Rugby vs Shore

Trial against Shore

Saturday’s round of fixtures were again hampered by field closures, however 11 of our teams were able to test themselves against Shore. Across those 11 fixtures we had 4 victories and 7 losses, highlighted by a clean-sweep in the 15’s age group. The 14B team were able to notch back to victories as were the 2^nd XV. This week will see the commencement of the CAS rounds, with Barker College making the trip down the Pacific Highway to challenge Trinity in our annual Reconciliation round fixture. To mark the occasion this week the 1^st XV will wear a special reconciliation round jersey, designed by NSW Waratah Dylan Pietsch.

This week’s results were:

Team of the Week

Our Team of the Week v St. Pius X is:

1. Marcus M. (9Mu) – 15A
2. Max M. (10Hi) – 1^st XV
3. Xavier A. (10We) – 16C
4. Marcus T. (10Sc) – 16B
5. Charlie T. (8Ar) – 14A
6. Clark F. (11Fo) – 3^rd XV
7. Bede D. (11St) – 2^nd XV
8. Hugo V. (10Mu) – 16A
9. David S. (9Ar) – 15B
10. Noah M. (9Yo) – 15B – Noah was also selected as the Player of the Day
11. Daniel C. (12St) – 4^th XV
12. Jude R. (12St) – 2^nd XV
13. Angus M. (8Ke) – 14C
14. Joshua O. (10He) – 16C
15. Matthew M. (8Wj) – 14A

Leading Point Scorers & Leading Try Scorers

We have several young men making moves on our scoring lists after Saturdays fixtures against Shore. 5 tries in the last 2 weeks has seen Hunter Knight (9We) take a share of second place on the try-scorers list, while Angus Mansfield (8Ke) has picked up 22 points in his previous 2 fixtures to sit in 10^th place on the point-scorers list. However, it is still Jozef Cluff (8Ar) sitting atop both leader boards, his 11 tries have him 6 clear of 2^nd place, while his 57 points see him 21 clear of 1^st XV captain Orly Hatton-Ward (11Sc).

Mick Snowden | Director of Rugby

1^st XV Match Report

The final trial fixture for the season saw the 1^st XV taking on Shore. Heading into the fixture some late withdrawals due to sickness saw Harry G. (11Ke) & Mitchell C. (11Ar) making their starting debuts for the 1^st XV.

The game started on even footing with both teams throwing themselves into contact with every ounce of effort that they could muster. Eventually an awkward bounce from a cross-field kick would see Shore cross in the corner to get the scoreboard started for the day. After some sustained attack and a line break from Max M. (10Hi) Trinity were awarded a penalty and Orly H. (11Sc) split the uprights from 35 metres out to bring the score to 5-3. As Shore began to control possession the valiant Trinity defensive line began to bend, and a couple of poor 1 on 1 misses would see Shore head into the half with a 17-5 lead.

To the credit of the men in Green and White they began the 2^nd half with the same vigour as the first. Lucas Y. (11We) continued his outstanding season, as he caused absolute chaos at the breakdown and forced turnover after turnover, while Sam N. (11St) pulled off several large hits. The class and ball movement of the Shore boys eventually took its toll on our young men and a couple of late tries would see Shore run out comfortable victors.

The 1^st XV now turn their attention to Barker College this week in Round 1 of the CAS competition.

Final Score: Trinity 3 defeated by Shore 32.

Penalties: Orly H. (1).

