ALL THE LATEST ARRIVE aLIVE CUP NEWS HERE |
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Palm Beach Currimbin SHS wins the 2008 Arrive alive Cup at the SFS ( Photo's : ourfooty media )
CHECK OUT THE ACTION |
PALM BEACH CURRUMBIN WIN THRILLER
Story & Photo's By :
Palm Beach Currumbin scored the first try in the first couple minuteswith some good lead up play which gave the 2nd rower a gap to barge over close to the goal post, Jordan Rankin coverted.
Matraville held out a determined PBC attack on their line with PBC having 3 sets to attack, Matraville held them out for the turn around.
Some very quick play the balls we was Matraville gain 80 meters when an Adam Reynolds chip kick was caught by Jordan Rankin who had the ball stripped in a one - on - one tackle, Matraville spread the ball and Matraville 5/eight Jerome Leolahi dive over close to the posts.
Matraville Sports hit straight back again from the PBC kick with Australian Scholboys Dominic Walsh creating plenty of meters and causing havoc amound the PBC defenders with plenty of good strong runs.
Matra ran the ball from dummy, Jordan Rankin... More Soon check out the action |
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MAtraville score a try against De La Bankstown earlier this year (Photo : ourfooty media) |
LeaRN MoRe & visit the
ARRIVE aLIVE WEBSITE |
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Matraville Sports High School Arrive alive Cup team 2008 (Photo : ourfooty media ) |
ARRIVE ALIVE CUP SEMI FINAL
STORY BY : www.arrivealive.com.au
Matraville Sports High have advanced to the Arrive alive Cup Grand Final for the second year running after defeating Hunter Sports High 18-4 in atrocious conditions last Friday. A very wet Sydney Football Stadium played host to the first of the Arrive alive Cup semi finals for 2008.
The second semi final will be played between Illawarra Sports High School and Palm Beach Currumbin this Friday 12th September at the Sydney Football Stadium, a curtain raiser to the NRL finals showdown between the Sydney Roosters and the Brisbane Broncos.
Matraville Sports High started the contest well and on the back of an early raid in opposition territory they posted an early try down the left hand edge to back rower Sam Brunton. In poor conditions this early strike proved invaluable as the match soon became a war of attrition.
However, it was Matraville who handled the slippery conditions better and looked likely to go ahead further when a well timed grubber kick almost resulted in a try to winger George Vuna only for the skidding ball to beat him over the touch in goal line.
The wet conditions began to play a role in the match as both teams came up with a number of early handling errors. The physicality of both teams defensive units was on show and points were never going to be easy on the day.
Matraville controlled much of the first half as a result of an impressive kick chase efforts by the team. Halves Matt Hands and Jerome Leolahi were good at finding space between winger and fullback and this was backed up by some excellent chase efforts from the Matraville backline.
Hunter's chances were limited in the first half largely due to the Matraville halves controlling field position through their dominant kicking game.
After Hunter had repelled another Matraville attack, it appeared momentum had swung when Hunter received a relieving penalty that provided them with a good attacking opportunity. However an error late in tackle count ended any chance of a Hunter try.
It was then Matraville who went on the attack, and after a penalty and a repeat set on the Hunter line it seemed Matraville were going to extend their lead, however a poor last tackle play relieved the pressure for Hunter Sports. |
MATRAVILLE VS ST. DOMINIC'S MATCH
Please be advised that the Arrive alive Cup match that was postponed last Friday night between Matraville Sports High and St Dominic’s College will now be played at Henson Park on Thursday, August 28, 2008.
Kick-off is at 1pm. |
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Matraville SHS after they smashed De La Bankstown at Liechhardt Oval last month (Photo : ourfooty media) |
ARRIVE aLIVE CUP POSTPONED
Tonight's Arrive alive Cup game between defending Champions Matraville SHS and St. Dominics College Penrith has been postponed due to bad weather.
The match will be reschedualed soon and will be announced on the Official AaC website soon.
Keep up to date with all your Arrive alive Cup stuff at the Arrive alive website here |
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Sarah Redfern High School do battle with Farrer MAHS in last years University Shield clash |
SARAH REDFERN HS HOPING TO GO ONE BETTER IN '08
Sarah Redfern High School will take on Rutherford HS in the FINAL 16 of the CHS Uni-Shield on Wednesday 13th of August.
Sarah Redfern are looking to better their Top 4 position from 2007. Hosting a fully fit team for the first time in 2008 with 5 key players returning from injury, they are looking to impress, and overcome their disapointing defeat at the hands of Illawarra Sport High in Tier B (TV Game) of the Arrive Alive Cup.
Sarah Redfern took the SSW Regional Champions title again for the fourth consecutive year with a storming 38 - 4 victory in the final of the SSW Championships and are looking forward to some tough footy on Wednesday afternoon. |
ENDEAVOUR THRU' TO NEXT ROUND IN ARRIVE aLIVE CUP
Story & Photo's :
Endeavour got away with a lucky win against an impressive Farrer MAHS at Leichhardt Oval today.
The first points of the game came after a powerful charge at the line by Endeavour winger Setope Saviinaea in the left corner. Blake Williamson missed the conversion.
Leading 4 - 0 at the half time break Farrer peppered the Endeavour line and finally scored in the left corner with a diving try to Farrer winger Dominic Bower.
The conversion went wide and the scores remained the same 4 - all up to the last few minutes of the game when the Endeavour boys finally turned it on.
MATRAVILLE SPORTS Vs De la SALLE BANKSTOWN
Well be honest, who wants to play Matraville Sports at footy these days?
