Term 2 has been an extremely busy for the Rugby League Academy, with our senior and intermediate boys in action. We have also had a number of individuals gain selection in a number of representative teams.
Senior Boys 9’s
On Thursday 19th May our Senior Boys Rugby League Team participated in the 9’s Final’s Day at Langama Park, Sunbury. Playing round robin games against Hallam, Keysborough and Hume Central the team managed to win two games and thus reach the final against our ‘old foe’ Hallam College. In the final VUSC had a very positive start and lead at halftime 10 – 4. However, the team just couldn’t find a winning blow to put the game to bed with the team having 4 times players held up over the line and denied tries. To Hallam’s credit they refused to lie down and managed to score the winning try with one minute to go. Whilst disappointed at not defending the title won last year, VUSC played a very committed brand of football and never stopped trying. All players are to be commended on their effort levels. Well done boys!
GIO Trophy – West Qualifier
Congratulations to the VUSC Open U/18’s team who have won the right to be the Victorian representative in the semi-final stage of the prestigious Southern NSW Country GIO Trophy. This was achieved after convincingly winning the West qualifier at Haines Reserve, Werribee where the team was able to put together three very strong performances. During the day VUSC played some outstanding rugby league with every member of the team playing their role in both attack and defence. To score over 100 points and not concede a single point was an outstanding effort. We very much look forward to playing Hallam in the final next month.
Game 1: VUSC defeated Mount Ridley College 40 – 0
Game 2: VUSC defeated Robinvale College 44 – 0
Game 3: VUSC defeated Braybrook College 30 – 0
Intermediate Boys Rugby 9’s
On Thursday 19th May our Intermediate Boys Rugby League Team participated in the 9’s Final’s Day at Langama Park, Sunbury. Playing round robin games against Mount Ridley, Dandenong South and Hallam the team managed to win two games and thus reach the final against Mount Ridley College, coached by former VUSC staff member Hamish Pearce! The game was a thriller and seesawed end to end with both sides throwing everything they had at each other. At the end of regulation time the scores could not be separated and golden point was required. This period of the game provide many heartbreaking moments as twice VUSC had tries disallowed. This proved fatal as Mount Ridley managed to steady and kick the winning field goal after an exhaustive 7 mins of extra time. This only added to the ‘pain of defeat’.
Despite the loss, full credit must go to the boys for the way they fought out the final, especially since they were down to one sub and a number of boys playing wounded. They showed a lot of character and the disappointment felt by all members of the team demonstrated the pride and care they have when representing VUSC. Well done boys.
Representative Honours
Term 1& 2 has seen numerous representative honours for our students in both Rugby League and Rugby Union.
Rugby League
Melbourne Storm U/18 reps: Tiui Misi, Richard Wes Sisifa, Uala Salia, Trent Toelau
Melbourne Storm U/16 reps: Mark Iva, Lloyd Tevita-Letalu, Brandon Saena, Iverson Fautimau
Under 18 Victorian RL Schoolboys squad: Tiui Misi, Richard Sisifa, Uala Salia
Rugby Union
Under 18 Victorian Schoolboys Rugby Squad: Masi Alohelei