Rugby Match reports – July 28, 2018

St Patrick’s College 1^st XV vs Marcellin College (H) (28/07)

Full time: 38 -“ 18 (HT 17-13)

Try scorer/s: Josh Wilson-Stanton 3, Ryan Yeomans, Ethan Jessop, Koni Wolfgramm

Conversion/s: Pou Siola’a (4/6)

5 -“ Ethan Jessop 4 -“ Chris Tuitea 3 -“ Josh Wilson-Stanton 2 -“ Koni Wolfgramm 1 -“ Inoke Siola’a

Ultimately, we wanted to see our playing group bounce back from last week’s disappointment. This was not just another league game, it certainly never is when we are challenged by our perennial adversaries, Marcellin College, but this also had the right to host a Semi Final, on the line. Training this week was outstanding. We responded to our weaknesses exposed by St Kevin’s in the previous round and worked hard to implement solutions. The attitude of this group is exceptional, as a coaching group we can’t ask more from them. There was no chance that we would not stay focussed on the contest in hand, although it is clear that our squad are desperate to make a Grand Final and a potential re-match against St Kevin’s.

We often pray for -‘Ballarat weather’ on game day, given we must train in these conditions most days, however Marcellin brought a beautiful, sunny winter’s day with them -“ the perfect setting for an attractive game of rugby. On the final whistle I do not know if you would describe the game as beautiful, but it was certainly a hard game of rugby. The scoreline may somewhat flatter us and we certainly did our best to allow our opponents into the game with a horror penalty count in Marcellin’s favour, however when we were required to we defended resolutely and when we had possession we looked dangerous. It will be somewhat strange to train this week knowing we have the same opponents this coming week. Will there be a psychological edge in our favour, possibly, but there are areas that we need to address and we shall. There will be no complacency, only hard work.

Much of our attacking advantage came through outstanding running rugby from both centres, Ethan Jessop and Chris Tuitea, who were the stand out players on the field. They were well complimented by fullback, Josh Wilson-Stanton, who celebrated his selection in the U16 Victorian State Squad with a hattrick of tries that continues to highlight his sensational broken field running, which is unmatched in our competition. It was also pleasing to see two key forwards, prop forward Koni Wolfgramm and captain Inoke Siola’a, kept quiet in their previous outing, dominate for the full game today. There was a great supporting cast, in fact it would be difficult to single out any one player, however all will be able to refine their game ahead of the -‘rematch’.

The season has now finished for all of our other College sides, however we ask all in our Rugby Community to come back for one final weekend, next Saturday (04/08), to support our 1stXV and help drive them closer to a State Grand Final.

St. Patrick’s College 2^nd XV vs. Marcellin College (H) (28/07)

Full time: 14 -“ 28 (HT 14-0)

Try scorer/s: Riley Madigan, Isaac Roberts

Conversion/s: Jovesa Ravisa (2/2)

Our 2nds were going into the last round with their season on the line. The 2s welcomed back Isaac Roberts to the team, who would take the field at Inside Centre. We fielded 13-players that are all valued members of our Senior Squad. Marcellin College sat one position above us on the ladder and the winner would qualify 4th and earn the right to take on SKC’s 2ndXV for a spot in the 2ndXV Grand Final.

From the outset today was always going to be a tough ask, with MC opting to field 14-players from the kick-off in response to our reduced numbers; this is of course within the rules. The 2s have had a great season at home and today would be no exception.

Opening stanzas of the game saw MC gain possession and commence an attack in SPC’s half. However, some slow ball and a fantastic read by Riley Madigan saw a great intercept and a 65m sprint to the line and a fine try that was well converted. Again through the kick off MC were hot on attack, after a few minutes MC again tried the same backline move, this time a well-executed intercept by Isaac Roberts saw a similar outcome with another converted try to SPC and a 14-0 lead against the early run of play.

MC continued to lift through the first half and they dominated possession. However, our 2s showed their trademark tenacity in defence. Wave after wave of MC attack was beaten back; as the half continued the toll of sustained defence started to show. Each member of the 2s continued to throw their bodies into the defence, which lead to a serious shoulder injury to lock Bobby Glanford. With 12-minutes to go he had to come off to have his should strapped meaning SPC was down to 12-players v MC 14. Despite this the SPC resilient defence continued. However, the referee started to pick up SPC for constant infringement at the offside line leading to a yellow card being handed out with 8-minutes to go in the first half. Down to 11 players the 2s continued to defend, led by a resolute Archie Pollard, who at one point made four tackles in a row. The 1st half finished with SPC holding their lead of 14-0.