Today Matraville torn De La apart ripping in a point a minute rampage for 100% of the game, the 50 - 4 scoreline was a good results concidering De La played some good footy. |
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LaTeST ReSuLTs |
FARRER Ag
HS |
52 - 4 |
ALL SAINTS MAITLAND |
TRIES : Dominic Bower 3, Scott Blanch 2, Marcus Bower 2, Jake Hawkins, Dominic Horne, Brett Jarrett
GOALS : Cameron Rodgers 3, Dominic Bower 2, Dominic Horne |
TRIES : John Birrell |
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FARRER DEMOLISHES ALL SAINTS TO ARRIVE ALIVE IN FINAL 16
Story By : Geoff Newling
FARRER Memorial Agricultural High School stormed into the final 16 of the Arrive alive Cup with a 52-4 demolition of All Saints College, Maitland on John Simpson Oval at Farrer yesterday.
The Tamworth school scored 10 tries to one in a comprehensive display to earn a Round 16 game against Sydney’s Endeavour Sports High School.
NSWRL development officer Steve Hewson will be formulating a draw this week and said the Farrer-Endeavour game could be a “television game”.
Farrer coach Steve Cavanagh was delighted with his side’s performance which was built on a strong base by his forward pack, spearheaded by props Dom Horne and Jake Hinklebein as well as secondrower Brett Jarrett and lock Shae Collins.
Horne was the first tryscorer when he barged over after 10 minutes and then was given the honour of converting the last try, scored by five-eighth Marcus Bower after the final bell.
Farrer fullback and skipper Scott Blanch led the way, scoring two brilliant tries and having a hand in a few others, including setting up Marcus Bower for his first and the team’s second for a 12-nil lead.
“Scott was outstanding,” Cavanagh said.
“I thought the two halves (Jake Hawkins and Marcus Bower) were great and the centres, Kurt Resch and Josh Dutton, as well. The forwards were terrific. The first six sets we had props and secondrowers hitting it up and giving us a good platform and defensively we were very good as well.
Cavanagh said Farrer played with good control and structure against a good, well-coached side.
“The most pleasing thing thing was we stuck to our discipline and didn’t try and play razzle dazzle football in the second half,” he said.
After leading 18-nil early, a brilliant Dominic Bower try just before half-time gave Farrer a 22-nil lead.
Bower took a towering punt near his own quarter, skirted some chasers and scored in the corner.
He scored two more brilliant second half tries, with delightful in and aways to leave All Saints fullback Micahel Gavan stranded.
Scott Blanch also scored a brilliant second half try after some great work by Josh Dutton who popped Blanch into a huge gap.
Best for All Saints were hooker Liam Higgins, lock Jay Stevens and tryscorer John Birrell. |
STANNIES WERE NOT DISGRACED
Story By : MARK RAYNER
Saint Stanislaus’ College have had their fantastic run in the Arrive alive Cup brought to an abrupt stop against Illawarra Sports High, losing 34-6 at Western Weekender Stadium at St Mary’s on Monday.
It was a great result for a school more noted for it’s rugby union and that has only been participating in league for 3 years.
Stannies coach Paul McDonald had said previously that to just be competitive with regional sides such as Redbend Catholic College in Forbes and Dubbo High School was a success for the school.
However the side exceded that, winning the regional tournament and progressing to tier B.
Stannies didn’t have a lot go their way in the first half of the match when they were overrun by Illawarra, conceding 28 points and spending time camped in their hlaf of the field.
“Illawarra were too good in the first half, they got a lot of offloads away and they were backing each other up,” McDonald said.
“They just played with a lot of skill.”
Stannies came out in the second half and stepped up, matching the illustrious rugby league school’s intensity and showing a lot of courage to not let the score blow out any further.
“In the second half we came out and we cut down on their offloads and started to get some momentum of out own. We spent a lot of time in their half,” the Stannies’ mentor said.
The side also managed to draw the second half with Illawarra 6-all after a try to Bathurst Panthers under 18s halfback James Toole and a conversion to Alex Grant.
“It was a hard game. Illawarra Sports High were very good,” McDonald said.
“We had an interupted preparation, with seven of the boys playing four games of rugby union the weekend before, when they represented ISA and they were in camp for a week leading up to it.”
“The boys really enjoyed playing at the Western Weekender Stadium, seeing what the Sydney teams are used to.
“They played above their weight at all times and they kept getting better as the tournament went on.”
Despite its rugby union heritage, league has made a strong impression at Saint Stanislaus’ and McDonald believes that it will continue
“League is here to stay and every year it gets stronger,” he said.
“It’s in it’s third year at the school and is well supported.
“We have our 13s through to 16s involved in the Country Cup Carnivals run by the Country Rugby League.”
Stannies under 13s side won the Bathurst section of the Andrew Ryan Cup and will travel to Dubbo on July 23 to take part in the finals of the tournament, where Andrew Ryan is expected to make a guest appearance. |
MAITLAND OUT OF ARRIVE ALIVE CUP
Story By :
All Saints College Maitland has been knocked out of the Arrive Alive Cup after going down to Farrer Agricultural College yesterday.
A vocal home crowd helped boost the spirits of the Farrer players during the Tier B clash as they pummelled the Maitland side 52-4.
All Saints coach Col Love said his players weren’t motivated enough to overcome the talented Tamworth team.
“We just didn’t turn up to play and they did, they were just awesome,” Love told the Mercury as he began the long drive back from Tamworth yesterday.
“They threw everything at us, they kept running at us and we got on the back foot.”
But Love said the match wasn’t without high points, with the performance of debutant John Birrell the “shining light of the day”.
“He did some great work in attack and defence and was rewarded with a try,” Love said.
The coach also praised the efforts of Year 10 students Kori Barber and Dale Clacherty and Year 11’s Jai White. |
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Dark horse this year could be Hunter SHS who flogged Endeavour SHS 32 - 6 in the CHS University Shield this week. |
ST.DOM'S STILL ALIVE IN ARRIVE aLIVE CUP
St Dominic's College beat Westfields SHS 16-6 yesterday afternoon in their Arrive Alive Cup Tier A match played at the SFS after being ahead 10-0 at half time.
