13 Sep 2022
This morning in Cessnock, a busload of MRHS under 14s entered Baddeley Park Sportsground revved and ready to go for the Buckley Shield state finals. Little did they know that they were about to make school history.
After being presented with their jerseys by Newcastle Knights superstar Phoenix Crossland who wished them all the best for the game, the team were called out to the ground for the 9:15 am kick-off. MRHS were pitted against Kiama High School and a roaring crowd of Kiama supporters for what was to be an edge of your seat 50 minutes of rugby.
The boys got off to a flying start, with Nate Sergi taking advantage of a lapse in Kiama’s defence and crashing over from dummy half. Matty Adams converted the try, giving the team an early lead. Kiama closed the gap quickly, making a try but failing to convert, bringing the score up to 6-4.
Viliami Siale found some space out wide and dived to score, adding another four points to MRHS’ lead. This lead, however, was short-lived. Because of some defensive errors on Murrumbidgee’s part, Kiama ended up with a six-point lead at halftime.
The second half of the game was tit for tat until Marlachi Popole bulldozed over the line carrying seven Kiama defenders with him. Matty Adams' conversion brought the game to a 16-all tie. A nifty short ball from Tyler Penrith saw Viliami score his second try of the day giving Murrumbidgee the edge in the game.
Murrumbidgee held their advantage until a try on the siren brought Kiama up to a neck and neck tie. There were sighs of relief when Kiama missed the conversion, leading the match into Golden Point extra time.
Matty Adams won the toss and elected to receive the ball. Off the kick, Ajay Chilby made a great charge forward. Sioeli Vea’s second carry was truly legendary. He ran straight over two defenders and continued to run the entire field for an outstanding 70-metre and try winning the game 24-20. It was a historic moment for MRHS, with the team bringing home the Buckley Shield for the first time in the school’s history.
“I am absolutely speechless and don’t have any fingernails left,” exclaims Coach Adam McCann, “This group of boys should be absolutely proud of their achievements. It takes true character and determination to win in such a tight game and I knew these boys had it in them.”
“A big congratulations to all the boys and a massive thank you to all the helpers along the way through each round of the tournament,” adds McCann, “Onwards and upwards from here and I can’t wait to see the boys progress into great athletes in the years to come.”
Congratulations to our under 14s team. A special mention to Viliami Siale who earned Player of the Series and Sioeli Vea who was awarded Player's Player of the Match!
