Against the odds: It took a pack of opposition players to contain a determined Will Evans in last Wednesday’s schools’ knockout final.
The open boys rugby league team from the Sir Henry Parkes Memorial Public School has unfortunately gone down to Quirindi Public School after the bell in a nail biter in the NSW PSSA knockout regional final.
The first half saw the locals go into the break down 4-0 after the visitors scored a try against the run of play. Our boys had plenty of opportunities in the first half, but were unable to convert them into points with the visitor’s defence holding on.
A half-time pep talk and some clarity on the game plan saw the local boys come out firing. A try to Will Evans levelled the scores. The conversion hit the upright and bounced back leaving both teams locked at four apiece.
In the closing minutes of the game, our boys had several opportunities as they set up camp deep in the opposition half, but were unable to cross the line. A last minute field goal from Geoff Swan sent the team and crowd into a frenzy.
With 30 seconds left in the game, Quirindi kicked off. The boys safely hit the ball up for the first two tackles. At the bell, the locals lost possession and allowed the visitors to score after a solid run down the sideline. This put the Quirindi side up 8-5 after a failed conversion attempt.
“I can’t believe what just happened,” coach Simon Maher said.
“To come this far and be ahead with 30 seconds to go is nothing less than heartbreaking.
“I’m very proud of how far the boys have come and at the spirit in which they’ve played in every game. They all played out of their skin today and they should all hold their heads up high.
“I would like to congratulate Will Evans and Geoff Swan on an amazing year. They are truly great talents and names to watch out for in the future.
“I guess we will just focus on the touch footy over the coming weeks and set some goals for those kids’.
Four of the rugby league side have travelled to the central coast to represent the North West team in the state championships. Will Evans, Geoff Swan, Tyler Sargeant and Chaney Rhodes have all made the team and will cherish the opportunity and experience.
The school touch side will take on Gulargumbone Central School in the third round of the NSW PSSA state knockout where Coach Maher believes they could equal or better their results in the rugby league. Good luck boys.
SHPMPS