On arrival at the ground they got to watch the powerful Blacktown Patrician Brothers and Endeavour Sports High School teams go at each other in the Tier A NSW semi-final. As we moved into the stadium and took our seats – we happened to be sitting across from our opposition. As a collective, the anxiety levels and nervous energy seemed to engulf them as the team sat very quietly.

The nervous tension seemed to hinder our start as the team took its time to get into rhythm. A lucky ricochet off a bomb saw a Chifley player pounce and open the scoring to lead 4-0. This seemed to trigger a reaction in the team as they realised, they needed to get into the game.

The boys started to play more direct and fight to win the ruck as they weathered the initial storm from Chifley. Their effort payed off as the bigger Chifley team started to tire. A slick backline movement saw us cross for our opening try and from there the floodgates opened. Sandon Smith scored a brilliant individual try, Daniel Peters kicked for Josh Woutersz to score in the corner and Boston Passeri backed up captain Levi Kasun to take the half-time score to 22-4.

The second half started much like the first. Chifley came out trying to get back into the game. The team defended three back-to-back sets on their own line as Chifley again grew tired. From there the boys again scored some fantastic team tries moving the ball from side to side. Owen Flaherty threw a fantastic cut-out pass to Beau Newlands, as he crossed for his second of the day. Chifley scored late, as we ran out winners 42-8.

The team now progresses to the Schoolboy Trophy grand final on Tuesday 10 September, again back at Campbelltown Stadium against Mt Ridley College (Victoria – NSW Country winner).

A big congratulations must go to all the boys in the squad. Since the schoolboy competition has changed to the Tier A & B concept, this is the best result the College has achieved so far. Well done boys.