The Armidale School’s First XV has finished its rugby season unbeaten, sealing the achievement with a 39-0 win over The King’s School Third XV at TAS on Saturday, 15 August.
The result capped a fairytale run for the side, which had already claimed the AAGPS Third Grade Premiership and had not conceded a single point in its last three games.
Playing in front of a big home crowd for TAS Reunion Weekend, the home side asserted itself early. Will Hall crossed for the first try in the sixth minute, then backed up with a second just a few minutes later, converted by Archie McMaster to make it 12-0. Centres Kai Sommer and Oscar Saunders added further tries in the first half, with TAS leading 22-0 at the break.
King’s pushed for territory in the second half, but strong TAS defence held firm against two key opportunities. Hall completed his hat-trick, again converted by McMaster, before Jack Bach crossed for a try after coming off the bench to replace injured captain Baxter Williams. Fullback Jackson Welch sealed the win with a seventh TAS try just before full-time, taking the final score to 39-0.
“Although we had already won the premiership we didn’t want to give up as we had a goal to be undefeated in our last season since we were in the under 16s,” Mr Williams said.
“We definitely didn’t underestimate King’s and they were on the front foot quite a few times during the game, but defence is built on effort and it was all about the boys just going in and getting back up for each other,” he said.
“At the start of the season we set our minds on playing fast, fun and exciting rugby which suited our team dynamic well, and the boys just put in so much effort to make that happen.”
Before the game, the team was presented with jerseys by members of the 2016 First XV, the last TAS side to win the GPS Third Grade premiership, who were back at the school for their 10-year reunion.
“We also had the First XV from the undefeated 1985 team do the same before the Sydney High game, and both those occasions gave the boys a good insight into the history of TAS rugby and what we are capable of and really motivated us a lot,” Mr Williams said.
Half the team were also members of the school’s Douglas Shield-winning First XI, which may have also played a part.
“We’re a competitive group of boys but also understand teamwork, and I definitely think that translated from our cricket success to our mindset for rugby,” Mr Williams said.
“In saying that, you can’t have a firsts without a seconds, and our success is also due to them and of course our coaches.”
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