Rugby  

Rugby News

On Thursday, 21 March, Year 9-10 students took part in the NRL rugby 9s competition in Altona Meadows.

Boys

In the first game against Lalor Secondary College, the boys stepped on to the pitch and showed how their dedication and commitment to weeks of training had brought them together as a team.  The first try came very quickly as Anthony Mora took advantage of space out on the wing and made a break for the try line. Before long, Lalor started scoring tries but the brilliant efforts of John Bland-Levi who tackled five players to the ground in quick succession, helped the back line stop the opposition getting through too may times. After Lalor scored their second try, Chris Analei-Tauvaga realised they were not ready for a quick turn-around and after stepping past two players, he ran all the way to the try line to bring the scores level.  Antonio Masina soon followed this with another try having chased down a kick. 

In the second half, the boys settled into the drills they had practised, and moved the ball quickly and easily across the field.  Maara Piniata scored twice, pushing through Lalor’s back line of defence, and after a great run by Khrysstian Komiti, Anthony Mora scored again out on the wing.

Final Score 7-4 St Albans

Man of the match: John Bland-Levi

After a positive team talk led by Antonio Masina, and reflection upon their success in the first game, the team were ready to face their toughest opponents of the day: Victoria University Secondary College’s academy squad.  Taken a little by surprise at the speed with which VU started the game, St Albans conceded two tries in quick succession.  Determined not to let this get them down, Maara rallied the team from the centre of the pitch, and before long Antonio was able to push through their defence to open our scoring.  Akash Krishnar Kumar and Sagato Bland-Levi made several very well-timed tackles to keep VU from extending their lead too much, and by half time there were only two tries in it.

Kamalie Asaelu opened the scoring for St Albans in the second half, and Raynier Urayenza helped push the St Albans team closer to the try line with some quick runs into the gaps in VU’s back line.  Maara scored again as a result of another practised play, and the team were able to keep VU’s score from extending too much further.

Final Score 7-3 VUSC

Man of the match: Maara Piniata

Game three saw the team taking on Mount Ridley Secondary College, and the boys were fired up from the whistle.  Mount Ridley were quick to push St Albans back to their try line, but were held up four times by Sagato, Khrysstian, John Bland-Levi and TJ Fereti.  Just when it looked like they were going to score out on the wing, John Milo made a superb tackle and pushed Mount Ridley out of play.  Their attack was stopped and St Albans reset quickly.  Chris again showed his speed and agility, getting past three of the opposition’s players and making a break for the try line. Although Mount Ridley responded with a try of their own, the boys kept their heads high and before long Kamalei and John Bland-Levi made space for Antonio to get through the defence to score again. Sagato’s strength through the centre of the pitch allowed St Albans to push Mount Ridley back once more, and just as the back line closed in for a tackle, he sent the ball out wide to Anthony who again proved he was very difficult to catch.  His try levelled the scores just before the final whistle.

Final Score 3-3

Man of the match: Anthony Mora

Tired and feeling a little worse for wear, the boys were surprised to learn they had made it through to the semi-finals having come second in their pool.  Antonio led the team out with their heads held high, telling them it was just one more game and they could keep going.  Manor Lakes Secondary College had looked very impressive all day and it didn’t take them long to begin their scoring.  Antonio made several attempts to get to the try line and after a lot of hard work and support from the team, he managed to get through to score.  In the second half, Wonpersent Melton used his speed to break through the gaps on several occasions and Manor Lakes were pushed right back.  It didn’t take long before quick passes from Kamalei, Chris and John Milo helped John Bland-Levi to reward their work with a final try for the team.  Almost on the buzzer, Sagato took a big hit which brought the game to an end.

Final Score 5-2 Manor Lakes

Man of the Match: Antonio Masina

Team: Maara Piniata (c), Antonio Masina (vc), Chris Analei Tauvaga, TJ Fereti, Khrysstian Komiti, John Milo, John Bland-Levi, Sagato Bland Levi, Wonpersent Melton, Anthony Mora, Akash Krishnar Kumar, Raynier Urayenza, Kamalei Asaeulu.

Becky Annetts

Middle School Sub School Leader