Author : Nick Campton
Daily Telegraph

Combined Catholic Colleges have kept their undefeated run alive after a nailbiting finish against Combined Independent Schools. Watch the full replay here.

Watch a full replay as NSWCCC v NSWCIS in the Under 18’s.

CCC have remained unbeaten in the Under 18s of the NSW Schoolboys Championships with a hard-fought 12-8 win over CIS.

CCC led 12-4 after a tight and tense first half and the match remained on a knife’s edge through the second stanza with CCC turning away wave after wave of attack from CIS, who turned the tide in the middle but could not find the final touch.

Penrith SG Ball hooker Ryley Smith was named CCC’s man of the match while CIS lock Domenico De Stradis was judged his side’s best.

Ryley Smith was named as ‘Player of the Match for the NSWCCC on Day 3 (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

Domenico De Stradis was named as ‘Player of the Match for the NSWCIS on Day 3 (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

CCC celebrating Lachlan Blackburn’s try during the NSW U18 Combined Catholic Colleges v Combined Independent Schools game of the State Rugby League Tri-Series held at St Mary’s Leagues Stadium. (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

“We knew it was going to be tough, they were willing to rip in and have a go, they had nothing to lose and I thought we were gone with 15 minutes to go,” said CCC coach Craig Brennan.

“But our boys kept turning up and kept working hard for each other, which was pleasing, it was something we build our culture around – teamwork and working for each other.

“I thought our 13, Jaxson Rahme, was really strong and our fullback, Liam Ison, he’s always busy and around the ball and our winger Emmanuel (Kanidakis) got through a lot of work.

Dane Towns crossing for a try during the NSW U18 Combined Catholic Colleges v Combined Independent Schools game of the State Rugby League Tri-Series held at St Mary’s Leagues Stadium. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“Our two hookers, Ryley Smith and Taj Brailey, were really good as well but it was good performances all round.”

Taj Brailey Gets his NSWCCC team going forward (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

Winger Dane Towns opened the scoring when he dived down in the corner following a sweeping CIS backline movement with five-eighth Max Riolo creating the space with a well-timed pass.

But CCC replied shortly thereafter with a nice spread of their own, with fullback Liam Ison throwing the final ball that allowed Kandidakis to dot down.

A booming sideline conversion from five-eighth Keagan Russell-Smith gave CCC the lead and they extended it minutes later when halfback Ethan Sanders put backrower Lachlan Blackburn over with a sharp short ball.

Travis Petersen during the NSW U18 Combined Catholic Colleges v Combined Independent Schools game of the State Rugby League Tri-Series held at St Mary’s Leagues Stadium. (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

Patrician Brothers Blacktown’s John Sagaga, who lined up at prop for CCC, stood out with some strong defense in the middle of the field and towering prop Jordan Miller was just as effective with ball in hand.

Still just 16, Miller’s tireless efforts belied his enormous size and the Magpies Harold Matthews prop is certainly one to keep an eye on.

Backrower Michael Abdow acquitted himself well for CIS and toiled hard on the right edge while fullback Siteni Taukamo when he got some clean ball.

CIS props Jake Abbey and Bill Statham helped turn the tide in the middle of the field for CIS after the break with CCC missing Sagaga’s presence after he left the field with an injury.

NSWCCC Under 18’s on Day 3 after their drawn game against the NSWCIS (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

NSWCIS Under 18’s on Day 3 after their drawn game against the NSWCCC (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

WATCH THE UNDER 15 CHAMPIONSHIPS HERE

DAY 3 ACTION PHOTO GALLERIES

Under 15’s NSWCCC v NSWCIS

Under 18’s NSWCCC v NSWCIS

DAY 2 ACTION PHOTO GALLERIES

Under 15’s NSWCHS v NSWCIS

Under 18’s NSWHSC v NSWCIS  (Coming Soon)

DAY 1 ACTION PHOTO GALLERIES

Under 15’s NSWCCC v NSWCHS

Under 18’s NSWCCC v NSWCHS  

The post Catholic U18s hold on in schoolboy nailbiter appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Schoolboy rugby league under 15 Day NSWCCC v NSWCIS

Author : Jocelyn Airth
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

The Combined Catholic College was too strong for the Combined Independent Schools team in the U15s after a dominant display.

