WATCH OUT: Griffith High School’s Sonny Tupu looks to dodge Yanco’s defence. Pictures: Anthony Stipo
GRIFFITH High School’s University Shield dreams have come to an end after the local squad went down 18-10 to Yanco Agricultural High School in a tough match in Griffith last Tuesday.
The boys from Griffith High School had triumphed in their local division but couldn’t match the intensity and strength of Yanco.
Coach Shayne Vonvun said it was disappointing to be out of the competition but the visitors were the better side on the day.
“We were slow to start and Yanco began really well,” Vonvun said.
“Our attack was a bit disjointed and didn’t really turn up to play – our effort and intensity was not as good as what we would have liked.
“Yanco played really well and were really consistent, and we were beaten by the better side.”
But while Yanco’s forward pack was on fire, Griffith’s defence made them fight hard for every point and kept the visitors to a narrow 10-6 lead going into the break.
“Our scrambling defence was excellent,” Vonvun said.
“They had enough possession to have 30 points on us, but we did well to still be in the game at half-time.
“Our goal line defence was the positive of the game for us.”
Keeping their foot on the pedal, Yanco came off the blocks firing at the second-term whistle and continued to challenge Griffith on their try-line.
But the home side kept up their excellent defence, and Yanco managed to win the game by just eight points.
Vonvun said it was great to be able to play in front of the school and praised his students for their efforts.
“It was the first game of league to be played at the school in eight years and it was great to have the school there behind us, even if we lost in front of them,” he said.
“Willy Lolohea was outstanding in defence – if it wasn’t for him the score would have been very different.
“Michael Uin was relatively new to the game but he had a lot of energy and great enthusiasm, and Brenton O’Brien was great through the middle and worked hard in defence.”