NOWRA High School claimed bragging rights against their rivals over the bridge last Thursday, securing a nail-biting 30-28 win against Bomaderry High School.
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In the inaugural Blaine Rosz Cup rugby league match, both teams personified their fallen comrade by putting everything out on the field.
“The game got off to a tight tussle and neither team could gain advantage in the opening stages,” Bomaderry coach and match co-ordinator Gary Cork said.
“It was evident from the opening whistle that both teams were willing to put their bodies on the line.”
It wasn’t until 20 minutes into the match that the nil-all deadlock was broken by the visiting Nowra team at the Bomaderry Sporting Complex.
“Nowra crossed the line first but that seemed to open the match up a little, as we were the next to score,” Cork said.
“The rest of the first half see-sawed back and forth and we went into the sheds with a slender 12-10 advantage.”
After the break, both teams continued to work hard and fight for ascendancy.
“Credit has to go to both teams, because of the enthralling football they produced to all in attendance,” Cork said.
“Late in the second half, the scores were level at 24-all and both teams tried in vain to score the match winning try.
“Nowra crossed with five minutes to go and thought they had done enough to get the win.
“But to our boys credit they bounced back and managed to score a try out wide with just a few minutes left on the clock.
“We had a conversion from the sideline to level the scores but the kick fell agonisingly short and Nowra ended up winning 30-28.”
While disappointed his troops couldn’t secure the win, Cork was over the moon with the game itself.
“I’m really happy with the way the game was played, with such great spirit showed from both sides,” he said.
“It was an added bonus that St George Illawarra Dragons player Dylan Farrell was there to watch the game and award Nowra captain Trent Waldron the match ball for player of the match.”
Cork, who thought of the idea after his senior students asked him to organise more rugby league games, hopes this game can continue to build tradition between the two schools and make a rivalry that go on for years.
“From my perspective, it was a good spectacle, played in good spirits and it was great that former students came and got involved by watching the match,” he said.
“I know Blaine’s mum Michelle and brother Thomas really appreciated the sentiment of the boys playing the match in Blaine’s name.
“Callum Leonard, from Nowra High School, should be credited too for his involvement and commitment to getting this match off the ground.
“I know there used to be rivalries between these schools but that died off a couple of years ago.
“But hopefully this can promote a rivalry between the schools and senior boys which can go on for years.
“Once the senior boys get knocked out of the University Shield, there’s not really any more footy for the older boys, as most of the Dragons’ competitions are tailored to 16s and under.
“The game itself couldn’t have run better, and I look forward to watching it grow in the coming years.”