St. Dominics College showed their true school spirit and the faith shown by coach Barry Walsh to regroup in the second half to hold out a very good Westfields SHS footy team.
Westfields SHS are a strong side capable of putting on fast points against anyone, St. Dominics now go on to the next round of the National Arrive alive Cup.
Tries to Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (2), John Feiloakitau-Fetuani with Blake Austin kicking 2 goals.
This game is a CH 9 TV game and will be replayed in July (sunday mornings @ 6:00 am) |
ARRIVE aLIVE CUP UPDATE
SOURCE : nswrl media release
Traditional rugby union school St Stanislaus College has stunned opponents in a giant-killing run to the Round of 32 in the 2008 Arrive Alive Cup.
Contesting just their third Arrive Alive Cup season, “Stannies” have taken a disciplined approach to this year’s tournament and in turn defeated Redbend Forbes Catholic High School and Dubbo High School.
The Bathurst school now faces a showdown with highly-rated Illawarra Sports High on Monday at St Mary’s’ Western Weekender Stadium, for a chance to take on St Gregory’s in the Tier B Round of 16.
St Stanislaus College coach Paul McDonald, a former SG Ball Under-18 coach and development officer, said the team’s success in the competition had the school “buzzing”.
“The momentum is huge at the moment, everyone is pretty excited,” McDonald said.
“We’re getting a run on the local WIN and Prime television stations and the local newspaper as well.
“There’s a real sense of pride about the school which is great – everyone’s really interested in how we are going.”
McDonald said the team’s performances improved through playing trial games against the Bathurst Panthers Under-18 and Bathurst St Patrick’s sides.
“When we won both games, we knew we were in for a bit of a show in the main competition,” McDonald said.
“The guys are really enjoying it and it’s great to have both the sports on offer at the school – it’s just another avenue for the boys to play sport.”
Monday’s match-up between St Stanislaus and Illawarra will be preceded by several Arrive Alive Cup fixtures being held this weekend.
The round will be highlighted by tomorrow’s Round of 16 televised clash between powerhouse schools St Dominic’s College and Westfield Sports High at the Sydney Football Stadium.
ARRIVE ALIVE CUP – Upcoming fixtures |
Friday 27 June: |
Monday June 30: |
Wednesday 2 July: |
St Dominic’s College
v
Westfield Sports High (Round of 16 match)
Sydney Football Stadium, 4pm (delayed telecast CH9) |
St Stanislaus College, Bathurst
v
Illawarra Sports High (Round of 32 match)
Western Weekender Stadium, 2pm |
Farrer MAHS
v
All Saints Maitland
(Round of 32 match)
Tamworth 11.30am |
La Salle Bankstown
v
Eagle Vale High
(Round of 64 match)
Norford Park Granville 11.30am |
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GUTSY FARRER STAYS ALIVE
Story By : GEOFF NEWLING
FARRER Memorial Agricultural High School’s First XIII, playing away from home without key players and with just 16 players, scored one of its most courageous and impressive Arrive alive Cup victories yesterday.
Farrer beat St Patrick’s Blacktown 32-10 in Sydney in a stirring display that had coaches Steve Cavanagh and Gus Comi searching for superlatives to describe the performance.
Farrer led 8-6 at half-time and blew open the game in the second half with a combination of gallant defence and lightning attacks.
“It was a fantastic win,” Cavanagh said.
“We had a patched-up side.
“We came down with four or five key players out and had just 16 (squad of 17 allowed for Arrive alive Cup games).
“So it was a very pleasing win.”
Farrer started the game with some first-half mistakes against a big St Pat’s side.
“We had a bit of dropped ball in the first half,” Cavanagh said.
“At half-time we worked on a couple of things – our ball control and our speed at the line in defence.
“And we smacked them in the second half.”
He said under 16 Matt Allwood made a great debut off the bench after being a late draftee to give the 16.
His forward pack also stood up.
Jake Hinkelbein, Dominic Horne, Andy Mack and Brett Jarrett all took the ball up strongly and defended well.
Lock Shae Collins was a standout.
Jake Hawkins also made a difference when inserted into the game and halfback Marcus Bower also impressed.
Cavanagh said five-eighth Kurt Resch also starred in the second half.
“It’s the best half of football I’ve seen him play for us,” Cavanagh said.
“He carved them up.
“It’s unfair to single any one player out though. They were all great.
“At different stages we held them out for seven sets of six on our line.
“They were held up twice over the line as well.”
Farrer will now play All Saints, Maitland in their next Arrive alive Cup game. |
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Cameron Rogers unloads against Woodlawn’s Chris Binge last week. Rogers moves from five-eighth to hooker today for its St Pat’s Blacktown quest. Photo: Barry Smith |
FARRER STRETCHED FOR BIG CUP CLASH
Story & Photo BY : GEOFF NEWLING
FARRER Memorial Agricultural High School’s Arrive alive Cup chances against St Patrick’s Blacktown in Sydney today have been hammered by injury and unavailability.
The Tamworth school, who struggled through a 12-8 win over St John’s College Woodlawn last week, has just 16 fit players for this morning’s Cup match.
“We’re taking down the bare 16,” Farrer coach Steve Cavanagh said as they travelled to Sydney via their team bus yesterday.
“We’ve had a few changes – got a fair few out. But we’re confident the young blokes we’ve brought in can do the job.”
Missing from the Farrer side are hooker Josh Dutton (suspended), centre Jacob Wheeldon (broken jaw), Ben Williams and goalkicking winger Dominic Bower (hamstring).
“Dominic pulled out this morning with a hamstring strain,” Cavanagh said.
“Matt Allwood comes onto the bench for us,” Cavanagh said.
“He’s been performing well in the Under 16s.”
Cameron Rogers has moved from five-eighth to hooker to replace Dutton.
Rogers showed some good glimpses in last week’s win over Woodlawn.
