FROM THE CONVENOR OF RUGBY, MR JOHN MCCOY
1st XV Match Report – Waverley College Vs St Augustine’s College
In one week, the conditions had changed significantly as the Waverley and St Augustine players ran out onto the famous QP1 playing field under threatening skies. Winter had hit Queens Park.
While the conditions had changed, the size of the opposition had not. St Augustine’s possessed an impressive pack coupled with some towering individuals in the backline. It would surely be another big test for the Double V.
St Augustine’s also had speed to burn out wide, as the players in the Waverley side found out early in the match. Augustine’s Captain, Harry Wilson, backed up extremely well to put the first points on the scoreboard for his team.
Waverley Captain, Conor Molloy, helped Waverley to their first try with some nice work at the breakdown. Luca Moretti, who had returned from injury, barged over the line for his first try in the match.
It did not take long for St Augustine’s to regain the lead, after Waverley had been reduced to 14 men. However, the magic hands of Reece Thorn and Conor Molloy, had Tadgh Murphy in for a very well deserved try. The successful conversion by Lathan Hutchinson-Walters had scores back level in the seesawing affair.
One of the most courageous tackles by Reece Thorn was not enough to keep the boys from the Northern Beaches from crossing the line again. Unfortunately, Captain Molloy was forced off after some incredible contributions early on. On came the ball of energy, Ben Paterson, who made an immediate impact in defence.
It was through these impressive defensive efforts that Luca Moretti was able to touch down once again. The momentum had swung in favour of the home side. Hutchinson-Walters capitalised on this swing with a lovely individual effort to put the Waves in front for the first time. When the halftime whistle blew, the scoreboard displayed 26 to 19 in favour of the boys in Blue & Gold.
It took both teams a while to get going in the second half of the match. While Waverley were in front on the scoreboard, St Augustine’s had a strong breeze behind their backs which carried a territorial advantage. However, the breeze could not stop big Harley McGuiggan who charged over the line to get the scoreboard ticking over again.
The weather conditions were not helping the free flowing style of rugby both sides wanted to play, as the ball found the turf frequently. Another nice individual effort by Lathan Hutchinson-Walters, along with a penalty try took the score line to 47 to 19 with ten minutes remaining in the game.
Coaches Cornish and Coleman decided to make some late changes, as the physicality of the match started to take its toll. To the credit of the visiting side, St Augustine’s did not give up and fought hard to the end. This attitude secured three tries at the death of the match.
As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard displayed 47 to 36 in favour of the Double V. In dark conditions, the sounds of “Custard Pie” echoed across Queens Park to the delight of the home supporters. A pleasing effort which will give the side momentum ahead of a big test against neighbouring Scots College.
Around the Grounds
The 2nd XV scored on the bell to secure a tight victory. Big congratulations to Anthony Santamaria who scored not one, not two but three tries in the match. Not a bad effort for a tight head prop! The 3rd XV did a good job in their 31-0 victory, as did the 4th XV who defeated Kinross Wolaroi who travelled all the way from Orange for the game. The 5th XV match was unfortunately marred by an injury to Finn Warren who suffered a nasty head knock. We wish Finn all the best in his recovery.
A remarkable “Chip and Chase” from Ronald Volkman was the first of several spectacular tries in the 16As win over St Augustine’s. Flynn Wild scored a nice try down the right wing in the 16Bs 55-10 victory. The 16Cs had a good contest against the St Pius X 16Bs team, but just fell short of pulling off the upset. The 16Ds enjoyed a comfortable win with some good contributions by Reece Cohen and Mackenzie Martin.
The 15As were up 7-0 when the match was called off early due to a nasty knee injury to the St Augustine’s player. We send our best wishes to this young man. The 15Bs score blew out to a big 52-5 margin. The 15Cs travelled to St Pius X playing fields and got up 40-17 against their 15B team. A fantastic effort.
