TSS HERO KICKS ON
WHEN Hamish Roberts looked ahead to the 2019 GPS rugby season, he could see a vacancy that needed filling.
The Southport School sharpshooter Campbell Parata had graduated at the end of last year, meaning the goalkicking duties were up for grabs.
Roberts, an 18-year-old winger who kicked in his younger years, began practising with a bunch of mates during the school holidays. The hard yards ramped up as he returned to the TSS fields earlier this year.
So when his side’s Round 1 clash with reigning champions Nudgee College on Saturday at the Village Green was on the line in overtime, he had the perfect base from which to trust his abilities.
Awarded a penalty from a tricky spot on the left edge of the field, Roberts stepped up to the plate and wasted little time in getting the job done.
It wasn’t the cleanest of strikes but it was enough to seal a 21-20 victory that has given TSS the early status of premiership favourites.
“I just saw it go towards the posts and my leg started to cramp up so I just heard from the boys around me,” said Roberts, who played in their 34-29 last round loss to Nudgee last year.
“It’s the best feeling ever really.”
TSS coach Mike Wallace praised the standard of the match.
“That was a cracking game … that’s what Australian rugby is all about, teams that are not afraid to use the footy, teams that are well conditioned, well coached,” he said.
“What you got was a terrific game of rugby by two terrific teams and I’m just proud of the 30 kids on the field because they are under immense pressure out there.
“They’re not professional athletes, they’re school kids and yet they still turn up and do that.”
TSS led 15-7 at one stage but trailed by two points late in the game until Roberts’ winning kick.
Captain Zane Nonggorr was named man of the match for TSS, while locks Marlon Jones and Wilson Blyth were both outstanding.
Next up for TSS is Churchie, who lost 37-0 to Brisbane Boys’ College.
THAT’S WHAT AUSTRALIAN RUGBY IS ALL ABOUT, TEAMS THAT ARE NOT AFRAID TO USE THE FOOTY MIKE WALLACE