Waverley Rugby Report

An Historic Day at Parramatta!

Last weekend, Waverley College travelled to Parramatta to play against The King’s School. The King’s School is the oldest independent school in Australia and has a proud history on the rugby field. In 2020, King’s won the GPS title in convincing fashion. 

I was extremely proud of every Waverley College player in every team last weekend for their efforts on the field. While some matches were challenging, you could certainly see the desire to do well throughout all the age groups. A special mention to our 13s teams who enjoyed a ‘clean sweep’ of wins in the age group from 13As to 13Fs.

Congratulations to our 16As, 14As and 13As teams who had successful days. Congratulations also to our 15As group who were very lucky not to post a victory at Parramatta, just going down by five points. A win is certainly around the corner.

The 1st XV side had an historic win on “White Oval” posting 53 points. The style of rugby played by the Double V was extremely enjoyable for all to watch. It certainly had many spectators on their feet applauding from both schools.

On a sad note, we did have some season-ending injuries for some of our senior players. We wish Tom Martin and Joseph Morris, who both suffered nasty ankle injuries, all the best with their recovery. Thank you for all your contributions and you will continue to be a big part of the season ahead.

Match Reports

Thank you to Sonny Patane (13As) and Lucas Coe (13Ds) who both sent in Match Reports from last weekend. A prize will be coming your way! Any interested students are welcome to email their reports through to Mr McCoy jmccoy@waverley.nsw.edu.au

13As Match Report by student journalist Sonny Patane

For the 13As 4th trial match of the season, we played The King’s School out at their impressive Parramatta campus. The game was one of the most fun games we have played, with the score being 48 -12 our way!  We opened the scoring with a great backline team try with our inside centre, Payton Tarau, crossing the stripe first. From that point onwards, King’s couldn’t slow us down. Our forwards worked really well crossing the line several times, and the team showed plenty of courage in defence. Overall, we played a great game and brought the win home for Waverley!

13Ds Match Report by student journalist Lucas Coe

Waverley College 13Ds vs King’s 13Ds would have been a great game to watch and even better to play. The first try was a beauty! Brody did a team play called ‘’KFC’’ which is a kick to the corner to the winger. Our halfback put the kick straight to the corner (Johnathan Thurston-like). The winger had a perfect chase. The ball hit the ground and then bounced straight into the winger’s arms for a lovely try (scored by Jack Brantman). Waverley converted the goal. Waverley 7 to King’s 0.

The next try was awesome! The Waverley forwards were winning every ruck and they couldn’t be stopped. We were five metres out and the Hooker did a pick and drive and we score off it (try to Zane Fox). Waverley 12 to King’s 0. Waverley had a backline ready for the next play and they used it well. The centre put the winger into some space and the winger scored (try to Ashton Hourn). Waverley 19 to King’s 0. King’s were at the halfway line and the King’s scrum half threw a pass that bounced to a Waverley player to run a good 40m to score (try to Lucas Coe… Me!). The kick was on point and that made it Waverley 26 to King’s 0.

There was a big ruck and then King’s stole the ball from us. I was defending and then in the corner of my eye I saw one of our players on the ground crying. I was screaming to the ref and then he finally stopped the game for a few minutes. From what I saw, I think it was a neck injury. A couple seconds later, the ground officials came and checked him out and tried to fix the problem. In the end he stood up and started walking to the sideline, and everyone was clapping him off. The coach said to get into a huddle and he said ‘do it for Nick’ (our teammate who hurt his neck). In the last five minutes, King’s had a scrum in their own half. The halfback threw a pass that landed in my arms again. I passed it to the other centre and then he scored a try (try to Jack Brantman). As soon as he converted the goal it was full time. Waverley 33 to King’s 0.

Rugby Vs Oakhill

This weekend Waverley College plays against Oakhill College. Oakhill College is located at Castle Hill and teams playing away should ensure that they allow plenty of travel time to get to the games. Our 13s, 16s and Opens will be playing at Castle Hill, while our 14s and 15s return to Queens Park. Note that the 16Cs team will be playing at Riverview and 13Fs will be at Newington, with Oakhill unable to match up against these teams.

Oakhill have developed their rugby program in a positive fashion. This fixture will be another challenge for all teams. In recent years, Oakhill have produced the likes of Luke Keary (Sydney Roosters) and Ryan Papenhuyzen (Melbourne Storm), so we are expecting to see more talented players coming through the ranks.

This weekend is the final trial round of rugby ahead of the CAS Competition. It is extremely important that all players remain disciplined, as any red cards will result in players missing the opening round of CAS against Knox Grammar School. Discipline on the field will be a key coaching point this week.

Attendance at Training/Matches

A reminder that attendance at training and at matches is compulsory for all students. If a student does miss a training session or match without a valid reason, consequences will be issued by the Director of Co-Curricular. It is difficult for coaching staff leading into the games, if they are guessing who is and who is not available. This goes on to impact the performance of the team who may be left short. Thank you to those players and parents who have been communicating so well when there may be an injury or illness, as this helps coaches prepare teams for the weekend. 

Queens Park BBQ & Canteen – Reminder

Again, we would welcome any support on the BBQ and Canteen duties during the weekends listed below (particularly 29 May (Vs Knox Grammar) and 5 June (Vs Cranbrook) where we anticipate the crowds will be large):

•     22 May, 2021 – Waverley College Vs Oakhill – 14s and 15s age groups to play at Queens Park (Canteen assistance ONLY required, no BBQ)

•     29 May, 2021 – Waverley College Vs Knox Grammar School (CAS Round 1) – 13s, 16s and Opens age groups to play at Queens Park (Canteen and BBQ assistance required)

•     5 June, 2021 – Waverley College Vs Cranbrook (CAS Round 1) – 13s, 16s and Opens age groups to play at Queens Park (Canteen and BBQ assistance required)

If you can help anytime during these weekends, please feel free to click here to register on our online roster.

I would like to wish all teams the best for this weekend!

Waverley to Win!

 

Mr John McCoy

Convenor of Rugby

E: jmccoy@waverley.nsw.edu.au