Round 10 Academy Wrap Up
Players Fielded
- Connor Rous
- Moses Faaola
- Nathanael Mooney
- Ryan Grocott
- Paul Faaola
- Laura Cameron
- Zeke Melmoth
- Titan Sega
- Moses Poreo
Players Unavailable
- Melvin Posetta – Quarantined
- Aisea Taupeamuhu – Injured
Grades Represented
- 1st Grade
- 2nd Grade
- Colts
- Women’s Xs
Results
- 1st Grade 36-26 W
- 2nd Grade 39-26 W
- Colts 29-29 D
- Women’s 46-0 L
Overview
Any day at Viking Park where we come away with the chocolates is a good day, it is a long trip up the GDE without something to show for it. It was points-a-plenty for our lads in the academy with a huge win in Second grade and the colts having a tit for tat draw. The Academy was represented, although briefly in the 1sts successful outing as well. Meanwhile, at Nicholls, our ladies went up against a heavily stacked Owls and came second, but more on that later.
The academy guys have been working hard over the last few weeks, taking advantage of the wet weather and its effects on the competition. The focus has been on winning collision and that was on full display. More to come in the next few weeks as we begin the run to the finals.
Nathanael Mooney continued his theme of strong ball running and crossed the try line again after some solid work in tight. The forwards also benefitted from Titan’s work at the back of the scrum, taking control of the ball when under pressure and regularly troubling the Vikings defense. It was great to see Zeke and Moses back out on the field after some injury issues and both lads had an impact on the wing. In the midfield, Paul Faaola was a defensive giant and made good meters when called upon. My standout performer though was the man at the back. Ryan Grocott at Full Back was sensational. Defending hard, clearing the line when needed and showing great pace down the outside.
The Colts are showing promise as a side and are going to be ones to watch going into the final’s series, with our young athletes leading the charge.
Second Grade saw another solid performance from the Academy contingent with Connor Rous joining Moses Faaola in the backline. Both lads were very lively all game and Moses probably had his best outing in an Eagles Jersey so far. Later in the piece, the pair were joined by Nathanael Mooney who had an opportunity to play at number 8 where he managed to sneak another 5 pointer of the back of the scrum. All three regularly bent the defense and made several breaks. Defensively Moses really upped his game, obviously taking notes from his brother.
Back at the Nest our ladies were out playing on a field that rated very high on Rich Holders ‘Squelch Factor Scale’. Laura Cameron has been nursing a torn hamstring and was able to test it out against the Bungendore Mudchicks last week. This week, back to full fitness, she put on an MVP performance and was one of the individual standouts in a less than average team game. Steadfast in defense and aggressive in attack all day. I am looking forward to seeing Laura in action again this week as they take on the table leaders.
First Grade did have a fleeting Academy presence in their magnanimous win, but Titan Sega’s ankle proved to be his Achilles heel once again. Hopefully, it will be a short recovery for this talented youngster, and we see him firing on all cylinders again post haste.
This weekend we travel out to take on West’s with all sides playing at the same ground. More news next week.
Written by Stuart Crew
Gungahlin Eagles U20 Academy Coach