Watch the full replay here.

Watch a full replay of Under 15’s – NSWCCC v NSWCIS.

Fearless Finau Latu and Jeziah Funa-Luta led CCC to a dominant 42-8 victory over CIS in the 15s NSW Schools Championships.

The huge win saw the CCC boys finish the series undefeated, having beaten CHS on Tuesday.

CCC’s player of the match Funa-Luta, who is part of Parramatta’s system, said he was grateful to test himself against the best schoolboys in NSW.

“Before the game we were talking about our three goals, to tighten the middle, win our first three tackles and be tight in defence. But all around we had a good performance” Funa-Luta said.

WATCH THE UNDER 18 CHAMPIONSHIPS HERE

“It was good to have a new competition, see where I’m at, compared to everyone else.”

CCC playmaker Matthew Humphries, who was a bit of an unknown heading into the series, put in another strong performance.

“(Humphries) led us around really well, he was really physical, which are probably all question marks people had around him,” CCC coach Kyle Churchill said.

“But in those first training sessions we had, he really showed something and I think he really led in both games of the campaign, both on and off the field.”

“Finau was good and Jezaiah was really good on his left edge.”

Best plays: Combined Catholic Colleges proved too strong for Combined Independent Schools in their under-15s matchup.

It was a tough day out for CIS, but halfback Alex Conti was proud of his side’s efforts.

“We got a bit low around the bench, few players got injured, but we put out hearts on the line,” CIS’ player of the match Conti said.

Alex Conti receives his NSWCIS u15’s Player of the Match award from the Sharks Glenn Brailey (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

“Edwin Langi and Mitchell Woods have been standouts, Edwin got us going through the middle and Mitch led from the back.

“It’s good to test yourself, it helps you get better too.”

Flyer Carson T’malii opened the scoring for CCC, crossing on the left edge off a beautiful ball from Humphries.

A slick pass from CCC fullback Jaxon Edgar then allowed rangy winger Tom Kirk to score on the right.

Strong aerial work by Lachlan Dooner saw the centre collect a perfect Toby Rodwell bomb and cross to extend CCC’s lead.

Lachlan Dooner leaps high to mark a Toby Rodwell kick to score out wide during the  NSW U15 Combined Catholic Colleges v Combined Independent Schools game of the State Rugby League Tri-Series held at St Mary’s Leagues Stadium (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

Lachlan Dooner leaps high to mark a Toby Rodwell kick to score out wide during the  NSW U15 Combined Catholic Colleges v Combined Independent Schools game of the State Rugby League Tri-Series held at St Mary’s Leagues Stadium (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

Lachlan Dooner leaps high to mark a Toby Rodwell kick to score out wide during the  NSW U15 Combined Catholic Colleges v Combined Independent Schools game of the State Rugby League Tri-Series held at St Mary’s Leagues Stadium (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

Lachlan Dooner leaps high to mark a Toby Rodwell kick to score out wide during the  NSW U15 Combined Catholic Colleges v Combined Independent Schools game of the State Rugby League Tri-Series held at St Mary’s Leagues Stadium (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

CIS’ Langi was a force through the middle – it took multiple defenders to pull the prop down.

Five-eighth Joe Walsh made a great break that, thanks to strong support from winger Aidan Gow, saw Lachlan Simpson score CIS’ first try.

CCC led 14-4 at half time and continued their rampage into the second stanza.

Edgar put Riley Oitmann over, before halfback Rodwell’s brilliant footwork saw him snatch his own four-pointer.

CIS responded via centre Onitini Large, who capitalised on an overlap out left.

But Riley Allen, Sam Carr and Oitmann then barged over to seal CCC’s huge 42-8 win.

