Swans swoop late to claim nationals
TOUCH: The SWQ Swans flew high and proud at the weekend.
The U16 boys side were crowned national champions after a thrilling 13-12 drop-off defeat of South Queensland in the grand final.
Trailing by one try inside the final minute, crafty work at dummy half from Blaise Prendergast gave Macauley Nolan an open line, which he took full advantage of to force extra time.
With both teams down to four players, the Sharks struck first in the extra period, before a Matt Moore burst helped Bailey Deakin to tie things up.
Four became three after the Swans held the Sharks at bay, and the result was sealed with a diving Prendergast evading his marker to give his region national supremacy.
Moore said the team was able to control themselves in the extra period to come away with a memorable victory.
“We were pretty nervous towards the end but confident that we could get it done with our training,” Moore said.
“We prepared for a situation like that.
“Blaise and Bailey are both quality attackers. All three of us could’ve scored that try, but it was about getting the ball down the other end.
“It’s the best carnival I’ve ever played in. It’s definitely the best win and I’m sure most of the boys would agree.
“We’re a close group of players.”
Assistant coach Tammy Banks praised the way the side was able to respond to each challenge thrown at them by South Queensland.
“As anyone is with a three on three drop-off, things got nervous,” Banks said.
“The boys had a really successful carnival up to that point and we were confident they knew how to do it.
“They’re a very smart side of players. They kept their composure as a whole team and (coach) Jake Notley had them very calm.
“There are some very talented players like Blaise and Matt, but boys like Mac Nolan, Brock Delaney and Ronan Delaney are among some great support players. The boys are strong across the park and everyone played their role very well.”
The Swans went through the group stage undefeated on their way to a national title.
The grand final victory was the sole title for the Swans, with semi final appearances in the U12, U14 and U16 boys, and U16 and U18 girls.