It means Farrer has a new halves combination, with halfback Jake Hawkins starting from the bench.
Kurt Resch starts at five-eighth with Marcus Bower the new halfback and Ryan Pooley moving to the centres for Wheeldon.
Pooley was one of the stars in the 12-8 success against Woodlawn with a string of try-saving tackles, and will need to be at his best again with tall centre Cameron Mitchell.
Skipper Scott Blanch will be hoping the largely unchanged forward pack, led by props Dom Horne and Jake Hinkelbein, can match their big St Pat’s opponents.
FARRER: 1 Scott Blanch (capt), 2 Jack Shelton, 3 Cameron Mitchell, 4 Ryan Pooley, 5 Mitch Traynor, 6 Kurt Resch, 7 Marcus Bower, 8 Jake Hinkelbein, 9 Cameron Rogers, 10 Dom Horne, 11 Brett Jarrett, 12 Andy Mack, 13 Shae Collins, 14 Jake Hawkins, 15 Josh Leys, 16 Matt Allwood. Coach - Steve Cavanagh, Gus Comi. |
SARAH
REDFERN |
0 - 58 |
ILLAWARRA
SHS |
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ILLAWARRA SHS SMASH SARAH REDFERN HS
Story By :
As we approach the business end of the National Arrive alive Cup the Tier 1 team are coming into their own.
Last night (Friday) Illawarra Sports played Sarah Redfern HS at the Sydney Football Staudium, thats where the match ended.
Illawarra Sports were awesome, their attack was often wide with some very good set pieces working like they do at training.
For a team like the highly respected Sarah Redfern HS to have blot against their name is an impressive sign by their opposition.
Illawarra Sports have put the challenge out there with a dire warning to all comers, take us lightly at you're own peril
This was the 1st TV game of the 2008 Arrive alive Cup season, the game will be replayed on ch 9 on the 20 th July, usually at 6:00 am, check your TV guide |
ARRIVE ALIVE CUP UPDATE - COMPETITION UPDATE
The Arrive alive Cup competition is beginning to heat up with all regions having completed their rounds and the winners progressing to Tier B of the competition. These schools will now compete for one of four places in Tier A where the heavy-weights of the competition await them.
See below for regional winners in this year's Arrive alive Cup.
REGION |
SCHOOL |
Balmain |
Holy Cross College |
Canberra |
Erindale College |
Canterbury |
La Salle High School, Bankstown |
Cronulla |
Aquinas College |
Central Coast |
St Edmunds College |
Illawarra |
Illawarra Sports High School |
Manly |
St Augustine's College |
Newcastle |
TBC |
North Coast |
TBC |
Northern Inland |
Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School |
Northern Rivers |
St John's College, Woodlawn |
Parramatta |
Hills Sport High School |
Penrith |
Chifley College |
Riverina |
Griffith High School |
South Coast |
Kiama High School |
South Sydney |
South Sydney High School |
St George |
Marist College Kogarah |
Victoria |
Eumemmerring College |
Western Region |
St Stanislaus College, Bathurst |
Western Suburbs |
Sarah Redfern High School |
POS |
SARAH REDFERN COLLEGE |
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ILLAWARRA SHS |
1. |
George Lafelle |
Travis Roche |
2. |
Matt Samuels |
Orry Weir |
3. |
Mack Butler |
Ben Honan |
4. |
Shaun Vaotuua |
Steve McGee |
5. |
Corey O'Sullivan |
Joel Skeats |
6. |
Kenneth Higgins |
Josh Kents |
7. |
Jai Gard |
Beau Henry |
8. |
Limoni Latu |
Shannon Wakeman |
9. |
Brett Lahey |
Damien Cook |
10. |
Kainto Tauati-lakopo |
Aidan Day |
11. |
Malachi Naua |
Elliot Smith |
12. |
Frost Matavao |
Ben Sowry |
13. |
Vincent Steadman Andrews |
Josh Starling |
Interchange |
Interchange |
14. |
Kenepe Taito |
Ben De Brito |
15. |
Junior Rikau |
Aaron Bradley |
16. |
Hewett Hewit |
Richard Peckham |
17. |
Ron Palumbo |
Matt Jones |
Reserves |
Reserves |
|
Josh Alone |
Luke Raduva, Mark Stelling, Sam Clune |
Coach |
Coach |
David Rawlings |
|
Brad Hughes |
Tomorrow, Friday 13th June sees the first Channel 9 filmed match of the 2008 Arrive alive Cup competition between Sarah Redfern College and Illawarra Sports High School. This match will air on Sunday 20th July.
The match is set to be a tough encounter with both teams hosting a number of representative players. Sarah Redfern College's squad is dotted with several Harold Matthews and SG Ball players, while Illawarra Sports High School has a wealth of talent including three Toyota Cup players in Travis Roche, Beau Henry and Shannon Wakeman.
The match will kick off tomorrow at 4pm at the Sydney Football Stadium, prior to the 7.30pm NRL clash between the Sydney Roosters and the Penrith Panthers.
Upcoming matches
Friday 20 June
Morayfield State High School vs. Kingaroy Sports High School - Suncorp Stadium
Tier A - Round One (from 20 June) Matraville High School vs. Tier B Qualifier
St Dominic's College vs. Westfield Sports High School
Hunter Sports High School vs. Tier B Qualifier
Patrician Brothers College, Blacktown vs. Hills Sports High School
St Gregory's College vs. Tier B Qualifier
Endeavour Sports High School vs. Tier B Qualifier
Queensland Qualifier vs. Queensland Qualifier
Queensland Qualifier vs. Queensland Qualifier
Arrive alive, the NSW Motor Accidents Authority's (MAA’s) road safety program for young people, is proud to continue its partnership with the NSW Rugby League and the Arrive alive Cup. While the Cup continues to be the breeding ground for future NRL stars, it also gives the MAA a unique opportunity to communicate to young male drivers in an environment where they feel most comfortable - playing and watching footy.
