The Armidale School (TAS) hosted St Joseph’s College (Joeys), Hunters Hill at a special ‘Back to Backfield’ event, which featured top class junior rugby union action on Saturday. There were 13 junior rugby union games in all age categories from 12s upward, culminating in the main game between the TAS 1st XV and Joeys 2nd XV.
Joeys 2nd XV had four tries and three conversions when Harry Morrow finally scored a try for TAS late in the first half. Tom Lomax-Sewell converted. The half-time score was 26 – 7 in Joeys’ favour.
The only try from TAS in the second half came from Alexander Laurie, after an intercept and a solo sprint down three-quarters of the field. Tom Lomax-Sewell again converted with precision.
The final score was 49 to 14, yet Joeys’ Sportmaster, Miles Newman, said the local boys were far from being ‘easy beats’. “We saw good running rugby from both sides,” he said. “It was a great experience for our Joey boys, to get out of the city, enjoy some country hospitality and play some quality rugby.”
TAS students turned out in force to support their school’s increased rugby union competition as one of nine Greater Public Schools (GPS). TAS has a long tradition with GPS rugby, but the weekend demonstrated how the school has entered a new era. There were celebratory and privileged sentiments from the TAS boys, their teachers and supporters at seeing GPS rugby union get ‘Back to Backfield’. Off-field socialising was a big part of the day.
TAS Sportsmaster, Jason Lincoln, explained how historic 2011 is for TAS Rugby. “This year is the first in TAS’ 117-year history in which every TAS team is playing against all other eight GPS schools in one season, thanks to a collaboration with Sydney High.”
Saturday’s fixtures were about more than sporting rivalries, friendships and traditions – old and new. Mr Lincoln said that TAS Rugby gains much from competing against the larger Sydney GPS schools. “It was a great showcase of junior rugby skill. Joeys is one of the best and biggest rugby talent development hubs in the country. We learn a great deal from our encounters,” he said.
TAS has already hosted a number of rugby union games with elite schools, such as The King’s School, Parramatta and UK institutions, the Sir Thomas Rich’s School and the Royal Grammar School (July 23, July 24 and August 1 respectively).
This Saturday, August 13, TAS Rugby will tackle Scots at Scots.
Story: Gary Fry
