GTS sweep Woodbridge Cup in rep matches
George Tooke Shield (GTS) representative sides enjoyed a winning day in Cowra on Saturday.
Playing at Sid Kallas Oval, the GTS league tag outfit kicked the day off with a dominant 42-18 win over Woodbridge Cup.
The men’s tackle match was the ultimate arm wrestle as both sides battled for field position before GTS went on to win 18-10.
After a slogfest for the opening half-an-hour of play, a well-disciplined GTS outfit was rewarded just before halftime when University of Canberra finisher Adam Booth scored. Following Cooper Cross’ successful conversion, the visitors led 6-nil at the break.
The second half saw a similarly high standard of representative rugby league, and neither side was willing to give an inch.
Crookwell’s Rhys Secomb gave GTS some breathing room when he scored a try, and Cross converted to make it 12-nil.
Woodbridge Cup hit back via a Ryan Clark try, converted by Ricky Whitton, and the game was in the balance at 12-6.
GTS managed to hold onto the ball, and with Rawlinson turning the home side around with his clever kicking game, they eventually took control and edged further ahead when Tyran Sullivan crossed.
Cross converted, and the visiting side was ahead 18-6 with 20 minutes to play.
Woodbridge Cup did score late via Ash Magaya, but his try went unconverted, and GTS maintained an 18-10 lead, which would be the score when the final siren sounded.
GTS coach Jack Bramley was thrilled with the result, and he put the win back on his side’s completion rate.
“We were completing at 88% at half time, and that is what won us that game,” Bramley said.
“The sheer amount of ball we had, and the weight of possession played a big part, and we just had too much ball.”
Chris Rawlinson was named best on ground, with his leadership and kicking game proving the difference.
“He kicked them out of the game to an extent, hence why he got man of the match,” Bramley said.
“Plus, our middles were strong, the rotation was good, and it was to see everyone play their part.
“I reiterated to the boys that I didn’t want anyone to be a hero but wanted quality over quantity, and all the boys bought into that.
“Brad Laurent was massive, Rueben Oleh from Binalong was astronomical with his short and sharp stints, as he would take three or four defenders with him every time, while Rhys Secomb was in our best three.
“Then Rawlo was great, and Hamish Scott from Boorowa and Jacob Maher from Cootamundra helped turn their big guys around, and we controlled the ball and was able to hurt them.
“The thing is that everyone played their part in winning the game, and it was really good to see.”
Taggers dominate Woodbridge Cup
In a commanding performance in the league tag match, GTS were too good for Woodbridge Cup, winning seven tries to three.
It was a scintillating first-half performance, with Georgia Smith, Amarti Kelleher, and Jayde Della crossing for doubles while Emma James was perfect with the boot as her side led 36-6 at the break.
Jayde Della crossed for her third to open the second half, and while the Woodbridge Cup side bounced back, scoring two tries of their own, they were no match for a red-hot GTS side, going down 42-18.
GTS Coach Jason Pollard said a few outstanding players guided a strong team effort.
“We combined well, and our halves were Emma (James) from Harden and Sasha (Louttit) from Cootamundra, and they controlled the game,” Pollard said.
“Georgia (Smith) and Jayde (Della) were our standout players. Jayde was named player of the match, and Georgia wasn’t far behind.
“Chloe Muggelton at fullback was also very solid at the back, and she cleaned up a lot of stuff.”
In recent years, the GTS league tag side has been a class above the Woodbridge Cup, which Pollard said is a testament to the strength of the competition.
“Our record and that win speak volumes about how strong our competition is,” Pollard said.
“It’s a pretty strong comp with a lot of young talent coming through, which is great to see.
“The girls enjoy the whole concept, as it is the best chance to see the best players represent the competitions.
“We had 16 girls at training on Wednesday night, and that tells you they want to be a part of it, and they were keen and positive.”
With the representative matches in the rear-view mirror, the Blumers Lawyers GTS competition returns on Saturday.
Click here for draws, results, and ladders.