The MAA is concerned about the over representation of young males in car accidents as around 100 young people aged 17-25 die and more than 7,000 are injured on NSW roads each year. Arrive alive challenges drivers to remember that their safety on the road is influenced by the choices they make and these potentially life changing decisions can determine if they and their friends ‘Arrive alive’.
For more information relating to the Arrive alive Cup, and Arrive alive in general, please log onto www.Arrivealive.com.au |
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Farrer prop Jake Hinkelbein charges onto this ball as Woodlawn’s Chris Binge looks on. |
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12 - 8 |
TRIES : Andy Mack, Brett Jarrett
GOALS : Dominic Bower 2 |
TRIES : Branston Brewer, Michael Thomas
GOALS : |
FARRER IN A FIGHT TO CLING ON
Story & Photo BY : GEOFF NEWLING
FARRER Memorial Agricultural High School almost let slip a brilliant start to its Arrive alive Cup clash with Grafton’s St John’s College, Woodlawn at Farrer’s John Simpson Oval yesterday.
Farrer led 12-nil after just five minutes but then had to defend grimly in the second half to beat their young coastal adversaries 12-8.
Coached by former Canterbury NRL star Brian Battese, St John’s College Woodlawn gave Farrer its biggest scare of the season and only some outstanding and desperate defence stopped Woodlawn from upsetting the home side.
“Many of them are only 16,” Battese said after the game.
“And they tried things.
“They might not have come off but they went down fighting.”
Farrer started brilliantly after Woodlawn’s Chris Binge had kicked out on the full from the kick-off.
Woodlawn didn’t touch the ball again until after second-rowers Andy Mack and Brett Jarrett had scored tries for winger Dominic Bower to convert.
Ahead 12-nil, Farrer almost self-destructed as Woodlawn edged back into the game with a try to centre Branston Brewer, engineered by Binge, just before half-time.
10 minutes into the second half and a late tackle from Josh Dutton flattened his Woodlawn opponent.
A wild brawl erupted, at the end of which Dutton, Farrer halfback Jake Hawkins and Binge were all sin-binned for 10 minutes.
Not long after, Woodlawn winger Michael Thomas dived over in the corner to make it 12-8.
With 12 players on 11, Woodlawn had plenty of chances to score but a mixture of ill-judged runs and desperate Farrer defence enabled the home side to hold out.
Indeed, Brett Jarrett and Dutton were both held up over the line late in the game as Farrer fought off its determined foe.
Battese said his side overcame a bad start.
“I told them at half-time they’d done well to come back to 12-4,” he said.
“And I told them it was going to hurt in the second half if they wanted to win.
“And they threw everything at them – tried chip kicks and even a kick from a scrum.”
Fullback Tom Merritt, who plays first grade for Byron Bay, was outstanding and a constant menace, along with halfback Paul O’Neill, hooker Matt Nean, lock Peter Flannery (until injured) and the talented Binge.
Woodlawn lost tall young second-rower Damian Sironen (nephew of former Australian and Balmain star Paul Sironen) early in the first half with concussion as well as Flannery (shoulder).
Farrer coach Steve Cavanagh couldn’t believe the change in his side after its brilliant 12-nil start.
He said Farrer started well and impressed him with their patience.
“But ill-discipline cost us.
“To have two players have a rush of blood like that – those errors could have meant the end of the game for us.”
Cavanagh thought the prop rotation of Mack, Jake Hinkelbein (son of former West Tamworth and Newtown forward Gary), and Dominic Horne “worked really hard”.
Five-eighth Cameron Rogers was another to earn praise along with fullback Scott Blanch.
Winger Ryan Pooley also had an outstanding game, saving at least three tries with either timely interceptions or some cracking defence.
“Woodlawn are a good young side,” he said.
“I was just pleased with the way the boys hung in today.”
Farrer now plays St Pat’s Blacktown in the next round. “Hopefully here next Tuesday,” Cavanagh said. |
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Aquinas College Menai & Cronulla High School after today's Arrive alive Cup final (Photo's : ourfooty media) |
AQUINAS COLLEGE WIN AAC FINAL
Aquinas College Menai were too good for a tough Cronulla HS with an impressive 18 - 0 victory in today Arrive alive Cup Cronulla Region final at Endeavour Field.
A big crowd of parents and excited school kids watched a good game of footy between this year regional finalists of the Arrive alive Cup.
Crounlla High had good enthusium from the start of the game, they just didnt have anyone who took control of the game and lacked some of the skills of the Aquinas College side.
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Farrer hooker Josh Dutton is wrapped up by Narrabri's Daniel Jobson yesterday. Dutton was instrumental in their Arrive Alive win. Photos: Barry Smith |
FARRER BURSTS BUBBLE
Story & Photo BY : SAMANTHA NEWSAM
NARRABRI paid the price for a sluggish start as Farrer scorched to a 34-point Arrive Alive Cup regional final victory at John Simpson Oval yesterday.
The defending regional champions laid on four tries in the opening 15 minutes to effectively deny the visitors any chance of repeating their semi-final heroics (beating Farrer 2), before running away with the contest 40-6.
Winger Dominic Bower led the try-fest with a double – one in each half – while fellow wing Cameron Mitchell, centres Sam Jackson and Luke Wheeldon, prop Dom Horne, fullback Scott Blanch and half-back Jake Hawkins chimed in with the other tries.
Hawkins crossed as the bell was ringing with a 50m-plus weaving run to complete what coach Gus Comi rated a “pleasing effort”.
Comi couldn’t have asked for a better start, with Horne, Bower and Blanch all scoring inside the first 10 minutes.
Wheeldon’s effort less than a minute later then pushed Farrer out to a 20-nil lead which it held until the final seconds of the half when Michael Skillicorn grabbed Narrabri’s lone four-pointer.
“Our start was good but then we went down to their level a bit,” Comi said.