Jezaziah Funa-Luta NSWCCC u15’s Day 3 Player of the Match award from the Cronulla Sharks’ Glenn Brailey (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

NSWCCC – 42
TRIES : Carson T’malii, Riley Oitmann 2, Tom Kirk, Lachlan Dooner, Toby Rodwell, Riley Allen, Sam Carr
GOALS : Lachlan Dooner 5

NSWCIS – 8
TRIES : Lachie Simpson, Onitini Large
GOALS :

NSWCCC and NSWCIS Under 15’s on Day 3 of their match in the NSW Schoolboys Tri-Series (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

NSWCCC Under 15’s on Day 3 of their match in the NSW Schoolboys Tri-Series (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

NSWIS Under 15’s on Day 3 of their match in the NSW Schoolboys Tri-Series (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

DAY 3 ACTION PHOTO GALLERIES

Under 15’s NSWCCC v NSWCIS

Under 18’s NSWCCC v NSWCIS

DAY 2 ACTION PHOTO GALLERIES

Under 15’s NSWCHS v NSWCIS

Under 18’s NSWHSC v NSWCIS

DAY 1 ACTION PHOTO GALLERIES

Under 15’s NSWCCC v NSWCHS

Under 18’s NSWCCC v NSWCHS  

Under 15’s Team Lists

Combined Independent Schools Under 15’s

1 Mitchell Woods, St Patricks College Strathfield
2 Heamasi Makasini, Newington College
3 Onitoni Large, The Scots College
4 Casey McLean, Newington College
5 Charlie Poynton, St Augustine’s College
6 Joe Walsh, St Augustine’s College
7 Alex Conti, St Patricks College Strathfield
8 Edwin Langi, The Kings School
9 Jaxon Allen, Cranbrook School
10 Toby Brial, The Scots College
11 Luke Wakefield, Oakhill College
12 Daniel Lua, Newington College
13 Chaice Bayley, Central Coast Sports College

14 Quinn Mersal, Newington College
15 Anthony Abdow, Oakhill College
16 Finnlay Bartlett, The Scots College
17 Luka Ponsonby, St Alloysius’ College
18 Lachlan Simpson, Central Coast Sport College
19 Sione-Na Lua, Georges River Grammar
20 Xavier Singh, Central Coast Sport College

Combined Catholic Colleges Under 15’s

1 Riley Allen, Patrician Brothers College
2 Sam Carr, St Joseph’s College
3 Lachlan Coinakis, Patrician Brothers’ College
4 Lachlan Dooner, St Gregory’s College
5 Jaxon Edgar, St Dominic’s College
6 Junior Fagalele, Patrician Brothers’ College
7 Jezaiah Funa-luta, Patrician Brothers’ College
8 Jack Hilliar, St Joseph’s High School
9 Cody Hopwood, All Saints College
10 Matthew Humphries, St Edwards College
11 Tom Kirk, Edmund Rice College
12 Finau Latu, Patrician Brothers College
13 Hokafonu Lemoto, Patrician Brothers’ College

14 Kenneth McKeever-King, Patrician Brothers’ College
15 Riley Oitmann John, Therry Catholic College
16 Toby Rodwell, Edmund Rice College
17 Mikayel Tito, Parramatta Marist High School
18 Carson T’malii, Patrician Brothers College
19 Latrell Toby, Smith Emmaus Catholic College
20 Sam Watts, St Joseph’s Regional

The post Catholic squad dominates in U15 blitz appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : Nick Campton News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

CHS was too strong for CIS in today’s U15 Schoolboy rugby league clash – and it was a stunning Luke Laulilii try that got things going. Watch the video and full replay.

Watch the replay of the NSW Rugby League Schools Championships – Under 15’s – NSWCIS v NSWCHS.

It took almost four hours for Molong Central School backrower Bailey Peschka to get to St Mary’s but he and his CHS teammates took just 30 minutes to down CIS in a 22-6 victory in the second match of the Under 15s Schoolboy Championships tri-series.

Peschka scored two tries in an excellent display on the right edge and was busy on both sides of the ball as CHS ran out to a 22-0 lead at halftime against an out of sorts CIS.

Currently contracted to the Dragons, Peschka had a vocal contingent of supporters in tow who travelled down from the central west on the day.

Bailey Peschka sneaks in for a try during the CHS and CIS clash. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“I’ve got my mum, my nan, my auntie, my other auntie, my dad and my brother all here. Most of them came down this morning,” Peschka said.

