TAHS PROVE TOO STRONG FOR REDS IN FINALS
NSW had its way against its Queensland counterparts at Pittwater Rugby Park on Sunday, taking out the under16 and under 19 National Championship.
It was an entertaining showdown between the rivals, which started with a 40-10 thumping in the under16s. Classy Waratahs fullback Mitch Woods, No.8 Oliver Aboud and lock Zion Poitaha stamped their mark on the match.
It was flyhalf Jack Bowen who stole the show in the under-19s clash. The home side stormed ahead in the final quarter when playing 15on-14.
The Waratahs are now Under-16 National Champions after their stunning win over the Reds.
It was a clean sweep for the Waratahs in their 2022 campaign and in their final game in front of their home fans, they couldn’t have put on a better display. Their defence was strong but it was their dazzling attack threats who orchestrated six tries to the Reds’ one.
Waverley College lock Zion Poitaha won the Man of the Match award.
Reds coach Simon Craig said the boys tried to play outside of the systems when under pressure, but was “immensely proud of the way they played and the effort they put in”.
It’s worth noting a considerable chunk of the Tahs team played First XV in NSW, whereas a lot of the Reds youngsters shone bright in the 16As competition.
The Waratahs capitalised on territory in the first half, scoring three consecutive tries to lead 21-3.
The Reds’ only points came from flyhalf and Toowoomba Grammar star Chace Oates, who opted for the three when given the opportunity.
In the second half, their counter attacking, offloads, and the fact every player always had support inside and out, ballooned their lead to 40-3 in the 49th minute.
Hooker Ewald Kruger kept the energy up until the final whistle, a breakdown win late showing that despite what the scoreboard read, they were going to stay in the fight.
And, the Toowoomba Grammar product was rewarded for his scrummaging and lineout precision with a rolling maul try in the 66th minute. Kruger, pinching one late to settle it at 40-10.