“There wasn’t enough urgency in the last 10 minutes off the line, and the depth was a little lacking.”
“The second half we fixed that up.”
The second half started in similar fashion to the first, with Mitchell crossing out wide in their second set.
Jackson then ran onto a long ball from Marcus Bower to complete a movement that was started by a charging run from Brett Jarrett after Narrabri had been able to force consecutive sets.
Bower (Dominic) then took advantage of the numbers advantage on the left, as Farrer’s ability to keep the ball alive contributed to some tired tackling from the Narrabri boys.
“The organisation was good. Dutto (Josh Dutton) at hooker and Hawko (Hawkins) at half-back. They set up the play pretty well,” Comi said.
“Marcus Bower had a huge game, especially in defence – he just smacked them – and Dutto was selective with his running.”
“And everyone else did their job.”
Narrabri will now be directing its focus to the University Shield after the mountain of Farrer’s top side proved too big to climb.
They headed into the match a wounded outfit with at least two of their strongest performers absent and prop Brodie Rumsby forced to come off the bench due to injury – not an ideal preparation for facing Farrer, coach Brad Graham said.
“But the boys need to hold their heads high – it was a top effort,” Graham said.
He conceded those early tries were a factor.
“There was a pretty big wind out there and they used it and completed their sets,” Graham said. “We didn’t have any ball for four sets and they got some quick tries.”
A couple of those he felt were a bit dubious, and hurt them, particularly mentally, but he wasn’t taking anything away from Farrer’s performance which affording Narrabri limited attacking opportunities in the opposition half.
They were also unable to stop Farrer’s flow often enough.
“We probably didn’t make enough dominant tackles, which goes a long way to winning the ruck,” Graham said.
“They bumped us off our structure and we went a bit one-out.”
They will next play Coonabarabran in the Uni Shield, while Farrer will tackle Peel High tomorrow week.
Their next Arrive Alive assignment will be against the winner of the Northern Rivers area... MORE AAC STORIES |
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Narrabri's Daniel Jobson on the attack for his school side earlier this season. |
NARRABRI FACES AN ACID TEST AT FARRER
Story & Photo By : GRANT ROBERTSON
NARRABRI High School faces local schoolboy football’s toughest exam this morning when it takes on Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School in the Arrive Alive Cup regional final at Farrer’s Simpson Oval.
The Narrabri side has achieved more than any from their school before them in the nationwide knockout competition just by reaching the final but beating Farrer is another small mountain to climb.
“We’ve taken the positives out of our wins but we haven’t read too much into how dominant we have been because we know this is another step up,” Narrabri coach Brad Graham said.
“Farrer 2 was a step up and this will be an even bigger step up.
We’re aware of that.”
Narrabri beat Farrer 2 in last week’s semi-final, having already notched wins over Coonabarabran High, Peel High and McCarthy Catholic College.
“Hopefully we can continue the good form and the defence and general attitude the boys have shown in every game,” Graham said.
“We’ve been dominant in the first 10 minutes of games and that has led into some good wins.
“We’ve only conceded four tries in the competition so we’d like to minimise that area too.”
There may be some changes to the Narrabri side, with club games throwing up injuries to a few regulars, but the visitors still hope to field close to a full-strength side.
“Phil Webb, our starting hooker, is back and he’ll add some speed around the ruck, which we’ll need against a stronger defensive side,” Graham said.
“We’ve got three or four players with injuries and we’re hopeful at least three of them will be able to play.”
Narrabri trained again last night and will settle on its side this morning.
Reigning regional champions Farrer received a direct path through to the final but most of its players have still been busy with club and representative football.
“We’ve been waiting,” Farrer co-coach Gus Comi said.
“We’ve got a few injuries but nothing too major, just a few niggly ones.
“The representative stuff has taken its toll.
“The timing isn’t ideal for us at this time of year but we do need a game.”
The key men for Farrer include representative players Jake Hawkins, Scott Blanch, Andy Mack and Josh Dutton while Narrabri will look to Kenny Allison, Daniel Jobson, Dylan Baker and Brodie Rumsby to lead the way.
Kickoff is at 11.30am.
The winner will not only take the regional crown but will progress to the inter-regional section of the competition. |
NARRABRI SETS UP SHOT AT BIG GUNS
Story By : GRANT ROBERTSON
NARRABRI High School has emerged as the challenger to Farrer’s regional Arrive Alive Cup title after beating the Farrer second XIII at Narrabri yesterday after the school and town received more good news that Will Tufui had made the NSW Indigenous Under 16s side.
It’s the first time Narrabri has reached this stage of the competition and it is ready for a showdown with Farrer.
Defence and a strong game around the ruck was the key to yesterday’s 40-12 win.
“We stuck to our game plan which was to dominate the ruck,” Narrabri coach Brad Graham said.
“We didn’t complete as many sets as we would have liked.
“We’d get to the end of the set and come up with a low percentage play instead of completing the set.
“But we were strong in defence.
“We had some trouble out on the right side because they had a couple of sharp players out there and we had to change things around to accommodate that.”
Farrer 2 stuck with Narrabri in the first half and went into the break 12-6 down but Narrabri got on a roll on the back of its ruck dominance.
“Their second phase was very good,” Farrer co-coach Jeff Guider said.
“They’ve got some fast players in the backs and forwards and they backed up all day.
“They dominated the play the ball area and they were able to roll on from there.
“Their defence out wide, their slide defence, was good too because we’ve got some handy players out there like Sam Bowden who wasn’t able to show up.
“Certainly Narrabri was the better side.”
Farrer hooker Tom Mellor had a good game though with two tries while Guider said Nick Say and Sam Crossley were also good.
For Narrabri, Josh Warren, Kenny Allison and Daniel Jobson all scored two tries each while Sean Russ and Alics Davis were the other try-scorers for the home side.
Narrabri will now prepare for next week’s trip to Tamworth knowing it will have to step up again.
