Rugby Report – St Joseph’s College and Grammar 

Last Saturday saw Rugby return to School, the bulk of our team taking on Joeys in Away fixtures, and our Third XV taking on Sydney Grammar’s First XV side. 

Our Third XV took on Sydney Grammar’s First XV in Round 4 of the Third XV competition. This was one of the matches of the weekend as our Thirds were taking on a strong and undefeated Grammar First XV. From the very beginning, both teams played with great intent and speed. This was a game where every Shore player contributed across the field, and the defensive effort was excellent – a great example of playing for the person next to you. The boys are ready to take on Scots this weekend and take another scalp. 

Our Second XV also had a huge game against Joeys at Hunters Hill. With Competition teams stronger after the break and Joeys having some key players return, it was always going to be a tough encounter. After a terrible start in the first minute where Joeys scored, our Seconds did what they have consistently done this year – stayed in the fight and focussed on the next job. The match then see-sawed but always had Joeys in front, with Shore nipping at the heels. As the game progressed, Shore kept at it and brought the score to 28 – 29 with minutes and seconds remaining. Unfortunately, we could not make one more major play, and the score ended in a 1-point defeat. 

The First XV then took the field determined to go one better than the 28 – 28 Draw played out at Northbridge last Term. However, like the Second XV, we started badly and gave Joeys a head start on the scoreboard and were forced to absorb early pressure in the game. And, just like the Second XV, the First’s fought back and got back in the match. Shore’s fitness began to show, and Joeys players started to go down regularly, disrupting the flow of the 2nd half. With Shore only behind by seven points, it looked like another Draw could be on the cards. Alas, whilst Shore dominated territory in the second half, it was Joeys who turned their opportunities into points, finishing the game with two tries. 

All three of our Competition teams will be versing Scots at Northbridge on Saturday. Lots of Rugby and Football matches are scheduled this weekend at the Bridge, so it promises to be a big day. 

Around the grounds, special mention to the 13A’s who turned their Term 2 Draw with Joeys into a win this time at Hunter’s Hill. A great try by Will Hadfield at the end of the game sealed it.  

The 16B’s also had a win on St Joseph’s College after losing at Northbridge in Term 2. Our secret weapon, Joeys Old Boy, now Shore master, Mr Jack Murphy, helped to navigate the 16B’s for a 1-point win. Well done! The 16A’s had a hard-fought nil – 8 loss to Joeys. However, these two games bode well for the future as the players reach the Open level next year. 

Some great improvement was also shown by the 15A and 15B sides last weekend, turning large defeats in Term 2 into games where they both came so close and lost by one try. It’s nice to win but also great to see improvement like this – on and off the field. 

Dress at Northbridge 

All Shore Rugby players are to dress in Shore sports uniform before a game. Any boy staying to watch afternoon matches must wear full winter school uniform. Boys who have a 2.00pm game must quickly change after their match and take their place in the Hawker Stand. 

Top Image: 16B XV

Mr D Mason-Jones
MIC Rugby

Individual Team of the Week – Third XV vs Joeys

School wide Team of the Week

Forwards	Backs
1. Rowan White (13C)	9. Noah Quayle (15A)
2. Jye Peters (Thirds)	10. Angus Manchee (16B)
3. Will Feely (Seconds)	11. Tim Bannister (Firsts)
4. Ethan Hamilton (Seconds)	12. Will Hadfield (13A)
5. Harrison Brunker (14A)	13. Max Pearson (13B)
6. Charlie Ryan (15C)	14. Sid Shoemark (13C)
7. Sam Litchfield (Thirds)	15. Ben Barry (Fifths)
8. Milo Hogarth-Scott (Fourths)

Coach: Jack Murphy (16B)