The Broulee Dolphins Under 14s travelled to Goulburn to take on Trinity College in this week’s Division One clash.
The Broulee and Trinity games are always a crowd pleaser with less than a converted try separating the teams on their last two outings.
Broulee were keen to score early points and their wish was granted when Hunter Backo charged through the defence from 20 metres out to score. Angus Knight, sitting on a 100% conversion record coming into the match, slotted the extra two points.
Trinity was the next to strike with a well-deserved try from some tidy work at the tackle contest.
A front line battle ensued with each forward pack vying for dominance. Jake Barbic and Sebastian Hughes consistently disrupted Trinity at the tackle looking to pilfer the ball and keep them behind the advantage line. Mitchell Clarke ran the ball strongly, regularly making valuable metres for the team and was ably supported at the breakdown by the ever reliable Declan Holmes. Backo continued to wreak havoc with and without the ball and it was only a matter of time before the try scoring wizard Sam Reedy crossed the line to regain the lead.
Early in the second half Trinity crossed for two tries. The Dolphins looked to the backline to regain the momentum. Cooper Brady and Tom O’Donnell both had strong games at half back, providing quality ball for Archie Hadley to release the backs. Hadley’s dummy bamboozled the defence as he set centres Knight and Michael Diacomihalis loose. Both made multiple line breaks, scattering the Trinity Defenders. Diacomihalis was soon rewarded with a try to wrestle back the lead. Lachlan Smith continued his excellent form on the wing showing a cool head and a clean pair of heels, getting the team out of many tough situations throughout the game.
With fatigue setting in Trinity crossed for two quick tries. The Dolphins were not done, working their way back to the line for Hadley to sell another dummy and score in the corner. With momentum rolling their way, they were eventually beaten by the clock. Trinity winning a fantastic game of rugby 29-24.
Asked what he thinks of his team’s performance in Division One this year, Coach Jon Brady replied:
“I have never been prouder and more impressed by this team. They have been in three grand finals, had some huge victories and close losses, but this year has shown their true character”
“Playing in Division One against the best teams Canberra has to offer has been a rewarding experience for the boys. Their rugby has improved out of sight.
Yet to post a win in Division One, Brady was asked if there are lessons in losing:
“Absolutely, this is how our boys grow into young men. Learning to face defeat and come out the other side eager to try again, having that never give in approach, develops great resilience. Credit must be given to our parents for the positive spirit they have instilled in their sons.”
Above Photo (left to right)
Back Row: J Brady (Coach), M Clarke, A Hadley, A, Knight, H Backo, J Barbic
Middle Row: D Holmes, M Diacomihalis, L Smith
Front Row: B Hughes, S Reedy, C Brady, T O’Donnell
