01 Apr 2025
The final round of Fifita between MRHS – Griffith and MRHS – Wade played out last night with both the girls and boys matches going to Griffith.
The girls league tag was the first match of the evening. Kicking off at 5.30pm, the game was a nailbiter. Wade’s Zianna Zuccato was the first try scorer, forcing Griffith to kick their game into gear. Jess Carusi and Ruby Snow Curry from Griffith scored in quick succession with Armanhi Cook converting both. Wade player Tess Jamieson managed to land another try which was then converted by Armani Coe taking the game to 12-10 at half time.
In the second half, Jess Carusi made one more try which was again converted by Cook. Wade kept the pressure on, with Daisy O’Connor scoring one last try which was again converted by Coe. The final score was 18 – 16 Griffith’s way at the final whistle, Wade’s valiant efforts notwithstanding.
Griffith captain Jess Carusi lead the team from the front. Meanwhile Jess Barbaro’s swift defence and Armani Cook’s skill and overall understanding of the game were essential to the team’s success.
“The team improved a lot between this week and last week,” explains Griffith girls coach Enoka Tia, “We set up a game plan and they followed it. They did really well.”
The boys took to the field at 6.30pm with Griffith’s Kieran Casey making the first try of the match. A second try from Casey put Griffith in a comfortable lead when Wade’s Frederick Tietie scored and converted.
Despite an upset in the team’s momentum, Paul Langi chalked another try for Griffith, bringing them to a 16-6 lead at half time. The second half saw Griffith’s James Snow Curry and Nate Charles both score and Wade’s Frederick Tietie make his second try and conversion of the day. Unfortunately, Wade couldn’t repel the Griffith onslaught and ultimately went down 26-12.
Co-captain Kieran Casey is to be commended for his strong game in fullback and his fellow co-captain Meli Ranitu controlled the back line and kicked 3 conversions. Ben Williment was also a big physical presence on the field and had an impact both in offence and defence.
“They played really well as a team,” exclaims Griffith boys coach Duncan Lovelock, “As a coach I was really pleased with their cohesion and teamwork. I was also proud of the sportsmanship of both teams during and after the game.”
Well done to both of our teams. They will now progress to the next level of the competition against Yanco Ag in the coming weeks.
You can view the gallery here.