They might not have played the smartest rugby at times but electric attack and a united effort in defence helped Sydney North East claim the NSW Combined High School’s rugby title on Friday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sydney North East had got by local rivals Sydney North East in a thrilling encounter on Thursday to advance to the decider, where they proved too string for North West.
The final score finished 32-17, with Sydney North East holding off a late onslaught to lift the prestigious Ewart Robson Shield.
RELATED:
“It’s bloody brilliant,” vice-captain Justin Mills, one of the grand final try-scorers, said.
“I was at this carnival last year and we stuck at it and finished fifth but this year has been incredible.”
Mills confessed Thursday’s clash with Sydney North West would have made a better grand final but he was still delighted for his side and coach Sarah Laman.
In the decider at Apex Oval on Friday, both sides were guilt of trying too much, too soon with the ball in hand but that only made the match much more entertaining for those in attendance.
After an even opening 10 minutes the game burst into life when winger Kefu Kinahoi scored for North East following some smart work from classy flyhalf Cooper Wood.
However, the lead didn’t last long as a try to North West winger Luke Howes locked things up at 5-all.
One of key periods of the game was the lead-in to half-time and Sydney North East dominated it, with Wood scoring a fine individual try before fan favourite Inoki Levaci went on a barnstorming run to set-up a try for Tonga Vei.
A try early in the second stanza to fullback and captain Conor Hickey made the score 25-5 and despite North West getting a glimpse of a comeback when crossing through Howes again, the lead was extended again when Mills ran a fine line in support to cross.
North West dominated the final stages and after a string of penalties two Sydney North East players were binned.
North West scored late on through Isaac Devine but it was too little, too late.
“We screwed up a little with all the penalties but you can’t win them all and we stuck to our structure late on and that’s what won us the game,” MIlls said, after what was a similar effort to Thursday’s derby win.
“Far out, we defended on our line for about 10 minutes yesterday, holding that ball off and we were all tired and I’ve been aching so this has been tough.”
It’s bloody brilliant.
- Sydney North East's Justin Mills
Mills was one of his side’s best across the carnival but there wasn’t a player who let the side down.
The vice-captain said a lot of credit for his side’s success went down to the work of coach Sarah Laman, a former NSW Waratahs representative, and her staff.
“Sarah is amazing and Geoff is too,” he said.
“They’ve helped us so much and not only as coaches, they’ve been there for us as individuals as well. They’re great people.”
Central Coast’s Joey Walton was named player of the carnival.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