“The footy in Molong isn’t quite as hard as this but it’s close sometimes. I’m signed with the Dragons and footy is my passion, I’ve wanted to be an NRL player since I was five.

“I just tried to support my players and let them know I was there and I got them.”

It was a strong bounceback from CHS after their loss to CCC in the tournament opener on Tuesday.

Damaging CHS frontrower Simione Laifai was another standout performer, as was CHS fullback Luke Laulilii, who was named his side’s man of the match.

“Luke was really strong in the first game and I thought he was better again today. He runs the ball really tough and his backfield carries are very strong,” CHS coach Adam Blake said.

Bailey Peschka runs in for a try during the CHS and CIS clash (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

Onitini Large runs the ball for NSWCIS on Day 2 (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

 Under 15’s…

“I thought our prop, Jett Woodward, has been really strong on both days, he was always willing to take it forward and find his front. I thought our nine, Aaron Keppie, was great as well.”

Hulking frontrower Edwin Langi had a fine game in a beaten side for CIS and was deservedly named his side’s most valuable player.

Laulilii opened the scoring after he picked up the scraps from a dropped bomb and finished with a spectacular dive in the corner that any of the NRL’s best finishers would have been proud to call their own.

Jayze Tuigamala leaps high close to the line to score a great try for the NSWCHS Under 15’s v NSWCIS on Day 2 (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

An aerial assault was the order of the day with CHS crossing again within minutes after Connor Votano found centre Jayze Tuigamala with a pinpoint cross kick and the Endeavour Sports High student made no mistake with the finish.

Next it was the other centre, the impressive Lancelot Tovio, who claimed another Votano bomb and flicked a spectacular offload to Bailey Peschka.

Peschka grabbed his second just before the break after halfback Kade Reed took on the defense close to the line before popping an offload to the rampaging second rower to score untouched.

CIS dug in after halftime but despite enjoying a glut of possesion they could not find the killer blow.

Their only try came in the moments before fulltime when centre Casey McLean snagged an intercept on his own 30 metre line and was corralled by the cover defense close to the line.

The Newington product slipped a pass to Xavier Singh in support to cross next to the posts.

Full Results

Under 15’s

NSWCHS 22 – 6 NSWCIS

NSWCHS
TRIES : Bailey Peschka 2, Luke Laulilii, Jayze Tuigamala
GOALS : Connor Votano
NSWCIS
TRIES : Xavier Singh

Under 18’s

NSWCHS 20 – 20 NSWCIS

NSWCHS
TRIES : Lajaun Vito, Tyrone Munro, BrandMorkos, Markis Atoa
GOALS : Blake Metcalfe 2
NSWCIS
TRIES : Patrick Spence, Luke Tucker, Dane Towns, Lipina Ata
GOALS : Seteni Taukano  2

DAY 3 ACTION PHOTO GALLERIES

Under 15’s NSWCCC v NSWCIS

Under 18’s NSWCCC v NSWCIS

DAY 2 ACTION PHOTO GALLERIES

Under 15’s NSWCHS v NSWCIS

Under 18’s NSWHSC v NSWCIS

DAY 1 ACTION PHOTO GALLERIES

Under 15’s NSWCCC v NSWCHS

Under 18’s NSWCCC v NSWCHS  

Full Squads

Combined Independent Schools Under 15’s

1 Mitchell Woods, St Patricks College Strathfield
2 Heamasi Makasini, Newington College
3 Onitoni Large, The Scots College
4 Casey McLean, Newington College
5 Charlie Poynton, St Augustine’s College
6 Joe Walsh, St Augustine’s College
7 Alex Conti, St Patricks College Strathfield
8 Edwin Langi, The Kings School
9 Jaxon Allen, Cranbrook School
10 Toby Brial, The Scots College
11 Luke Wakefield, Oakhill College
12 Daniel Lua, Newington College
13 Chaice Bayley, Central Coast Sports College

14 Quinn Mersal, Newington College
15 Anthony Abdow, Oakhill College
16 Finnlay Bartlett, The Scots College
17 Luka Ponsonby, St Alloysius’ College
18 Lachlan Simpson, Central Coast Sport College
19 Sione-Na Lua, Georges River Grammar
20 Xavier Singh, Central Coast Sport College