Mr. Snowden & Mr. Pay | 1^st XV Coaches

2^nd XV Match Report

Saturday saw the Trinity 2^nd XV host a competitive Shore outfit on No.1 Oval. The match began with the visitors getting off to a flying start and taking the lead within 5 minutes. However, Trinity managed to hold their composure and regain control of the match, thanks to some intelligent play from Scrumhalf Hunter Goldsbrough (12Fo) and Flyhalf Cooper Vimpany (12Mu). Strong carries from the a forward pack consisting of William Rule (12Ar), Charlie Naffah (11Du), Daniel Akpinar (12Ho), Liam Cavanagh (11Ar) and Rafael Antunes (11He) then allowed the men in green to get into good field position, which saw Hooker George Sarandos (11St) score Trinity’s first try from a pick and go at the base of the ruck. With the hosts now dominating possession, backline players Jude Robinson (12St), Hugo Reed (11Ho), Will Moir (12Hi) and Kelvin Kong (11Ar) began breaking the Shore defensive line on a more regular basis, with Hugo crossing over to give Trinity a 14-5 halftime lead. The Second’s much improved Lineout also continued to dominate at the set piece, with Bede Dunn (11St) stealing several opposition throws and Ari Nikolakopoulos (12Yo) securing Trinity’s ball. Despite the Shoremen creating their own chances in the second half, credit must be given to the Trinity defence for holding them out. This meant that when Winger Hugh Browning (12Du) beat several players to put the result beyond doubt, Trinity ended the game with a positive 19-5 victory.

Final Score: Trinity 19 defeated Shore 5.

Tries: Hugo Reed, Hugh Browning & George Sarandos.

Conversions: Hugo Reed (2)

Mr. M Kearsley and Mr. M Di Paola | 2^nd XV Coaches

15A Match Report

Trinity’s 15A’s took on the Shore on a beautiful sunny day. The Trinity boys started off with maximum intensity with a massive tackle from Marcus Mastro (9Mu) leading the way from kick-off. The match play was excellent from Trinity A’s and were able to capitalise late in the first half with two tries and heading into the half-time with a 14-0 lead. Trinity continued to provide a solid defensive line and placed substantial pressure on Shore’s attack forcing turnovers and more possession for Trinity. Trinity was able to capitalise with great communication, boys running good support lines with depth and excellent passing and vision which allowed trinity to score an additional 5 tries. The game ended with an impressive Trinity win of 45-0. Boys celebrated with their first T-R-I cheer and were immensely proud of their cohesion and execution of their game strategy.

Final Score: Trinity 45 defeated Shore 0.

Tries: Vasili Armenis (2), Logan Toohey (2), Zac Amine (1), Luke Niulala (1) & Marcus Mastro (1)

Conversions: Patrick Thomson (5)

Mr. Huynh | 15A Coach

15BC Match Report

After a three-week absence from the Rugby pitch due to poor weather and absences, an enthusiastic 15Bs took to the field against Shore on Saturday at Airey Park. Although the opposition were initially players down, the boys were keen to play and through a display of good sportsmanship, a couple of boys volunteered to play for Shore to get the game started. A special mention to Sam Perkin for his outstanding efforts assisting Shore. The boys demonstrated strong determination and it was clear they were excited to be back on the field. Tries from Ahmed Ammoura (9We), Sesan Hanna (9Hi), Vasili Armenis (9He) and Kristian Stamoulos (10Wj) saw the 15Bs ahead 24-5 at half time.

It would seem that the second half would be more challenging as some of Shore’s higher level players took to the field to support their fellow schoolmates. However, this did not faze our boys, as it motivated them further to apply all they had been working on at training to secure the win. Particular emphasis was on the improvement in defence from many of the players, as they were able to keep Shaw scoreless in the second half. Second half tries to Noah Ming (9Yo), Sam Perkin (9Yo), Vasili Armenis (9He) and Austin Wang (9SC) along with four successful conversions from Jack Thompson (9St) saw the 15Bs finish victorious against the Shore 48-5.

Final Score: Trinity 48 defeated Shore 5.

Tries: Vasili Armenis (2), Sesen Hanna (1), Ahmed Ammoura (1), Kristian Stamoulos (1), Noah Ming (1), Sam Perkin (1) & Austin Wang (1)

Conversions: Jack Thompson (4)

Ms. Flokis | 15B Coach