“Our preparation will have to be good,” Graham said.
“Under the old format we used to play a game against Wee Waa and then we’d come up against a red-hot Farrer.
“This year we’ve been able to build that belief with every win.
“These blokes (Farrer) were good today but we know they will be better so we have to improve.”
Regular hooker Phil Webb and Tufui should be back for the final.
Tufui wasn’t available for Narrabri because he is in camp in Sydney preparing for Friday’s Indigenous Under 16s State of Origin.
The outstanding youngster has been selected to play for NSW against Queensland in the curtain-raiser to Friday night’s Centenary Test between Australia and New Zealand at the SCG. |
GYMEA
HIGH
SCHOOL |
0 - 30 |
St. Patricks
College
Sutherland |
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TRIES : Hancock 2, Fowler, Croucher, Kalagurgevic
GOALS : Sommers 3/4, Cardwell 0/1 |
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OURFOOTY ACTION PHOTO GALLERY |
ARRIVE aLIVE CUP
Gymea High School Vs St. Patricks College Sutherland
@ Gymea HS 9 th April '08
Story & Photo's :
The Sutherland Shire leg of the National Schoolboys Rugby League knockouts, the Arrive alive Cup kicked off at Gymea High School with Gymea taking on the powerful St. Patrick's College Sutherland.
With great excitement from the Gymea High kids screaming their heads off at lucnh time the game got underway with Gymea kicking off.
Then St. Pat's had the ball and took control of the game from there on.
St. Pats play a good style of footy using their powerful forwards to smash the opposition then they feed the ball out to the talented back line who like to run.
Dragons Toyota Cup player & former Shark Tommy Hancock opened the scoring for the Pats boyz with a good run from about 30 meters out with defenders falling off their tackles.
Matthew Sommers converted from in front and the game was on.
The first half continued this way with Hancock crashing over for his second try halfway through the first half.
During the second half it was funny hearing the schools loudspeakers trying to get all the kids back in class and away from the game.
Gymea were courageous in defeat, they did not give up at all and reduced the St. Pat's side to just 14 points in the second half, the five - eight was a dangerous little player for Gymea who had a few good runs and tackled like a demon.
The power and experience of the St. Patricks boyz was just too much for the Gymea boyz, St. Pats kept coming in waves of running players.
Man of the Match according to ourfootyteam was Tom Hancock, he is a class or 2 above everyone else on the paddock. |
NARRABRI
HIGH SCHOOL |
42 - 0 |
MCCARTHY
CATHOLIC COLLEGE |
TRIES : Michael Cain 2, Michael Skillicorn 2, Phil Webb, Josh Warren, Dylan Baker, Shaun Russ
GOALS : Kenny Allison 3, Russ, James Smith |
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NARRABRI CLOSING IN ON SHOT AT FARRER
Story By : Grant Robertson
NARRABRI High School flexed its muscle in yesterday’s Arrive Alive Cup win over McCarthy Catholic College in Tamworth and is now hunting Farrer as the competition heads towards the regional playoffs.
The 42-nil win at Jack Woolaston Oval was Narrabri’s last round-robin game and the side is yet to taste defeat after earlier wins over Coonabarabran High and Peel High.
There is plenty of attacking ability in the side but defence has been the key to success, with only Coona breaching Narrabri’s line.
“The two nil results have been good,” Narrabri coach Brad Graham said.
“We’ve really concentrated on being strong in defence.
“We’ve also focused on communication as our key word and there were a few moments where it didn’t happen so it was disappointing at different stages.
“We want to improve.”
Winger Michael Skillicorn opened the scoring and went on to claim a double in the second half while centre Michael Cain also crossed twice either side of halftime.
Narrabri led 24-nil at the break.
The only thing that can now prevent Narrabri from winning its pool and taking on Farrer 2 in the regional semi-final is if Duval High racks up a mammoth score against McCarthy on Friday in the last of the round-robin games.
If Duval wins, for and against will determine which side progresses and, at present, Narrabri has a formidable tally.
A shot at Farrer 2 is something Narrabri is looking forward to, especially as a win in the semi means a crack at the Farrer First XIII in the regional final.
“We definitely have to improve,” Graham said.
“A lot of these boys have tasted success against Farrer at the Peel Schools Carnival so we’re hoping to continue that and then on to the big game to follow.
“But we’re taking it a game at a time at the moment.”
Narrabri has three Group 4 under 18s – Shaun Russ, Daniel Jobson and Kenny Allison – in its side as well as fellow Greater Northern Academy players Brodie Rumsby and Dylan Baker.
They were all strong, with Russ and Baker also claiming four-pointers, while the coach was also pleased with several others.
“Josh Warren had a big game at lock and Adam Johnson off the bench did a good job,” Graham said.
“I had him filling in at wing, centre, front row and second row today.
“We had one of our front rowers and our regular number seven Trevor Allison out today too so they’ll add some starch when they come back.”
McCarthy threatened a few times but couldn’t crack the Narrabri defence.
Fullback Blair Richards, Group 4 prop Thomas Brown and five-eighth James Cooper tried hard to get the Tamworth side into the game but the opposition was too good. |
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FARRER Memorial Agricultural High School |
NO STOPPING WELL-DRILLED FARRER
Story By : Grant Robertson
FARRER Memorial Agricultural High School’s Second side remains undefeated in Arrive Alive Cup competition after yesterday clinical 38-nil dissection of O’Connor Catholic College in Armidale.
The win means Farrer 2 is almost certain to meet Narrabri in the next round of the competition.
After an early arm-wrestle Farrer got on the board through hooker James Mellor and never looked back.
“The boys are starting to click as a group,” Farrer 2 coach Dave Olrich said.
“They were better in defence and commitment and that’s the happiest thing about today. “We were expecting a tough game against O’Connor.
“They were willing but we forced a few errors and got some good field position.”
