Sport Report

Rugby

On Thursday 17 August, fifteen boys from Years 9 and 10 competed in the Keilor Division Rugby 9s competition at Moore Park in Ardeer.

 

As undefeated champions for 2017, the boys were keen to uphold their reputation and previous success.

 

In the first game against Copperfield Sydenham, the boys were quick to establish their defensive line and prevent Copperfield from breaking through early in the game.  The first try to Copperfield came not long after, but the boys rallied and put their plays into practice.  Aoese Lafele made a break down the wing, and with just metres to go to the try line he off loaded the ball to Laki Timoteo.  Unfortunately, Laki was not actually on the pitch at this time and had been cheering from the sideline so the ball was out of play.

 

After a few laughs at the mistake, EJ Samu soon drew the scores level with a well-timed break through the defence.  John Velio was then brought on to the pitch and scored two tries in quick succession.  Copperfield continued their attack and the scores were level just before half time.  A tough tackle on Anthony Maniapoto saw him removed from the pitch with a dislocated shoulder, but the team were determined not to let this get them down.  Laveni Ierome and Pule Ioane added to the St Albans score line.

Final score 5-5.

Man of the match: EJ Samu

 

The second game saw the boys take on arch rivals Victoria University.  Determined to play well for Anthony and John who had left for the hospital at this point, the tries came in thick and fast from the opening of the match.  After some brilliant work in defence and holding the back line, Makaafi Taufeulungaki pushed through the VU defence to score his first try of the day.  Luani Faausu added two more to the score line and by half time, EJ Vaiusu had also scored his first try of the day.

 

In the second half, Nia Sione and OJ Sigano worked together to set up a number of plays mid field allowing Michael Muller to score twice.  A few minutes later, Pule Ioane scored once more, and Aoese Lafele made up for his earlier error by scoring four tries in quick succession.  Laki Timoteo made a number of breaks down the wing, but was unable to maintain possession of the ball during strong tackles from the VU players.  Gerrit Afano also helped move the attacking line further up the pitch with some well-timed runs.  Zach Vitale was taken from the pitch suffering from concussion, but continued to cheer the rest of the team on from the sideline.

Final score 12-2.

Man of the match: Makaafi Taufeulungaki

 

Successful in maintaining their undefeated status, the boys returned to school tired and sore, but excited at their triumph.  They even washed the school minibus at the end of the day in celebration of their success.

 

Thanks to Pat Aigoife who coached the team and cheered and motivated from the side lines, and to Mr Ian Crocker for driving the bus.

 

Team:

EJ Samu, Pule Ioane, Anthony Maniapoto, Laki Timoteo, Luani Faausu, Aoese Lafele, Zach Vitale, EJ Vaiusu, Gerrit Afano, Michael Muller, Laveni Ierome, OJ Sigano, Nia Sione, John Velio, Makaafi Taufeulungaki