By Pamela Brechin, McAuley College. Photos by Emily Livingston.
THE HIGHLY anticipated rugby league Confraternity trial match between McAuley College and St James College was held on Wednesday February 28 at McAuley College.
The McAuley College team showed great dedication, enthusiasm and unity in the lead up to the trial match.
The energy during the game was electric, with a crowd of students, past students, parents and other community members out to support their local school.
Fionnan Nally kicked off the game to a good start with the crowd cheering on. Prop Alex Wilson had some really strong carries, which helped McAuley’s forward pack gain momentum.
Zach Jupe-Puxty made some incisive breaks and half back, Rob McClure, worked hard to organise the team by constantly trying to find a weakness in St James’ defence.
After a strong first half, McAuley College led at the break. However late in the game, St James College were able to rotate a lot of players, putting pressure on the fitness of the McAuley College players.
This led to St James scoring some runaway tries late in the second half.
Despite some fatigue, McAuley College played hard right to the whistle, with four or five players chasing down the try scorers each time.
Although faced with some testing moments, McAuley College showed good spirit, working hard as a team and staying united until the end.
The game finished with St James College in front with a score of six tries to two.
McAuley’s Tyler Vaitupu, who played a very strong game, said it was a good competition and a friendly game.
“It will be a good experience for us as a team,” he said.