Olrich said secondrower Ben Williams, Mellor and the versatile Andy Thomas were among Farrer’s best.
The Armidale side had performed well in its first two games but discovered how tough a well-drilled Farrer side can be.
“They were too good for us,” O’Connor coach Greg Jones said.
“They’re really well organised and they don’t make many mistakes.”
Jones said Grant Burns was his side’s best while skipper Liam Gallaher tried hard again.
O’Connor is now out of the Cup but will face some of its local Armidale rivals later in the year.
Farrer 2 must await the outcome of a possible rematch between Glen Innes High and Inverell High before its place in the next round is confirmed but a showdown with pool A leaders Narrabri is likely.
“Narrabri will be hard,” Olrich said.
“They have Sean Russ, who is a former Farrer kid, and he’s good.
“Their win over Coona was very impressive.”
Narrabri still has to meet McCarthy Catholic College in its last pool game on Monday. |
SECOND ROUND TROUNCING
Story By : Naomi Davidson
The biggest open schoolboy competition in the country the Arrive Alive cup saw Glen Innes triumph in the second round.
Following the disappointing two-point loss to Inverell in round one, Glen Innes high school stepped up a gear to thrash Oxley High school in Tamworth on Thursday.
Glen Innes’ massive 32 to four point score line was achieved with the aid of star centre Joel Jackson who crossed the line four times during the match.
In the opening minutes Jackson pounced breaching the defence to commence the scoring feast. Oxley highs attempt to narrow the score line were repressed as Glen Innes asserted victory in the second half.
Coach Richard Taylor said that he was impressed by the teams performance.
“They played alot better than they have been playing,” he said. “They made some mistakes in the first half, putting pressure upon themselves but rectified their mistakes in the second half.They seemed to be more relaxed and enjoyed the game.”
Man of the match went to Mark Mabbott who regularly broke through the oppositions line of defence, while Joel Jackson received two points for his efforts, although Joel is brilliant each of his four tries were not purely an individual effort but the result of build up from the team, while fullback Tim Croft was awarded one point, he returned the ball really well and was excellent in defence, Mr Taylor said.
The Glen Innes team has been dealt a second blow following a motor cycle accident which left hooker Sam Kiehne out of the side with a broken arm, in the Under 18s Magpie’s game against Tingha on Saturday Mark Mabbott received a grade three tear of his AC joint and is facing a minimum of six weeks on the side line. |
SEASON OPENER PROMISES TO BE A REAL KNOCKOUT
Story By :
SCHOOLBOY football has been in full swing across the region for several weeks but the big boys join into action tomorrow.
The Wests Knockout is the main event in Group 4 with all 14 first and second division clubs competing for a total of $14,500 at Tamworth’s Scully Park.
Group 19 kicks off with a huge local derby clash at Uralla when the Tigers face Armidale.
Tingha and Glen Innes also meet on day one at Tingha while Guyra and Inverell face off at Guyra on Sunday.
Bingara also relaunches in the President’s Cup when it faces local rivals Warialda tomorrow.
Group 21 has the jump on the others though with its pre-season competition entering week three this weekend.
Meanwhile the schoolboys have been in action in the opening rounds of the Arrive Alive Cup.
Yesterday Glen Innes High beat Oxley High and Narrabri High was too good for Peel Technology High in the latest matches.
Joel Jackson was the start for Glen Innes and the Magpies will be hoping for a similar performance at Tingha tomorrow.
The Arrive Alive Cup is the biggest open schoolboy competition in the country and growing across the northern inland region.
A total of 13 teams will compete for the regional title, the most for many years. |
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Glen Innes High School's Nick Ehsman palms off an Inverell High School player during the match |
BITTER DEFEAT GLEN GOES DOWN UNDER UNSAVOURY CONDITIONS
Story & Photo By : Naomi Davidson
A try for try match was played out between Glen Innes High School and Inverell High School for the first round of the Arrive Alive cup at Mead Park last Wednesday afternoon.
At half time the score was 16 to 14 Inverell. The second half was a nail biter as both teams went at it try for try till the 50th minute when Inverell crossed the line for the last time.
During the last ten minutes a Glen Innes player suffered a suspected spinal injury loosing six minutes of playing time.
After 60 minutes it was five tries all the two-point difference the result of Inverell’s three conversions to Glen Innes’ two. The final score 26-24 to Inverell.
“I thought the boys played very well during the first ten minutes,” coach Richard Taylor said. “They were trying a new style of play that a number of coaches are trialling at the moment.
But essentially they did not complete their sets of 6 and were not responsible enough of possession. They put pressure upon themselves on a very hot day.”
The man of the match went to Daniel McLennan from Bundarra who scored three tries for Inverell High School, McLennan is rumoured to be on contract with the Gold Coast Titans.
Otherwise from a Glen Innes perspective one point went to vice captain Nick Ehsman, who played a mature game, scored a try and defended brilliantly.
Two points went to Adrian Wadley who played a very powerful running game and was excellent in defence. While three points were awarded to Sam Kiehne who provided excellent service from dummy half, ran intelligently and tackled quite outstandingly Mr Taylor said.
After the game a discussion took place between team managers and parents who raised the concern that Glen Innes were playing students from Bundarra and Ashford who were not eligible to play in the Inverell High School team.
“Inverell High School is a significantly bigger high school to Glen Innes, there was a collective belief that we should just play Inverell High,” Mr Taylor said. “A representative player from Bundarra scored their three tries.”
The outcome unfortunately left a bad feeling, he said.
The points for the match will not be counted. If Glen Innes or Inverell need those points once the full round of games are completed, to move into the next round, the game will be re-played against a purely Inverell side.
Glen Innes’ next match will be against Oxley High in Tamworth.
“Thankyou to the community for their support on the day,” Mr Taylor said. “We look forward to the next home game against Tamworth High, where the community will have an opportunity to see the boys play again.” |
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