AUSTRALIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
15 Years: Darwin      27 June - 2 July 1999

MATCH REPORTS

Wednesday 23 June     Redcliffe

First "Test": Queensland Secondary Schools v NSW Combined High Schools

In front of a big crowd at Dolphin Oval Redcliffe in Brisbane last night, Queensland Secondary Schools scored a morale-boosting 34-18 win over New South Wales Combined High Schools in the annual 15 Years' Interstate clash between the two fierce rivals.

Not only does the win make amends for the Young Maroons' narrow 14-10 loss to CHS last year, but it will provide a welcome boost to the team's confidence going into the National Championships which commence in Darwin on Sunday.

Queensland team manager Mark Nunan said Queensland played well across the field, with halfback John Nash and centre Ashley Donovan the standout players in a strong team effort. Nash was named player of the match.

Both Nash and Donovan scored two tries, with Michael Reddy and Cameron Watt scoring one each. Brett Seymour kicked three goals, and Michael Witt two. CHS scored four tries and one goal. The Maroons had established the winning margin by half time, leading 22-4.

Queensland came away from the game without injury, although a very disappointed Phillip Wuersching (Toowoomba SHS) had been forced to withdraw from the team due to an ankle injury he had sustained at home. He was replaced by Matt Lammond from Browns Plains SHS.

The Queenslanders fly out for Darwin on Friday, and play their first game of the Nationals on Sunday against Australian Capital Territory. The game kicks off at 4.45pm. Queensland meets what undoubtedly will be a wiser CHS again on Tuesday at 7.45pm, and on Thursday comes up against NSW Combined Catholic Colleges, also at 7.45pm. The championship final will be played on Friday 2nd July at 6.45pm.

Sunday 27 June    Darwin

Queensland Secondary Schools v Australian Capital Territory

After a slow start, Queensland scored a comfortable win over ACT on the first day of the championships today in Darwin. The scores were tied 6-6 at the break, but the Young Maroons clicked in the second half to run out 34-8 winners. The match was good preparation for the return clash with NSW Combined High Schools on Tuesday. The Maroons to date have not suffered any injuries.

QSS  Tries: Michael Reddy 2, Brett Seymour, John Nash, Ashley Donovan, Matt Lammond. Goals: Seymour 2, Michael Witt 3.  Player of match: Michael Reddy. Other players to stand out for Queensland: John Nash, Ocean Taunaletia (wing), Luke Harlen (second row).

Tuesday 29 June    Darwin

Queensland Secondary Schools v NSW Combined High Schools.

As predicted after suffering the 34-18 loss to Queensland a week earlier, a chastened CHS came out with a lot more enthusiasm for this return encounter, and inflicted sweet revenge on the Young Maroons on the third day of the nationals in Darwin.

CHS showed a big improvement on their effort in the "first test" and were rewarded with a 24-12 win over a flat Queensland side. Capricornia pair Ashley Donovan (centre, Mackay North SHS) and Michael Reddy (lock, St Brendan's) continue to impress, and again were the Young Maroons' most outstanding performers.

Donovan scored a try and was named his team's player's player. Caloundra's Cameron Watt also scored a try, and Michael Witt (Harristown SHS) kicked two goals. Fingers crossed, Queensland remains free of serious injury.

Queensland needs to beat NSW Combined Catholic Colleges tonight (Thursday) to stay in the running for a berth in tomorrow's final.

Thursday 1 July    Darwin

Queensland Secondary Schools v NSW Combined Catholic Colleges

The Young Maroons secured a berth in Friday's championship final when they defeated Catholics 16-6 on Thursday night. Fullback Nick Parfitt (Maryborough SHS) had his best match of the championships, racing 50 metres for a try and stopping a certain try. He also made an impact when he brilliantly fielded a high bomb near his line.

QSS   Tries: Ashley Donovan 2, Nick Parfitt 1; Goals: Brett Seymour, Michael Witt. Player of match: Matthew Lammond. Player's player: Sam Faust.

In addition to hunting championship honours, Queensland will be chasing the unofficial "Maroon-Blue" interstate crown tomorrow night when they meet Combined High Schools in the championship final at 7.15pm EST.

Friday 2 July    Darwin

CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Queensland Secondary Schools v NSW Combined High Schools

Queensland won the Australian Secondary Schools' Rugby League 15 Years' National Championships at Darwin, defeating New South Wales Combined High Schools 24-10 in the final.

Centres Ashley Donovan and Jermaine Alberts had outstanding games for the Maroons, as did the halves Brett Seymour and John Nash. Lock Michael Reddy concluded a great personal carnival effort with another strong performance.

Tries: Donovan, Nash, Seymour, Ocean Taunaletila, Rickson Toloa. Goals: Seymour, Nash. Nash was named player of the match.

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