Australian schoolboys defeat Samoan Schools

Mon, Sep 28, 2015, 2:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

Australian Schools ran out out 39-18 winners over Samoan Schools in an exciting contest at Brisbane's Tennyson grounds.

Australia dominated first half possession, testing Samoan defence and the strength of their forward pack.

The hosts got the scoring open early on, with a successful penalty kick from Harrison Goddard.

Australian outside centre, Simon Kennewell, made two piercing breaks early on in the match, with one resulting in Australia gaining field position, allowing the forwards to put pressure on the defensive line.

Prop Harry Johnson-Holmes took advantage of Australia’s position and made a crucial break over the line and Goddard proved successful once again with the boot, converting the try and taking Australia to an early 10-0 lead.

Australian captain Reece Hewart crossed for his first try of the day, 21 minutes into the first half, but an unsuccessful conversion kept the score at 15-0.

A yellow card for Samoa’s Ken Tuatagaloa 26 minutes in, gave Australia an advantage.

Hewart crossed for his second try with around 10 minutes left in the first half but the missed conversion made the score 20-0.

Australian flanker, Jack Farrell, cruised over for a try after Australia passed along the line, allowing him to cross largely uncontested.

A successful conversion took Australia to a 27-0 lead but Samoa kept at the home side despite their quick start.

Samoan flyhalf, Ricky Osa, darted through Australian defence in the dying minutes of the first half, getting Samoa onto the scoreboard, trailing 27-7 leading into halftime.

Samoa opened the scoring in the second half, with a successful penalty from Osa.

Australian fullback Jayden Ngamanu backed himself down the right side of the field, making a break off some expansive play from the Australian back line and crossing the line.

An unsuccessful conversion held the score at 32-10.

A clearing chip kick by Samoa landed well for the visitors, picked up by the back line and passed to fullback Emani Peniamina Faavevela.

He sprinted for the line and crossed, spurred on by an energetic crowd, closing the gap to 17 points.

An Australian ruck infringement gave the visitors a chance to kick for goal, taking the score to 32-18 with few minutes left on the clock.

Australian Max Girdler came off the bench and made a significant impact on the game scoring a try in his stint on the ground.

His try was successfully converted and sealed the 39-18 victory for Australian Schools.

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