23 Aug 2022
The MRHS U14s Rugby League team took on Mullumbimby High School last week in the Buckley Shield tournament. It was a crucial game for the boys as the winner would qualify for the state semi-finals.
The trip to Sydney was filled with nervous apprehension. The boys stayed at Cables Wake Park and even got a Captain’s Run at the Penrith Panther’s Training Academy the night before the big game. The team also cleared their mind the morning of the match with a pre-match walk along the Nepean River.
The game itself got off to a flying start with Viliame Siale scoring only minutes after kick off. Viliame proved that sometimes lightning does strike twice after he scored from a second darting run twenty minutes into the game.
A late charge from Mullumbimby at the end of the first half turned up the heat closed the gap (12-6). Despite a half time rev up from Coach Adam McCann, Mullumbimby scored off yet another kick at the beginning of the second half, bringing the game to a neck and neck tie (12-12).
Mullumbimby’s formidable defence meant that even strong carries from Soeli Vea, Clive O'Hara and Ajay Chilby were knocked back. O’Hara’s persistence paid off eventually however, with Clive eventually getting a try in and putting MRHS back in the lead.
MRHS weren’t yet out of the woods yet, with Mullumbimby playing tit for tat. Villiame Siale made some impressive carries and Matty Adams offered some firm direction for the team. This support allowed Nate Charles to crash a try through. Mullumbimby scored a late consolation try, but the referee ruled that it had happened after the siren. MRHS took out the quarter final 24-18.
"It was an outstanding team performance on the day,” recounts Coach Adam McCann, “The boys showed that they can grind out a tough win no matter the circumstance. We look forward to the semi-finals.”
The MRHS U14s rugby league team will play their next game at Griffith site on 31 August. Good luck, boys!