For the final round of the GPS Competition, 28 of our 40 teams travelled to Parramatta, to take on The King’s School. Due to the long weekend match up earlier in the year, this was the first game against King’s for most of our teams.
Our Third XV started off the GPS-competition matches in style with an impressive 35-17 victory. Despite two early losses to start the season, our Third XV finished strong. Their 5-2 win-loss record left them in equal 2nd place on the AAGPS table. A great effort, especially considering they used 27 different players, throughout the season.
The final match of the Winter Sport Season was always going to be tough. Kings had 8 wins, 1 draw and 0 losses heading into Saturday and had already won the 1st XV AAGPS Premiership. Despite improved performances in the backend of the season, a season-ending injury to 1st XV Captain Hwi Sharples, added to the challenge. In a season that will be remembered for the determination, fortitude and resilience shown from our boys, they again did their school and the Joeys Rugby community proud.
Kings were slick, powerful, and confident. Every time we had an advantage or momentum they bounced back with a quick reply. Our forwards had one of their strongest performances of the season, but errors at crucial times, kept Kings in front and a memorable victory just out of reach. Despite being down by 19-points at one stage, our boys never gave up. And when Patrick Young made another impressive line break and set up Ethan Tombs for one of the tries of the season, we gave ourselves one final chance. We were unable to capitalise, but our boys can hold their heads high, eventually going down 33-26.
In the end, we won 32 games and lost only 4, for our best overall performance of the season.
