Two impressive tries from GPS II and Riverview fullback Jack Matthews proved the difference on a cold, wet knight at Knox as GPS II claimed a 26-17 win over CAS II.

The CAS forwards arguably dominated the battle of the big men, particularly at scrum time, but strong game management from GPS flyhalf Jack Bowen and some electric attack from Matthews helped the visitors claim victory. 

The visibly bigger CAS forward pack made plenty of metres with ball in hand in the opening stages and soon led on the scoreboard after flyhalf Tom Morrison finished off a counter attack try involving both winger Theo Kidd and centre Mateo Baldwin. 

CAS continued to dominate territory and possession for the majority of the opening 15 minutes until a well placed kick from GPS flyhalf Jack Bowen helped swing momentum in his sides favour. 

Bowen linked with Riverview teammate Jack Matthews down the short side to open GPS’ account then added a try of his own when he dived over from close range on the back of a scrappy CAS scrum to give GPS a 12-5 lead. 

The CAS scrum, led by props Oniti Finau and Jack Black, did dominate at set piece time and helped move play deep into GPS territory. Scrumhalf Tom Goddard scooted from close range soon after to level the scores at 12-12 at half time. 

After a strong first half, GPS fullback Jack Matthews scored the try of the match early in the second half, splitting the defence on counter attack to score a brilliant individual try from close to the halfway line. 

CAS hit back when Ethan Halatokoua scored from close range but the GPS forwards had the final say on a wet night, scoring an impressive try that featured four short passes, some strong support play and was eventually finished by flanker Will Parnaby. 

Matthew’s brilliance in attack and Bowen’s impressive display with the boot from the tee and in play were particularly impressive on a cold wet night at Hornsby.