Rugby: The final trials round

From the Convenor of Rugby, John McCoy

1^st XV Match Report – Waverley College Vs St Ignatius College, Riverview

Waverley College travelled to St Ignatius’ College, Riverview for one final hit out before the commencement of the 2017 CAS competition. Waverley had taken on Riverview earlier in the season, which has resulted in a victory to the Double V. On that occasion, Riverview were without a majority of their backline who had been involved in the Scots Sevens Tournament. This fixture was sure to be a good test for both schools.

Waverley also welcomed a few new faces into the starting team with Finn Wright, Will McCormick, Liam Cornish and Lachlan Wallace all spending the week on the bench. Into the line-up came Harley McGuiggan, Alex Rice, Hunter Doyle, Conor Molloy and Edenn Rogers-Smith. Luca Moretti was shifted into the centres in a very different looking team.

Riverview kicked off and Waverley were able to build phases early, however, the Riverview defensive line held strong. A much improved area for Waverley was the patience displayed in attack. Working hard for every metre, Waverley did not panic in attack and continued to apply pressure. It was the skipper, Ben Donaldson, who was able to find a weakness in the line and went over to put Waverley up 7-0.

Waverley looked to be well on top for the opening 20 minutes, but started to have trouble controlling the ball when key opportunities presented themselves. This, coupled with some slips in discipline, helped Riverview into attacking territory. Some individual brilliance from Riverview’s left winger had the home side over for their first try.

As the first half drew towards an end, Riverview found some cracks out wide and were able to go in for another five-pointer to put them in front 10-7. While Waverley did have a tonne of possession, the new looking line-up was unable to transfer this into points.

The second half commenced with a degree of scrappiness from both sides. While the playing conditions were prefect for rugby, the ball seemed to be finding the turf too often. It was the senior players of Joel Ellis, Finn O’Sullivan and Ben Donaldson who tried to get the Double V moving forward.

Liam Rayner, who had replaced Brooklyn Hardaker, was able to cut through the defensive line of Riverview. The ball then travelled through the hands of Ben Donaldson, Marco Bell, Daniel Andrews and ended up with the workaholic, Harry Whiteman, who scored a well deserve try in the corner. Waverley were back in front 12-10.

Riverview were quick to recapture the lead after finding space down the left sideline, following a nice movement off an attacking scrum. With this, the pressure was transferred back on to Waverley. The Waves were unable to respond this time and Riverview extended the lead, despite some strong tackles by Luca Moretti. The score was now 20-12, and the pressure was really on.

It was the captain, Donaldson, who again led from the front scoring on the back of a well-rehearsed penalty move. The momentum was now with the Blue & Gold of Waverley as Benny Howard was away down the right edge and came very close to scoring.

It all came down to the last play. After hammering the St Ignatius line, which held together so well, the ball drifted to the left side of the field. As the ball travelled through several sets of hands it reached unmarked men. Tragically, the ball fell to ground just metres from the Riverview line. Heartbreak for one team and ecstasy for the other. The emotions of rugby.

Overall, while at times scrappy, it was an enjoyable match to watch and had the crowd on the edge of their seats. It has also left the Double V with plenty of hunger for a taste of pie, as CAS draws near! Custard Pie!

 

Around the Grounds

The 2^nd XV just went down by three points. Luca Martin was at his brilliant best and the senior players of Liam Rayner and Daniel Szabo, led the team well. A highlight of the match came from a Tim Eyles break which resulted in a nice try to Jacob Tomasiello. Unfortunately, Max Torsellini suffered a nasty knee injury. Our wishes are with Max for a speedy recovery. The 3^rd XV had a good 19-10 victory. Ben Paterson also had to come off the field with another nasty knee injury and our thoughts are also with Ben for a quick recovery. The 4^th XV had their best game of the season winning 15-5 – with Joe Shanahan having a blinder. Gerry Fragias, Oliver Read and Caleb Bruce-James were the tryscorers. The 5^th XV teamed up with the Riverview 8^th XV, but went down after an encoring 10-7 halftime deficit which included a nice try to Ryan Lewis. Unfortunately, due to the unusually high number of injuries in the Opens age group, the 5^th XV will be absorbed into the 4^th XV. Thanks to Cooper Linardos, Ryan Lewis, Caleb Lockwood, Daniel Quan, Jae Yoon, Morgan Hall and Harrison Keir, who represented the 5^th XV for the final time this year.

The 16As went down 31-0 and while not playing their best did not throw in the towel and kept going, which was a positive. The 16Bs enjoyed a nice 21-10 victory. The 16Cs lost 22-0 in the only match to be played at Queens Park against Scots College. The 16Ds won 25-12 with Stephen Davies and Sage Tibbets having fantastic games!

The 15A had a hard battle against a much bigger opposition, losing 49-7. Michael Gerolimos made some courageous tackles on players twice his size. The 15B enjoyed a comfortable 53-5 victory, as did the combined 15C/D side who won 64-0.