The 14As met a strong opposition, who had recorded a win against St Joseph’s College the week earlier. The Waverley boys did the school proud and raced away with a tidy 39-21 victory. Well done to Coach Bryant and Davis who really have these boys hitting good form. Jack Ringrose, Max Barber and Sam Lodge all played well in the 14Bs victory. The 14Cs also travelled to St Pius X and recorded a 49-7 win. The 14Ds played the St Augustine’s 14C team and went down 32-10. Conor Hanrahan scored the first try of the game and made some outstanding contributions with three try saving tackles!
The 13As tasted their first victory for the year at Queens Park, winning 21-5. The 13Bs tired hard but could not get over the line. Special mention of Connor Andrews who refereed the Waterford matches in the morning and backed up to give his all in the 13Bs. The 13Cs won but unfortunately Will Mood suffered a broken collarbone. We hope to see Will back on the playing field soon. The 13Ds were in the contest for the majority of the match. The St Augustine’s 13Cs proved a fraction too strong on the day. Mackenzie Palmer’s great efforts in his flashy green headgear were not enough to get his mighty 13Es home.
GPS/CAS Trial Round Vs Scots College
A number of years have passed since Waverley College has faced up against Scots College across all ages and grades. This weekend should be an exciting weekend of rugby for both schools, with all matches played at neighbouring fields. The 1st XV match should be a cracker, with Scots coming off a big win against Newington College. I encourage all students, staff and families to get out to the rugby on the weekend to support what looks to be an entertaining round.
Get Well Soon!
On behalf of the Waverley College Rugby Community we send our best wishes to Year 5 student, Jasper Goodwin. Jasper, unfortunately, suffered a dislocated hip last weekend. Thanks to all the players, coaches and parents who assisted Jasper, as well as those marvellous paramedics, physios and ambulance officers who look after our boys each week. We also send our best wishes out to Year 11 student, Will Fagan, who suffered an ACL injury. We wish both Jasper and Will well for a speedy recovery.
Concussion Procedure
In the unfortunate event that a player suffers a head injury, there is a clear procedure which should be followed. This has been set out in the Rugby Australia Concussion Procedure. Information on this can be found here
Players, parents, referees, coaches and medical officers all have an important part to play in treatment and follow up of any head injuries. It is particularly important that the player involved is referred to a medical doctor or the emergency department as soon as practical (within 72 hours of the injury).
Players will also be issued with a ‘Concussion Referral & Return Form’. This is an important document in following up any concussions which have taken place. This document ensures that players have medical clearance from a doctor before returning to play. A reminder that the minimum period before return to play is 19 days for children/adolescents aged 18 and under.
Beanie for Brain Cancer
With the wonderfully supportive community we have at Waverley, I am calling all students and families to get behind the “Beanie for Brain Cancer” initiative. This has been developed to raise funds for the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) to fight Brain Cancer.
Year 5 student Digger Callander tragically lost his father, Matt, after a battle with cancer last year. Matt played a big part in launching the Beanie for Brain Cancer initiative in the NRL to support the Mark Hughes Foundation. The Beanie for Brain Cancer NRL round will take place in Round 12 (24th – 27th May), to raise much needed awareness and funds to promote research into this terrible disease and provide patient support.
Some of our 16As players, including Jim Waterhouse and Thomas Jaeger are currently selling MHF Beanies for Brain Cancer each lunchtime at school and will continue to do this over the coming weeks. Beanies are $20 each.
Furthermore, to launch the NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round on Thursday 24 May, Channel Nine’s Today Show sports segment with Tim Gilbert – will be broadcasting – LIVE from 5:30am on Bondi Beach, Sydney. During the course of the morning Waverley College students, staff and families are invited to take part in a World Record attempt of “The largest gathering of people wearing beanies”.
We are hoping as many student, staff and families from Waverley can participate in this event. Those attending are to wear their beanie of choice (or purchase a Mark Hughes Foundation Beanie) to Bondi Beach from 5.30am to be counted in the record.
Let’s get behind Digger and the Callander family, and support the Beanie for Brain Cancer initiative!
Good luck to all teams this weekend against Scots!
WAVERLEY TO WIN!
