Shore teammates Jai Callaghan and Rex Bassingthwaighte had a hand in two of GPS’ three tries in a 17-15 victory over CAS on a cold night at Knox. 

CAS opened the scoring through impressive Barker No.8 TJ Talaileva but GPS hit back with three straight tries to claim a 17-5 lead. 

CAS hit back with tries on either side of half time but couldn’t find a match winner in the closing minutes. 

Earlier in the evening, GPS II scored two late tries to claim a 27-15 victory over CAS II in a match that remained in the balance until the final five minutes.

Standout Performers

Nick Hill (CAS I/Barker No.1), Max Meagher (CAS I/Trinity No.2) & Keegan Daly (CAS I/Barker No.3)

Despite giving up a size advantage against a big GPS front row, Hill, Meagher and Daly dominated at scrum time and kept CAS in the match through their set piece. Unfortunately, the CAS lineout struggled but the 70 minute effort of the CAS front row was the highlight of the evening. 

Jai Callaghan (GPS I/Shore No.15) 

Shore fullback Jai Callaghan set up the try of the match with some electric footwork that had two CAS defenders on roller skates. After receiving a kick near the halfway line, Callaghan stepped brilliantly and ran down the sideline before passing inside to his Shore teammate Rex Bassingthwaighte, who was also impressive at flyhalf. 

Justice Taumoepeau (GPS I/Joeys No.6)

Despite receiving a yellow card for a tackle gone wrong in the second half, Joeys’ year 11 forward Justice Taumoepeau was still the most physical player on the field and made an impact every time we went near the ball. 

TJ Talaileva (CAS I/Barker No.8)

Big Barker No.8 TJ Talaileva was strong around the park. He scored CAS’ first try and set up a crucial try late in the first half with a strong run on the flank. Another that had an impact every time the ball went near him. 

Tom Haslem – CAS II/Knox No.6

Stocky Knox year 11 backrower Tom Haslam ripped the ball from attacking GPS players twice, once to save a try, then again minutes later when he raced away to score a great individual try.

Tallis McEwan-Welsh – GPS II/Newington No.15

Newington fullback Tallis McEwan-Welsh scored two tries in the first half and threw the final pass for GPS II’s final try. The electric outside back used his footwork to score a great counter attack try, then showed his pace to beat his defender on the edge to claim a double.

Daniel Osborne – GPS II/Riverview No.3

A smaller prop with fantastic technique at scrum time, Osborne earned two scrum penalties for his side in the first half, then showed good pace to back up and score a try late in the match.

Josh Barr – CAS II/Waverley No.15

Was kicked too plenty in the first half and returned the ball well each time. In the second half, Barr injected himself at first receiver and broke the defensive line on multiple occasions.