In games that will surely become folklore down the generations for all who played, The Armidale School and Sydney Grammar School braved falling snow at TAS Backfield on Saturday in the last home game of the GPS Third Grade competition.
During the first of the two inter-school fixtures, rain started to fall on an already soft paddock, dampening the field but not the spirits of players, with the TAS Second XV taking their match, 19–5.
Conditions took on another level when the Firsts from both schools ran onto the field, the rain giving way to snow just on kick-off. The wet and muddy conditions threw up challenges for both teams in front of a small but very excited and committed group of supporters, which included a number of Grammar parents from Sydney.
The first half was tightly contested, with TAS vice-captain Angus Swales kicking an early penalty, then Grammar replying, before Swales secured a second — the score being 6–3 at the break.
The hosts took control of the game in the second stanza, dominating play with tries to captain Daniel Emmery, Sami Davis, and Henry Armstrong. Swales defied a wet and slippery ball, maintaining his accuracy with the boot, slotting two conversions from three. The final score was 25–3 to TAS.
“The first half was pretty challenging, and in the sheds at half-time our coach gave us a rev-up and we took the bit and ran with it, digging deep for each other,” captain Daniel Emmery said.
“To get a win on Backfield in the snow, in our last GPS home game of the season, you can’t really get any more iconic than that — especially for the Year 12 boys in the team. The Grammar boys and staff were also brilliant, and both teams came off the field knowing we had all shared something pretty special.”
TAS Director of Co-curricular Lachlan Fear said the enthusiasm and excitement of playing in what was the heaviest snow in the region since 1984 was a unique experience that brought out the best values of the game.
“This once-in-41-years occurrence will undoubtedly be a memorable event for all the players — one they’ll share at reunions, with friends and family, and even future generations. We extend our thanks to Grammar for making the trip and the parents who were also there to support,” he said.
Earlier in the day, an Armidale Junior Blues Sevens team took the points against a TAS under-15s team.
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