Combined High Schools Under 15’s

1 Luke Laulalii, Westfields Sports High School
2 Breathan Bilich, Sydney SC Leichhardt
3 Jayze Tuigamala, Endeavour Sports High School
4 Lance Tevio, Westfields Sports High School
5 Yasin Kuscu, Randwick Boys High School
6 Bronson Emery, Endeavour Sports High School
7 Kade Reed, Illawarra Sports High School
8 Jett Woodward, Hunter Sports High School
9 Aaron Keppie, Picton High School
10 Somione Laiafi, Bass High School
11 Bailey Sigsworth, Brisbane Waters SC
12 Bailey Peschka, Molong SC
13 Hayden Buchanan, Kiama High School

14 Alex Isdale, Westfields Sports High School
15 Connor Votano, Hunter Sports High School
16 Blake Wardrobe, Engadine High School
17 Jerome Goddard, Bass High School
18 Cyrus Stanley-Traill, Endeavour Sports High School
19 Samual Vandermade, Ashcroft High School
20 Cooper Black, Nyngan High School

DAY 2 ACTION PHOTO’S Coming Soon)

Under 15’s – NSWCHS v NSWCIS

Under 18s – NSWCHS v NSWCIS

The post Stunning try lights up U15 Schoolboy champs appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : Jocelyn Airth
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

It was a classic game in the NRL Schoolboy Champs and the two teams couldn’t be seperated.

Watch the full replay of Combined Independent Schools v Combined High Schools here.

Watch the replay of the NSW Rugby League Schools Championships – Under 18’s – NSWCIS v NSWCHS.

They played their hearts out, but nothing could separate the Combined Independent Schools and Combined High Schools 18s sides at the NSW Schools Championship

After finishing deadlocked 20-20 on Wednesday at St Mary’s Leagues Stadium, CIS halfback Joseph Nohra said he was proud of his team for holding off a late CHS surge.

“I’m very proud of our boys, every single player, one to 20, all dug deep. all the boys impressed me. We were down by 10 points at one stage, but we stuck together.” CIS halfback Nohra said.

CIS middle Jake Abbey added: “We showed real heart, having lots of defensive efforts on the line. As much as individual talents can shine through, the whole team came together really well.”

Trey Barlow during the NSW U18 Combined Independent Schools v Combined High Schools, State Rugby League Tri-Series held at St Mary’s Leagues Stadium. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Kiama High School’s Ryan Hodgson – the only CHS player without any NSWRL junior representative experience – had an impressive day on the paddock.

The young gun, who also made this year’s CHS rugby union side, said he relished the opportunity to test himself against the best schoolboys in NSW.

“The draw was definitely frustrating, you train for a while. Coming off the loss to Combined Catholic Colleges on Tuesday, we hoped to get the win over CIS. Solid game but unlucky,” Hodgson said.

“It’s been a big year given the rep opportunities I’ve had. I still prefer my league, I’ve played since I was six-years-old.”

CIS snatched an early lead, with centre Patrick Spence crossing in the opening minutes. Rangy winger Luke Tucker made a brilliant bustling break on the right edge and put his teammate Spence over next to the post.

Markis Atoa during the NSW U18 Combined Independent Schools v Combined High Schools, State Rugby League Tri-Series held at St Mary’s Leagues Stadium. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Tucker backed up to claim a four-pointer of his own, pouncing on a perfectly weighted kick by halfback Nohra.

CIS fullback Siteni Taukamo – signed with the Cronulla Sharks – was electric in both attack and defence. He had the crowd on their feet after pulling off a phenomenal try-saver on CHS winger Tyrone Munro.

“He’s a freak the things he does at training, things I’ve never seen before, he’s a very good player” Nohra said.

With an early lead, CIS dominated field position – but the CHS boys were up to the challenge.

Prop Markis Atoa was formidable through the middle and Hodgson was a constant threat.

CHS were eventually rewarded for their efforts when big Lajaun Vito crashed over on the right.

