25 Mar 2025
Last night was MRHS – Griffith’s first match of the Fifita Cup against Marian Catholic College. Both our girls league tag and boys rugby league team brought home the win, setting the stage for a thrilling final between Wade and Griffith next week.
Our girls team dominated Marian, managing a 26 – nil victory against the Catholic college. Though captain Jess Carusi’s steady leadership was apparent throughout the match, she was also a force to be reckoned with on offence, managing to score a try and kick 3 conversions.
Ruby Snow Curry and Marley Riley also managed to score tries during the game. Notably, league tag first timer Sophie Webb managed to transfer her netball and touch football skills to the game, making two tries.
“It was a good result,” explains coach Molly Townsing, “But they weren’t excited to play and it showed in the energy of the game. Our players were fumbling and dropping the ball. We definitely need to work on our communication for next week if we’re going to beat Wade.”
After the excitement of the first match, our somewhat overconfident boys stepped onto the pitch. The smiles, however, were soon wiped off their faces when Marian managed to break the line and score the first try of the match which they then converted.
Riley Curran managed to then score Griffith’s first try of the day, which Meli Ranitu then converted. Marian then scored and converted a second, leaving Griffith down 6-12. Two tries from Griffith managed to bring the team up to a slight 14 -12 lead at half time.
Griffith kept their heads at half time and regrouped. Their determination and increased pace saw them penetrate the middle of Marian’s ranks and work the sides. Griffith ultimately triumphed 30 – 18.
Captain Meli Ranitu managed to help the boys keep their composure during a fraught first half. His ability to kick some extremely difficult conversions from the sideline was also a huge boon to the team. Riley Curran’s three tries and outstanding defence was a foundational in the team’s success and forward Paul Langi was commended by the coach for playing one of his best matches yet.
“Being our first game we were concentrating on our processes, trying to get the simple things right and start building for a long season ahead,” explains coach Duncan Lovelock.
“To the credit of both teams, they played with great sportsmanship and in the spirit of the game,” adds Mr Lovelock, “I’d like, as a coach, to thank Marian who displayed a lot of grit and determination. They certainly did not make it easy for our boys.”
Both teams will go onto play Wade next Monday at Solar Mad Stadium from 5.30pm.
