ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵÏÂÔØ was proud to take to the field at Allianz Stadium Friday evening, 1 May, in a special curtain-raiser match against Barker College, held ahead of the Waratahs vs Reds Super Rugby fixture. It was a showdown between the reigning schoolboy rugby Premiers, ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵÏÂÔØ (GPS) and Barker (CAS). It was an unforgettable experience for the players, stepping onto a world-class stage under stadium lights, with the roar of school supporters echoing through the stands.
The match opened with strong intensity, as Barker were first to register points before ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵÏÂÔØ responded with a well-executed play finished by Anderton Stock, locking the score at 7-7. The remainder of the first half was a tightly contested battle, with both sides adjusting to slippery conditions. On the brink of half-time, Barker reclaimed the lead with a clever kick and chase, heading into the break with momentum.
ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵÏÂÔØ struck early in the second half to level the score at 14-14, before Barker edged ahead once more with a converted try and penalty, pushing the score to 14-24. ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵÏÂÔØ’s determination remained clear, and a well-structured lineout allowed Max Garner to drive a maul over the line, narrowing the margin to 19-24. With Barker beginning to show signs of fatigue, ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵÏÂÔØ mounted a promising attacking raid, but a lost opportunity turned into a length-of-the-field counterattack, which Barker finished clinically to close out the game.
Despite the final scoreline, it was a hard-fought and high-quality display of schoolboy rugby from both teams. We extend our sincere gratitude to the ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵÏÂÔØ students, families and Old Boys who came out in force to support the team. Go ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵÏÂÔØ!