into get over the advantage line near the ruck.
It was the small mistakes which were letting the Waverley side down. Scots were excellent in capitalising on a loose ball. A set move off a scrum saw the Scots Half Back, Seb Strang, go in untouched to commence the scoring for the home side.
Waverley knew they had to step up. Strong carries from Levi Milford, Harry Whiteman and Alex Rice got the momentum going for the visiting side. Lathan Hutchinson-Walters was then able to put Patrick Kite into a hole out wide. Kite was able to touch down in the corner to even up the scoring.
Hutchinson-Walters impressive kicking game gave Waverley a territorial advantage, but lapses in the defensive line out wide allowed for Scots to make easy metres. This eventually led to the second Scots try to Captain, Will Harris.
Waverley were throwing everything at Scots. However, this came at a cost as Tadgh Murphy, a rock in the Waverley defensive line, was forced from the field. Scots were able to build a commanding lead before the break with a try in the left corner as well as a nice try from a well-constructed rolling maul just before the break. At half time the home side were comfortably in front, 26-5. Waverley were trying their best, but the little mistakes were really hurting.
Waverley entered the second half in an upbeat fashion, despite the scoreboard. The early focus again was getting into the arm wrestle by building phases. Again, it was the little errors which had let the team down and alleviated the pressure which had been created. Scots defended very well and were clinical at the set piece.
Daniel Andrews tried his heart out, as usual, and made a nice dash along the eastern sideline to put his team in good field position. Hutchinson-Walters capitalised on this with a nice individual try. The scoreboard now displaying 26-12.
The rolling maul was a highlight of the Scots attack as they seemed to make easy metres and secure quality field position. In a repeat of the first try, the territorial advantage paid dividends as the Scots No. 9 strolled through untouched for another five-pointer.
The effects of the physical contest started to take its toll near the end of the match as many of the Double V were forced from the field battered and bruised. On the back of this, a runaway try to the home side put the result beyond doubt.
An entertaining try set up by Luca Moretti gave the Waverley supporters something to cheer about near the end of the match. However, the Scots side seemed to be too good on the day running out as 45-19 winners in the end. All Waverley players gave their all for the Blue and Gold jersey, and can hold their heads high against a quality opposition.
The Double V will take a great deal from this experience moving forward, with the commencement of the CAS season just around the corner. The next test will be against Newington College at Stanmore.
Around the Grounds
The 2nd XV played a thrilling match, just falling short to the Scots 2nd XV. Alistair Jensen made a big impact early before he was forced off the field with an injury. Ben Daley played a terrific game with some magnificent tackles. Unfortunately, Zach Szabo sustained a nasty injury to his hand which will mean time away from the sport he loves. We wish Zach the best for a speedy recovery. Kye Llewellyn and Charley Howell played strong games in the 3rd XVs narrow loss. The 4th XV were the only Opens team to post a win, 21-17. Caleb Lockwood, who had moved up from the 5th XV made a strong contribution in the win. Harvey Williams played well for the 5th XV who lost 7 tries to 4.
The 16As were behind early on the scoreboard, but when Mitchell Eyles pinched a cheeky intercept try things turned around quickly. This set the team alight as the 16As charged away with a convincing 38-17 victory. Michael Gerolimos, Keilan Grace and Grayson Thomas all contributed well in the 16Bs massive 102-point win. The 16Cs ran away with a 41-point win. Tyler Dale, Declan Punch and Patrick O’Sullivan all played well in this match up. The 16Ds made it a clean sweep for the age group, with Health Jackson voted as man of the match.
The 15As continued on their winning ways, defeating Scots 34-10. Unfortunately, the win came at a cost as James Elfes fractured his collarbone and Jack Hickey injured his thumb. We wish both players the best in their recovery. Coach Aird reported a great team effort in the 15Bs 58-0 win against the St Joseph’s College 15C team. Prop, Chris Salem, played his best game for the season in the 15Cs narrow loss. The 15Ds enjoyed a modified 10-a-side match against Scots in the early hours of the morning at Queens Park.
The 14As maintained their undefeated status, running out convincing winners 45-0. The 14Bs game was cancelled early, due to a nasty dislocated hip to one of the Scots players. We wish the young man well. Coach Davis reported a great team effort from the 14Cs despite coming second on the day. Dakota Fanning’s great vision and James Byrd’s great efforts at halfback, were not enough to get the mighty 14Ds home. The 14Es played a very tight contest with Cian O’Reilly, Harry Fox and Zac Wilde all making pleasing contributions.
Billy Lyons had a blinder for the 13As – scoring a great try and saving one. However, this was not enough to get his side home. The 13Bs went down by a conversion, 19-17. Sam Fingleton had his best game for the season in the 13Cs loss. Dominic Smith and Edison Beswick were excellent for the 13Ds in their win, and Harry Hill and Oscar Stanton-King played very strong matches up front in the 13Es 54-24 win.
CAS/GPS/ISA Trial Vs Newington College
This weekend Waverley College faces up to another strong GPS school in Newington College. Newington will be competitive across all grades. Our 13s, 16s and Opens will play away at Stanmore, while our 14s and 15s are at home. All players are to ensure they are ready to warm up at least 30 minutes before your match. If players are running late, it will significantly impact upon the mindset of the team heading into the match. Players are to also ensure any strapping requirements are completed well before the warm up.
Referees and Coaches – Thank You!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the referees and coaching staff at Waverley College for their efforts so far this season.
Due to a late withdrawal in the 14Es match on Saturday, I had the honour of refereeing this match. It served as a good reminder of the challenges which referees face each week. It can be a real test to make quick and precise decisions, as well as manage 30 emotionally charged humans involved in a physical contest.
Furthermore, I would like to thank our coaches who give up their time to support the Rugby Program. Our coaching staff, which is made up of many Teaching Staff and Old Boys, dedicate time each week on top of full teaching loads, full-time work and study commitments to help our boys improve their skills each week.
On behalf of the Waverley Rugby Community, we thank all our coaches and referees who provide the platform for our boys to enjoy their rugby! Thank You!
Queens Park Canteen & BBQ Assistance
It has been wonderful to see so many new faces assisting in the Canteen and on the BBQ so far this season.
The online roster continues to fill up but we are still looking for support from parents across all age groups. Parents and friends can simply go to the link below to register your interest:
Thanks in advance for all those who volunteer their support throughout the season and make all visitors to Queens Park feel so welcome.
Waverley Rugby Team App
A reminder to all member of the Waverley Rugby community to download our own “Team App”. This is a platform which allows our rugby community to improve communications. The app includes items such as News, Fixtures, Competition Ladders, Live Scores, Photos and most importantly, frequently updated Team Selections. Simply download the Team App (by ‘Team Mates’) from the App Store, search for ‘Waverley College Rugby’ and request access.
Good luck to all teams this weekend against Newington!
WAVERLEY TO WIN!
