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Sydney & NSW Country Showdown a Thriller at Chatswood

Published
Monday, July 8, 2019

The NSW Positive Rugby Foundation Sydney vs NSW Country U18 game took place at Chatswood Oval on Saturday 15th June – the game directly after the "curtain raiser" which was a Shute Shield clash between Gordon and Randwick.

The game was a classic as the two young tyros put on an an epic battle in front of a vocal and somewhat passionate crowd. At stake was pride, the title but more importantly spots in the NSWJRU I team - and effectively a spot in the NSW GEN BLUE Academy... Plus the winning coaches would take over the NSWJRU I gig which includes a tour to Perth to play the Western Force Academy... So "sheep stations" were up for grabs (not sure if 'Haddon Rig' or 'Egelabra' but definitely some prime pastoral land).

Kick-off - the second half begins

The lead-up to this game had seen Sydney hold selections trials and then a few Sunday training sessions to get ready. NSW Country had been selected from the Country Champs and they had managed some camps including a trial game against Manly Marlin Colts. Both teams had lost a couple of players that chose to go down the schools pathway via CHS and ISA. But all in all both teams looked strong on paper – problem is the game was to be played on grass.

The game began at a hectic pace with the Sydney boys getting out of the blocks quicker and in quick time had put on two converted tries to lead 14-0. Some notable runs from the Sydney #12 Gordon Chan really catching the eye in the first stanza, whilst his #15 Ben Pollack was causing his own damage from the back.

NSW Country - Penalty goal right on half time

Not to be outdone the NSW Country lads fought back and put on an unconverted try of their own. They added to this right on the stroke of half time with a penalty goal to take the score to 14-8 at the break. The NSW Country #8 Harvey Austin was everywhere in this half and the #14 Liam Dalibozek looked sharp but with limited chances.

After the break the Sydney boys again turned up the intensity and managed to strike first with an unconverted try to take the lead to 19-8. NSW Country did lose a player to a yellow card for a lifting tackle over this early period and this seemed to lift the boys from the bush. NSW Country were next to score as the flying #14 managed to find some space and burnt the Sydney defence as he went in from long range. A successful conversion and the score was 19-15 – anyone's game.

Contesting the restart

But as with all heavy-weight contests, the pendulum swung again and Sydney responded with another unconverted try to make it 24-15 and an 9 point lead with some 15 mins left in the game. NSW Country then received a penalty and a successful goal brought the margin back to 6 points 24-18 – a converted try would steal the game for NSW Country. The last 8 or so minutes of the game was pretty much all about NSW Country launching wave after wave of attack. With time on the clock gone NSW Country were pounding the Sydney try line – only metres out, with phase after phase. But a little knock-on brought an end to an epic battle and Sydney were the eventual winners 24-18.

I can honestly say that is one of the best games of U18 rugby I have seen in recent years – the coaches have done a tremendous job with their teams and in an almost symbolic appreciation from the heavens, the rain started to come down almost immediately after the game had ended.

I'd also like to thank the officials for their part in this spectacle as well as our Hosts Gordon Rugby Club – many thanks for supporting this fixture.

Team of Two - Sydney vs NSW Country U18 Officials

With the game now out of the way it was time for the "real" interest to start... the selectors began selecting – the NSWJRU Coaching gigs were declared – Ben Gregory (President NSW Juniors) and Andrew Cleverly (NSWRU Elite Pathways) spoke to the teams about the pathway ahead. The Michael Brial Cup winners were declared and the two Captains made their speeches... but who made the Rep teams?

To see the NSWJRU I & II teams to play against AAGPS at Boronia Park, Hunters Hill on Thursday 27th Jun go to this link NSWJRU I and NSWJRU II. This will be the chance for those boys in NSWJRU II to show the selectors that they deserve a shot in the top side and for those boys in NSWJRU I to vindicate their selections.

Following this game a FINAL NSWJRU I team will be selected and this team WILL become part of the NSW GEN BLUE Academy.... One step closer to the eventual goal of a NSW, then Australian Schools & U18s team selection.

Sydney & NSW Country teams together after the game

Note the GEN BLUE Academy is the immediate goal for all players in NSW and it will be made up of NSW Schools I & II plus the NSWJRU I team (plus a couple of identified elite players that are already on a talent ID pathway).

Many thanks to all the people involved in getting this program going and it truly is special to have a fully inclusive Rep Pathway for club rugby players in this age group. Congratulations to all those selected and good luck against AAGPS.

Full time & the teams congratulate each other