With the double-round competition scheduled for the First and Second XV, the decision was made late last year to hold both fixtures on Thursday afternoon, before the long weekend. It was always going to be a challenge. The previous Saturday against Riverview was physical, tense, and emotional – as we’ve come to expect. Recovery became the priority, as both teams then took on top of the table King’s, five days later.
For our First XV, King’s would be our toughest opponents yet. They were undefeated heading into Thursday. The combination of their big ball running forwards with athletically outside backs, has been too much for all other GPS schools this season. Injuries and last play disappointments have dominated the First XV’s season so far, but you could never fault our boys’ effort, resilience and toughness this year. Thursday afternoon was no different. Much like the Second XV, we were outmatched physically. But we were able to defend our line at crucial times and gave ourselves a chance, right up until the last play, for the fifth week in-a-row.
Arthur Greer, Joe Mangelsdorf and Pat Young were instrumental for our forwards, matching Kings physicality in attack and defence. Hwi Sharples was again amongst our best and Pat Broe carried the ball strongly, in his new position at inside centre.
Injuries unfortunately halted some of our momentum, as Hunter Fogarty and Declan Minton left the field with painful injuries. We are proud of the team who stayed in the match right until the final whistle, unfortunately falling just short. Final Score 10–17.
Photos courtesy of Mr John Flitcroft.
