The weekend opened to a hard-fought matchup between Waugh Vs the U14 Polota-Nau side with the tough ask of beating their older age grouped opponents. The match started with a crucial opening try awarded to Zac Gedz setting the tone of the dominant game to come with Waugh showing their force ultimately having a convincing victory.
Final Score 71-0 (Team Waugh Win)
Zac Gedz x2
Charlie Xuereb x3
Jayden Richards
Isaac Street x2
Cooper Martin x2
Morgan Carter
Wilson Ruthven x8
The second game opened with two evenly match sides ready to play their first game of the cup. Immediately from the kick off a fight for field position began with both teams launching high kicks in an attempt to win field advantage.
The scoring opened by Ella team member, Tom Longland breaking open Gavin’s defence and placing the ball down right under the post followed by a successful conversion.
Gavin team were quick to respond flying down the other end of the field with quick line speed passing from player to player before Gavin team member Asher Chapman threw a dummy pass losing his defender placing the ball down. A successful conversion evened out the score to 7-7 showing the local crowd that they were ready for a closely contested game of rugby.
The first half continued with a strong battle on the field trading blow for blow before Ella team won a penalty down their attacking end of the field forming a scrum and pushing the ball over the line awarding themselves another try and successful conversion. In the dying minutes of the first half Gavin team once again refused to go into half time with a significant advantage winning a similar penalty right under the posts then quickly passing the ball out to Gavin player, Kingston Finau who scored a high momentum try in an attempt to even the score. A missed conversion drove Ella team into half time with a two-point advantage 12-14 (Ella Teams Way).
On the commencement of the second half Gavin looked ready to continue to chase the lead making a line break but then knocking over the ball causing a handover. Team Ella was quick to slow the dominant start from team Gavin running the ball to the other end and gaining a try, expanding their lead to 19-12.
The game continued through the second half with fierce tackles made by both teams and fresh legs rotating through as substitutes came on. Gavin responded with another try, leveling the score at 19-19 and setting up a nail-biting final 15 minutes of the game.
In the dying 5 minutes of the game Gavin player Asher Chapman ran a straight line palming off three defenders with an invigorating try directly under the posts allowing for an easy conversion and placing his team in the lead. The last minutes saw Ella team score a try right out on the sideline however as the full-time whistle blew, they missed the conversion allowing team Gavin to hold their lead at 26-24.
Final Score 26-24 (Team Gavin Win)
Asher Chapman x2
Kingston Finau
Hugh Macgregor
Archie Marshall
Levi Strong x2
Tom Longland
Oscar Forsey
Jack Smith
Philip Falaniko
Payton Tarau x2
Waugh team returned to the field to play their second game of the day taking the opening kick-off leaving team Baxter to receive with the advantage of running onto the field for their first game of the Cup.
The opening 15 minutes of the match consisted of a series of mistakes from both teams resulting in scrums and line outs, eventually Waugh team held field position pushing the ball out to the wing and executing a try to Zac Gedz. Baxter team looked to run the length of the field along the wing outrunning defenders with a clear run to the try line before tripping over and losing the ball. Off the scrum Waugh team quickly threw the ball down the other end of the field causing a quick try with an unsuccessful conversion. In an attempt to fight back Baxter team came together gaining another try off a scrum however once again were unsuccessful in converting the try. Both sides went end to end in a high scoring and intense match up before Waugh player, Zac Gedz showed individual brilliance flying through the centre of the field placing the ball down under the posts with no one around him. Baxter team stuck to what they knew continuing their game plan with another try off a scrum directly under the posts ensuring an successful conversion.
The game concluded 31-17 with Waugh team continuing to show their strength finishing their first day of the Cup with their second convincing victory.
James Boerner
Unknown (2nd Baxter Try)
Billy Miller
Samuel Price
Zac Gedz x2
Isaac Street
Wilson Ruthven
Jharall Sione
Wilson Ruthven x3
Isaac Street
Both teams returned to the field to play their second match of the day with the U14 Palota-Nau (White) team looking to play a more defensive game after their upsetting previous match. Team Ella wasn’t going to allow that to happen easily, 6 minutes in opening the score line through a try from Cai Garrett. After an unfortunate injury delaying the game, team Ella continued their dominant start with fast line speed, passing the ball out to Sam Clarke Moar scoring a try followed by an unfortunate unsuccessful conversion hitting the post. Jack Smith from team Ella continued the rampage against the U14 Palota-Nau with a flashy try on the wing and successful conversion. Immediately following with fast line speed by team Ella they looked to score another try before Team Palota-Nau pulled tighter to create a try saving tackle showing their ongoing resilience. Another team Ella try from a scrum came when Sinclair Lyne placed the ball down followed by a successful conversion. Team Palota-Nau's Under-14 side showcased their resilience, refusing to back down as they created a chance near their own try line. The ball was swiftly passed out to Khan Jackson, who dived over near the posts to secure a try, setting up an easy conversion and closing out the first half 7-22.
The second half began with both teams showcasing strong defensive efforts, making it difficult for either side to gain advantage. Team Ella's blistering line speed appeared to break through, with their attack threatening to add another try to the scoreboard. However, Team Palota-Nau responded with a well-coordinated defensive stand, rallying together to force the ball out of play. Team Palota-Nau continued their momentum in the second half, executing a well-coordinated lineout. The ball swiftly moved from side to side along the backline before winger Saia Enasio dived over for a spectacular try, though the conversion fell just short. In quick succession, Destin Tausala followed up with another try in the corner, but once again, the conversion attempt missed the mark.
Final Score 24-17 (Team Ella Win)
Khan Jackson
Saia Enasio
Destin Tausala
Levi Perrett
Cai Garrett
Sam Clarke Moar
Jack Smith
Sinclair Lyne
Payton Tarau x2
As the light faded and the temperature dropped, the final match of the day kicked off between Team Gavin and Team Baxter. Team Baxter struck first, with Ahmed Kassir powering over for a pick-and-go try to open the score. With an unsuccessful conversion Team Gavin saw the opportunity to hit back off a scum on their own try line with Levi Strong finding a gap and getting through for their first try. After another unsuccessful conversion it left the score tied drawn at 5-5.
As the game progressed, Ahmed Kassir continued to make his mark. In a well-executed play, he found space on the opposite wing, bursting through Team Gavin’s defensive line to cross for his second try of the match. His quick footwork and power secured a double, further extending Team Baxter’s lead to 10-5.
Diggy Atkins delivered a well-timed pass to Cooper Williams, who spotted a gap in the defence and charged through, diving under the posts to open the scoring for the second half. The try was successfully converted. Following a penalty awarded to Team Baxter, they capitalised on their momentum by moving the ball swiftly along the line, finding Samuel Price, who charged forward. A quick ruck followed, allowing Julian Minto to finish the move by grounding the ball, securing back-to-back tries for Team Baxter. Team Gavin executed a clinical lineout, moving the ball seamlessly along the backline, which culminated in a well-earned try for James Boerner.
Final Score 22-10 (Team Gavin Win)
Levi Strong x2
Cooper Williams
Asher Chapman
Gavin Conversions:
Asher Chapman
Ahmed Kassir
James Boerner
