Success in Buckley Plate

Brisbane Water Secondary College has had success in rugby league recently in the Buckley Plate, according to college principal Mr Guys Vrolyk.

"The Brisbane Water Secondary College Under-14 Rugby League squad travelled to Newcastle on Wednesday, September 20, to play the final of the Buckley Plate at Energy Australia Stadium," Mr Vrolyk said.

"The Buckley Plate is the play-off for third and fourth in the State wide Buckley Shield knockout competition.

"Going in as underdogs against a highly-fancied Farrer Agricultural College side, the team were upbeat and confident of causing an upset."

Team coach Mr Neil Hinton said: "Mark Cribb, Matt Marker and the Rugby League Academy squad from the senior campus were a great help in preparing the team by coming to the Umina campus for a couple of training sessions."

Mr Hinton said pre-match preparations were completed in the Newcastle Knights dressing rooms before the boys ran out onto the Stadium for the biggest League game the Umina Campus has been involved with.

"Following a nervous start, the team settled into their normal style of play, with some outstanding defensive work by Brayden Williame, Jason Hayward, Nathan McManus, Chris Norman and Zane Sparke," Mr Hinton said.

"Knocks to Sean Ellard and Nathan McManus meant that Shane Cooper and Daniel Bluff were used off the bench earlier than intended but both players really lifted and put in outstanding performances.

"Luke Murphy was making some good ground every time he joined in the attack.

"Callum McGillicuddy, Brayden Williame and Justin Canterbury tormented the Farrer defence following great work by the forwards.

"Unfortunately a lack of patience and poor ball security crept into the Brisbane Water game and Farrer took advantage and put on two tries for a 10-nil lead.

"Brisbane Water lifted and began to exert dominance in all facets of the game.

"In the last five minutes of the first half, this dominance paid off, firstly with a try to Chase Williams after a brilliant off-load by Jason Hayward."

Mr Hinton said James Coote's conversion from wide out in difficult, windy conditions gave the side a further boost in confidence and reduced the Farrer lead to four.

"Almost on half time, after great lead-up work that had Farrer on the back foot, Jason Hayward split the defence and planted the ball over the stripe," Mr Hinton said.

"Luke Murphy added the extras to give Brisbane Water a half time lead of 12 to 10.

"The second half did not start according to plan with Farrer scoring in the opening minute to retake the lead at 16 to 12.

"This quick try shook the Brisbane Water side back into action and showing great patience and control they started to regain the ascendancy.

"A side in a game like this must have a strong bench and all of the players rotated off the bench played their part in the team.

"Backs Jamie Rushton, James Lovell, Tom Austine, James Coote, Justin Canterbury and Henry Lovell attacked and defended well while fullback Luke Murphy was dangerous every time he had the ball.

"Brisbane Water retook the lead with a try to Justin McDermott.

"Justin came off the bench and did precisely what was intended.

"James Coote once again added the extras to give Brisbane Water a two-point advantage.

"The forwards led by captain Chris Norman controlled the game with great defence and forceful ball running.

"Daniel Bluff, Nathan McManus, Jason Hayward, Sean Ellard, Zane Sparke, Shane Cooper, Chace Williams all hammered the Farrer defence running off halves Callum McGillicuddy and Brayden Williame.

"Chase Williams put Brisbane further ahead with his second try and after the conversion by James Coote."

Mr Hinton said that, despite some intimidating tactics from the opposition, Brisbane Water held their composure and ran out very deserving victors.

"What makes this such a special team is that everyone puts in," Mr Hinton said.

"For example, Aeden Avery did not get much of an opportunity in this game, but like Daniel Taylor who volunteered to video the match and water boy Josh Spence, played a big role within the squad.

"All three were an integral part of the squad from first game to last.

"The season, which culminated in this win, was a real team effort with all 21 in the squad putting in great effort.

"To top off the win, after Chris Norman accepted the Buckley Plate, Jason Hayward was named Player of the Final and Nathan McManus was selected as the Knights Player of the Match."

Mr Hinton said all of the players received winners medals as a tribute for their efforts.

Mr Vrolyk said: "Both coach Neil Hinton and trainer Matt Marker were proud of the boys efforts and attitude throughout the season."

Press release, September 27 Gus Vrolyk, Brisbane Water Secondary College