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Arrive alive Cup Update - 1 October 2008
Arrive alive Cup Grand Final 2008
Sydney Football Stadium - Friday 26th September
Palm Beach Currumbin 24 def Matraville Sports High 22
In a Grand Final not to be forgotten for a long time to come, Palm Beach Currumbin have claimed the 2008 Arrive alive Cup by defeating Matraville Sports High in a thrilling contest between two of the top Rugby League school teams in the country. The match that promised so much lived up to all expectations and more. In a game that saw a number of lead changes and some miraculous rugby league tries, Palm Beach Currumbin ran out eventual winners and 2008 premiers recording a 24-22 victory. It was the Queensland schools first Arrive alive Cup victory since 2001 and one to be remembered by all involved.
The match began at a fast pace and it was Palm Beach who capitalised on some poor Matraville defence down the right hand edge. It was pacey backrower Kurt Foggo who sliced through to give Palm Beach the early lead. Foggo almost scored again minutes later however he was denied and held up by some strong Matraville goal line defence. Palm Beach had the better of the early stages but could not extend their 6-0 lead.
The pressure on the day was evident through a number of mistakes committed by both schools in the opening stages of the match. It was a one on one steal on Jordan Rankin by Matraville's Adam Reynolds that led to the opening Matraville try. From the ensuing play, Matraville five-eighth Jerome Leolahi crashed over. The conversion was added and the scores were locked at 6-6. As seen so often across numerous teams in the 2008 competition, a Palm Beach kick-off that went out over the dead ball line on the full provided Matraville with a penalty on the halfway line and great attacking field position. It was Jack Tulemau off the interchange bench who capitalised on this error when he crashed over from dummy half to provide Matraville with the lead. The Mark Kheirallah conversion was slotted and Matraville Sports had a 12-6 advantage. Palm Beach almost answered right back but a brilliant solo try saver on the last tackle from Matraville centre Blake Judd, repelled the attack and ensured his side held the 12-6 lead at the break.
After the break it was a brilliant solo effort from Rankin that leveled the scores at 12-12. Rankin grubbered into the in-goal area and won the foot race to the ball to score himself. It was then Tim James who had a strong game up front who got Palm Beach into the opposition half with an impressive 40 metre run. Another well weighted kick almost resulted in another Palm Beach try only for it to be knocked on in-goal by a Palm Beach hand. Matraville Sports responded with a great team try. It was a Dominic Walsh offload that started the movement and a fine ball from centre George Vuna that saw Junior Pettybourne with some space. Pettybourne showed some fancy footwork and a good show of strength to cross for an impressive try. The conversion was unsuccessful and the score was 16-12.
A Matraville error then provided Palm Beach with a great opportunity and this was taken by talented centre Steve Gillett when he bounced off a defender and crashed over for a try. Rankin was again impressive with the boot and he calmly converted the Gillett try to put his side in front 18-16. The see-saw battle continued which then saw Matraville on the attack. Some good vision by Matraville captain Matt Hands provided Judd with some room to move and Judd was strong in finishing as he dived over for a try in the left hand corner. Kheirallah's side line conversion had the defending champions ahead 22-18 going into the final stages of the match.
The play of the game was from the following kick off when Man of the Match Brody Ollard stripped the ball and scored himself. Ollard's miraculous one on one steal and try is rare in the modern game. The try was converted and Palm Beach Currumbin led 24-22. To the credit of Matraville Sports High the boys responded as they pushed down field in the final minutes of the game only to fall metres short of a second title in as many years. It what was a thrilling finish to a memorable Arrive alive Cup Grand Final. Palm Beach Currumbin held on to run out victorious for 2008, recording a 24-22 victory.
Ryan James (pictured top right) was sensational throughout the competition and was awarded the Peter Sterling Medal for the 'Player of the Year' for 2008. It was a great team effort from Palm Beach to win the Arrive alive Cup and the school should be particularly proud of their efforts. Matraville Sports were impressive on the day and can be proud also of a great year. Congratulations to all players for what was a sensational match of schoolboy rugby league. We will now look forward to the Arrive alive Cup for 2009.
Palm Beach Currumbin State High School 24
Tries
Gillett, Ollard, Taylor, Rankin
Goals
Rankin 4/4
Matraville Sports High School 22
Tries
Judd, Pettybourne, Leolahi, Tulemau
Goals
Kheirallah 3/4
Arrive alive Website
For all information on the Arrive alive Cup including the draw & latest results please log on to www.arrivealive.com.au and follow the links to the Arrive alive Cup.
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