The 14As match was decided in the final minutes of the match as Riverview scored a tight 29-19 win in a great game. The 14Bs had a number of late withdrawals but were able to have a tremendous 40-point win under the guidance of coach Rebecca Gair. The 14Cs got over the line in a high scoring match, 42-24, as did the 14Ds who won 76-0 with Dane Perica the standout.

The 13As did not play their best but still managed to win five tries to nil. The 13Bs got up 28-7 and the 13Cs just got pipped at the post in a thriller of a finish, 14-12. Charles Jaeger and Eoin Morrisey played very well. There was only a try in it in the 13Ds match, as they were able to win 26-19. The 13E/F had a good win 27-7, with Henry Kopsiaftis and Luke O’Donnell having great games. Unfortunately, the game was cut short due to an injury to William Coates. Fortunately, William walked away with no serious injuries. A big thank you to parents Mr Andrew Walker and Mr Todd McGrath who were so helpful in attending to our injured lad. A reminder of the wonderfully supportive community we have at Waverley College! Thank you gentlemen!

 

CAS Round 1 Vs St Aloysius’ College

The CAS competition is here! Our first round is against St Aloysius’ College. Aloys’ may not have the depth in numbers, but the teams that they put out on the paddock always possess plenty of talent. Waverley teams will need to be switched on and disciplined, particularly those sides playing at College Oval.

All players and parents are encouraged to get to QP1 at 3:15pm to watch the 1^st XV play their opening CAS match. Prior to kick off, the College Community will be acknowledging and celebrating the rich history of the indigenous culture at Queens Park. We will be welcoming Aboriginal elders and special guests who will be leading us in a Welcome to Country, followed by an Ochre Ceremony and dancing. All are welcome.

 

CAS Code of Conduct

As the CAS competition commences this Saturday, all members of the Waverley College community should be aware of the expectations of Players, Parents & Supporters as outlined in the CAS Code of Conduct. Listed below are the key points we all need to remember when playing, coaching and supporting our boys each week.

PLAYERS

• Play by the rules and in a spirit of good sportsmanship
• Play for the “fun of it” and not just to please parents and coaches.
• Control your temper.  Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately fouling or provoking an opponent, and throwing equipment are not acceptable nor permitted in any sport.
• Work hard both for yourself and your team.  Your team’s performance will benefit, so will you.
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated.  Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
• Co-operate with your coach, team mates and opponents.  Without them there would be no game.

PARENTS

• Focus upon the boy’s efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the game.  This assists the boy in setting realistic goals related to his ability by reducing emphasis on winning.
• Teach your son that an honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of the game is accepted without undue disappointment.
• Encourage your always to play according to the rules of the game.
• Never ridicule or yell at your son or another boy for making a mistake or losing a game.
• Remember boys are involved in organised sports for their benefit and enjoyment, not yours.
• Remember that children learn best from example.  Applaud good play by both teams.
• If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than question the official’s judgement and honesty in public.  Remember most officials give their time and effort voluntarily for your son’s benefit.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
• Recognise the value and importance of  coaches.  They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your son and other boys and deserve your support.

SPECTATORS

• We encourage boys to support their school teams and to be dressed in the school’s uniform while doing so.
• We expect barracking to be enthusiastic but not to be fanatical or designed to heckle or belittle or disturb the opponents.  For example, barracking, for or against, during a kick at goal is always bad sportsmanship. Boys should be encouraged to barrack for their school rather than for an individual    team member.  Booing, whistling, playing or beating musical instruments are in bad taste and wholly unacceptable.
• Vocal support for any team should never encourage violence or rough or illegal play.
• Encroaching onto the field of play, the shouting out of suggestions for players, referees or umpires to hear are not allowed.
• It is never acceptable to express disapproval of a referee’s or umpire’s decision – no matter whether the referee be adult or schoolboy.
• There is a complete ban on all alcoholic drinks at grounds where games between Associated Schools’ teams are being played.
• We expect our players to be modest in success and generous in defeat, not showing in either case undue emotion.  Good play, by our own school and by the opposing school, should be applauded willingly and openly.
• At all times spectators should leave the area tidy and free of rubbish when they leave.
• We look to adults (parents, Old Boys and other spectators) to set an example by their self-control at matches.

 

Upcoming Schedule – Reminder

Please note the following upcoming schedule:

Week 6, Term 2

Saturday 3rd June – CAS Round 1 Vs St Aloysius College

 

Week 7, Term 2

Thursday 8th June – No Training (Long Weekend). Note: Some students will be involved in playing representative rugby on this date (16s and Opens).

Friday 9th June – No School – Founder’s Day Holiday.

Saturday 10th June – No Sport (Queens Birthday Long Weekend).

 

Week 8, Term 2

Monday 12th June – Queens Birthday Holiday – No School/Training.

Tuesday 13th June – House Athletics Carnival (ES Marks) – Training for selected teams – coaching staff to confirm with teams.

Saturday 17th June – CAS Round 2 Vs Cranbrook (final Saturday of sport for Term 2)

 

Good luck to all teams in the first round of CAS!

WAVERLEY TO WIN!