In my 6-years of coaching schoolboy rugby this half was perhaps the most awe inspiring that I have watched. The defensive effort was testament to all the players and the pride that they take in playing for their school, their jersey and their mates.

SPC commenced the second half with 12 on the field with Bobby Glanford taking a position on the wing with his shoulder heavily strapped. This meant Luke Griffith had to stand up as our only lock, where he dominated the line out winning five lineouts against the throw. In turn, players like Riley Williams and Sam Muller continued to step up with their runs in attack and on field leadership. Again, on defence SPC conceded another yellow card due to a heavy tackle in mid-field. Down to 11-players again, SPC eventually conceded its first try making the score 14-7.

From the next kick off SPC was again tested, some great clean-up work from Jacob and Jovesa and resolute defence from Bryce and Bayley kept us in the game. Bobby had to come off again as the shoulder injury was too much meant SPC was now down to 10-players verses MC 14. Once again MC scored making the score 14-14.

From the next kick off SPC was back to 12-players. However, this was short lived with the referee picking up Damien, who had been tackling all day, for a high tackle. At the same time, he again penalised Max Warren resulting in both players being sent from the field. Again, down to 10-players SPC conceded another try, which was converted.

Not to be disheartened the 2s again lifted and held possession for a time before Isaac Roberts suffered severe crap resulting in him having to come from the field meaning the team was this time down to 9-players. Almost unbelievably, for those on the sideline watching, SPC defended for almost 4-minutes with only nine players on the field before Damien was allowed to re-enter the game. For the remainder of the game SPC played with just 10-players and eventually conceded a final try making the score 28-14.

From the last kick off the boys dominated possession and had multiple attempts at the MC try line only to be denied by the full time whistle, leaving the final score 28-14.

For me the score was immaterial, this game was testament to our 2s and the whole Senior Squad. The boys did themselves proud, never gave up and very nearly had the most unlikely of victories. Personally, I had a great feeling of pride in the boys that played and the College for supporting our 2s program.

(Written by Michael Porter)-

St. Patrick’s College U15s vs. Xavier College U15s (H) (28/07)

Full time: 33-5 (HT 19-5)

Try scorer/s: Owen Pearse 2, Xavier Hayter 2, Escher Eastcott

Conversion/s: Owen Pearse (4/5)

It was the final game of the 2018 season for the St. Patrick’s under 15s rugby squad and, coming off an excellent win against Marcellin College, we were determined to continue the intensity, defence, and offensive dominance we had showed so well in the match last Saturday. Being the last match this group of players would play together, our focus was on ending the season well, and showcasing what the SPC under 15s rugby team was all about. With the weather being perfect for a game of rugby, we started off with a dominant first half, both offensively and defensively, the team did an especially good job retaining possession and sustained attack. This put Xavier College under pressure, allowing us to end the half at a 19 to 5 lead.

In the half time huddle, I challenged the players to put in 100 percent and finish the last half of the season as well as we could. The second half commenced, and the boys responded to the challenge well, keeping the pressure on an exhausted Xavier College defence, with high intensity all throughout the half. Our dominant performance in both halves led to us finishing the game 33 to 5, coming away victors in the final game of the season. To Xavier College’s credit, they competed right to the final whistle, and made us work hard throughout the match.

Credit goes to our players, for their efforts and their commitment given throughout the season, I could not have wished for a better team to coach, I would also like to thank the parents for their support, getting up early every Saturday morning to make sure the kids are well prepared for their games. Once again, thank you to everyone for making it a great season, it has been a pleasure to be a part of St. Pat’s rugby.

St. Patrick’s College U13s vs. St Kevin’s College U13s (A) (28/07)

Full time: 62-7 (HT 31-7)

Try scorer/s: Jayden Tonks

Conversion/s: Fletcher Stone (1/1)

The game against SKC was the last of the season for our boys. A hard performance and despite the score line a very memorable game for our boys. The game kicked off at an extreme pace with St Kevin’s scoring their first three tries early in this half. SPC scored their first try after Jayden Tonks made a very determined run and scored under the poles. This made Fletcher Stones’s job easy to get the extra two points on the board. After that try, our defence was not enough to resist the formidable attack. The hosting side went on to score another three tries in this half time, which left the half time score, 31-7.

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For second half I tried to give everyone that was there as much game time as possible. The St Kevin’s attack was once again too good for our defence and we leaked in another six tries overall. I am extremely proud of the effort that our boys gave and they really need to be commended and recognised for the great season that they have had. For the last game, there was no lack of effort and each and every boy came off the field with a smile on their faces, which is what it is all about.

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