31 May 2024
Today’s University Shield match between Leeton and Griffith was a white-knuckle ride. Griffith ultimately thrived under the pressure, pulling together a convincing win in the second half.
Played on their home ground, the match got off to a strong start with Griffith taking an early 10 – nil lead. Leeton regrouped, however, digging deep and leveling scoreboard 10 – all just as the half time was called.
MRHS hit the field with a back-to-basics strategy in the second half. The team were more disciplined and made fewer errors, ending up in front 26 – 10. Leeton never let up the pressure though, clawing back 22-26. This simply strengthened Griffith’s resolve, running away with the match 38 -22 in the final minutes of the game.
Griffith’s try scorers were Tali Talioe Sila (2 tries), Mason Payne (2 tries), Ben Williment (1 try), Kieran Casey (1 try) and Derrick Sitani (1 try). Matty Adams had a great day on the boot, kicking four from 6 conversions with AJ Misi made the final conversion of the game.
The coach’s picks for the day were Akon Titio and Tali Talioe Sila, who made a lot of big runs from the centre. Feleti Faigafa was a standout today, however, playing multiple positions and making some good carries from second row. Faigafa’s break stopping tackle of a runaway Leeton player swung the momentum of the game back in the favour of MRHS – Griffith.
“I was very happy with the team effort today,” beams coach Matt Ruming, “Everyone played their role. We look forward to moving onto the next round in Wagga late next month."
Well done and congratulations on your win, boys! You can view the gallery from the game here.