Toowoomba Grammar School coach Scott Gale said he’s thrilled that his side has found a way to win two tight matches in the opening two rounds of the 2023 GPS season, without playing their best rugby. 

Toowoomba, who many labelled a ‘dark horse’ this year, lead the competition heading in to round three following a 34-28 victory over Gregory Terrace and an 8-7 win over Brisbane State High. 

“Winning close games is probably something Toowoomba Grammar has struggled with in the past so we’re really pleased to have won two games without playing our best footy,” Gale told Rugby News this week. 

Toowoomba trailed State High 7-0 at half time and were lucky not to be trailing by even more at the break after stopping several raids by the visitors just inches from the try line.

“State High are a really good side and nothing should be taken away from them,” Gale said. 

“They were great against Churchie in round one and then pushed us all the way as well. 

“They probably caught us by surprise in the first half and shocked us a little by the way they played field position and held on to lots of possession. 

“We pride ourselves on how we defend our red zone though and I think we did that really well. 

“There are a few things we can do better in the other zones of the field, but I thought in the first half the boys worked really hard for one another when they were under pressure and that was pleasing. 

“State High will probably look back and think they missed a few opportunities, but I was proud to see so many blue jerseys around the ball when it mattered.”

The home side reduced the deficit to two points midway through the second half when fullback Richard Dean broke the State High defence with a big right foot step. 

“He’s a really talented kid and I think he’ll really grow into this season,” Gale said of Dean. 

“He’s played first XI cricket and first XI football as well so we haven’t had him around the rugby squad for too long and I think he’ll just keep getting better, the more footy he plays.”

Toowoomba dominated possession and territory in the final 10 minutes but struggled to crack the stoic State High defence. 

After turning down several opportunities to kick penalty goals in the final minutes, they were eventually awarded a penalty in front of the posts and converted that attempt to seal a one point victory with the final play of the match. 

“We always tell our boys to back themselves and I think we knew with the amount of pressure that we’d put on State High for most of the second half, that we’d get an opportunity to convert at some stage,” Gale said. 

“We probably would have liked to be more efficient in our A Zone entries and that’s something we’ll work on this week. 

“But I love that the boys had the confidence that they’d either find a way to score or earn a penalty and potentially win that way. I was happy with the decision making.”

Toowoomba host seventh placed Brisbane Grammar at home on Saturday and will be eager to claim another win before tough away matches against BBC and Churchie ahead of a bye in round six. 

“It’s a really even competition as everyone predicted and I think anyone can beat anyone on their day,” Gale said. 

“We’re just thankful that we’ve got through two tough, tight games against good quality teams.”

In the rounds other matches, BBC host Churchie, Nudgee face Gregory Terrace and State High take on TSS.