The 14s and 16s State Championships kicked off today at Britannia Oval with the northern suburbs taking on the southern suburbs in both age groups.
North were too good in the 14s, winning 19-5 while South dominated the 16s match, winning 36-12.
South dominated possession early in the State 14s, spending most of the first half camped out in North territory. They didn’t capitalise on their opportunities however, and a quick turnover to North saw them take advantage of a weakness in the South defence.
Centre Corey Teoroa claimed the first try of the match with some quick ball carry and evasive stepping to ground the ball while number 8 Jake Mckellar slotted the conversion.
North prop Ian Mario helped extend his side’s lead with a strong run down the sideline before finding teammate Connor Kettle who ran it over next to the posts. McKellar’s boot was again on target and North lead 14-0.
After the half time break, South managed to get themselves on the scoreboard with a quick tap from a penalty and a hard fought drive at the line that saw hooker Bitner Junior Tumanurao dive over the try line.
South was unable to add to their scoreline and North sealed the 19-5 victory with a try to winger Meihana Broadbridge.
In the 16s, South took out game one with a convincing 36-12 victory after an impressive second half.
Good build up from the line saw South flyhalf Joseph Simpkins slide over for the first try of the match which was quickly followed by another try from teammate Tom McCrone. The wet and slippery conditions hindered Simpkins attempts at the conversions.
North opened their account with a try to prop Jake Branca after North held steady and pressured the South defensive line. Barry Erasmus had no trouble adding the extras to put them within three points.
South came out firing in the second half, scoring their first courtesy of some great ball skills from Sean Erasmus who offloaded to Isaiah Pedersen. Kyle Akuhata further extended his sides lead with another try and Simpkins nailed the conversion to give them a 22-7 lead.
Number 8 Reuben Birch delighted the crowd with South’s fourth try following a good take in the line-out and some great pressure from the forwards to give him a clear path to the try line. Simpkins converted easily.
Birch went from hero to villain within minutes after the referee showed him a yellow card for repeated infringements at the break down.
North capitalised on the opportunity of an extra man in attack and sent Andrew Katene over for the try.
South was quick to respond however, extending their margin to 36-12 courtesy of a try to Reggie Churchwood just before the final whistle.
The teams will battle it out again on Wednesday in game two of the three game series.