TWO early wins against Sydney North West and South West has seen the North West claim a fourth-place finish at the Combined High Schools rugby championships.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The team began their carnival campaign with an upset 19-0 win over South West before doubling up with a 7-5 win over North West.
However, a mounting injury toll saw the side drop its next three games before finishing the carnival with a final victory.
Read Also:
North West team coach Clayton Pursche said he was pleased with his side's efforts "considering they had only got together on Monday for the first time".
"Our guys were really brave and tough right throughout the carnival," Pursche told the Leader.
"We paid for those early wins with injuries, but all of our guys wanted to soldier on and keep going.
"Coming into the final day, I think they were a little bit down on confidence after a few losses, but I think they will be pretty happy with their efforts when they get a chance to reflect on it."
With 12 Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School students in the side, Pursche said the team gelled well together.
"I think pretty much all of our guys played on instinct and played really well," he said.
"I'd have to say Liam Mack and Auley O'Shea turned in some really good performances.
"As well as those guys, Clancy Moore was named our player of the carnival, Jack McAulife and Sebastian Pianko were really good.
"A special mention should also go to our entire forward pack, they never gave up and played through a lot of injuries.
"Honestly though, all the guys played their hearts out and I couldn't be prouder."
Pursche said he was confident the players would use their carnival experience to enhance their club-level performances.
"I'm sure they will all look back on this as a positive experience," he said.
"Hopefully they can take their form forward for their schools and local clubs."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