Lachlan Broederlow during the NSW U18 Combined Independent Schools v Combined High Schools, State Rugby League Tri-Series held at St Mary’s Leagues Stadium. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Winger Munro then scored a beauty off his own kick to level the score 10-10 at half time.

“We were a bit knocked down after the first game, everyone just played their hearts out today… we knew we had to be resilient and bounce back” prop Atoa said.

CHS got straight to work in the second half, with centre Brandon Morkos and big Atoa crashing over to push their team ahead 20-10.

But CIS responded instantly via Dane Towns, who sprinted 90-metres down the field to touch down on the left.

Nohra almost followed suit with a 50-metre bolt of his own, but the Rabbitohs SG Ball star was stopped by CHS’ Trey Barlow.

Newington College’s Lipiana Ata then broke through, crossing to lock up the scoreboard 20-20 with just eight minutes to go.

Play travelled from end to end, with both Nohra and CHS halfback Iverson Matai missed field goal attempts in the dying minutes.

In the end, nothing could separate the sides who finished up on 20-20.

NSWCHS 20 – 20 NSWCIS

NSWCHS

TRIES : Lajaun Vito, Tyrone Munro, BrandMorkos, Markis Atoa
GOALS : Blake Metcalfe 2

NSWCIS

TRIES : Patrick Spence, Luke Tucker, Dane Towns, Lipina Ata
GOALS : Seteni Taukano 2

DAY 3 ACTION PHOTO GALLERIES

Under 15’s NSWCCC v NSWCIS

Under 18’s NSWCCC v NSWCIS

DAY 2 ACTION PHOTO GALLERIES

Under 15’s NSWCHS v NSWCIS

Under 18’s NSWHSC v NSWCIS

DAY 1 ACTION PHOTO GALLERIES

Under 15’s NSWCCC v NSWCHS

Under 18’s NSWCCC v NSWCHS  

¦ WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE U15 CHAMPS HERE

Full Squads

Combined Independent Schools Under 18’s

1 Siteni Taukamo, Newington College
2 Jesse McLean, Newington College
3 Patrick Spence, Oakhill College
4 Nosa Obaseki, Cranbrook School
5 Lehi Hopoate, St Augustine’s College
6 Isaiya Katoa, Barker College (withdrawn)
7 Joseph Nohra, St Patrick’s College
8 Jake Abbey, William Clarke College
9 Bayley Meredith, Rouse Hill Anglican College
10 Bill Statham, St Stanislaus’ College
11 Lachlan Broederlow Regents Park Christian School
12 Michael Abdow, Oakhill College
13 Domenico De Stradis, Oakhill College

14 Jordan Roumanous, St Patrick’s College
15 Lawrence Kini, Bethel Christian School
16 Raffaele De Stradis, Oakhill College
17 Lipina Ata, Newington College
18 Max Riolo, Newington College
19 Dane Towns, Waverley College
20 Luke Tucker, Knox Grammar School

Combined High Schools Under 18’s

1 Blake Metcalfe The Hills Sports High School
2 Tyrone Munro, Alexandra Park Community School
3 Kyron Fekitoa, Endeavour Sports High School
4 Brandon Morkos, Figtree Sports High School
5 Te Umuaiki Heremai Tukere, Illawarra Sports High School
6 Jack Cole, Orange High School
7 Iverson Matai, Endeavour Sports High School
8 Amir Yatim, Homebush Boys High School
9 Ethan Gilchrist, Tumut High School
10 Markis Atoa, The Hills Sports High School
11 Ryan Couchman, Bulli High School
12 Junior Tapau, Endeavour Sports High School
13 Nicholas Lenaz, Castle Hill High School

14 Trey Barlow, Warilla High School
15 Soloman Saukuru, Westfields Sports High School
16 Lajuan Vito, Endeavour Sports High School
17 Raymond Lole, Westfields Sports High School
18 Luran Patea, The Hills Sports High School
19 Luke Raymond, Endeavour Sports High School
20 Ryan Hodgson, Kiama High School

The post NSW Schoolboy Champs Day 2 Under 18’s Thriller appeared first on OurFootyTeam.