Round 4 vs Sunnybank Match Report
by Ben Mitchell
Round 4 – GPS vs Sunnybank
Saturday, May 1st, Ashgrove Sports Ground, Yoku Road, Ashgrove
GPS made their long-awaited return home after two hard-fought wins on the road. They matched up against a tough opponent in the Sunnybank Dragons, a team looking to extinguish the Gallopers red hot form to start the season.
Before fans had gotten seated and comfortable for the game ahead, GPS were off to the races. Centre Chris Kuridrani dished a timely offload to winger Emori Waqavulagi who blitzed through three Sunnybank tackle attempts and ran the entire length of the field for the first try of the match. The strides he took during his run looked effortless as he breezed his way down the middle of the pitch. Fullback Jason Hofmeyr quickly converted the try, and the Gallopers were up 7-0 after 5 minutes of play.
GPS kept the pressure on after the first score, as a scrambling Dragons defence gave up an offside penalty out in front of the posts. Hofmeyr wasted no time lining up the attempt and kicked it through for 3, giving the Gallopers a 10-0 lead 10 minutes into the match.
Sunnybank took a collective breath after the impressive GPS start, knowing they would need to calm the nerves to get back into the match. They controlled the tempo well for the next 10 minutes of play, forcing the Gallopers to commit two penalties in kicking range for fly-half Hayden Sargeant. He converted both of his kicks, and brought his team back 10-6 after 20 minutes, putting the pressure back on the GPS men.
The GPS scrum came alive after the Sunnybank push back, winning a turnover and a penalty to set up an attacking opportunity. A long cut out pass was delivered from fly-half AJ Alatimu to fast-moving Waqavulagi, who covered about 20 metres until he was tackled down 5 metres out. Gallopers forwards converged on the scene and ran several pick-and-drives to break through the Dragons defence. After several attempts, lock Oliver Bartlett was able to burst through two tacklers and place the ball on the line for a try, giving GPS a 15-6 lead over Sunnybank heading into half time.
The Gallopers came out in the second half with even more intensity than the first, applying heavy pressure to Sunnybank in their 22. Eventually, the Dragons defence caved, as the ball found its way out to Waqavulagi who stepped his way past the defender to walk in untouched for a second try. Hofmeyr made no mistake with the conversion and extended the Gallopers lead out to 22-6.
In the 50th minute, coach Shane Arnold made a complete front row swap to bring in the dangerous trio of Felemi, Mafi, and Burke. Alongside them, the Rebels duo of halfback James Tuttle and Wallabies star Dane Haylett-Petty came out onto the field as the fans cheered on. This is the first action Haylett-Petty has seen for 6 months as he has been resting from several concussion injuries.
With a rejuvenated front row and backline, the Gallopers were looking to deliver some more blows. The forward pack forced Sunnybank to concede two penalties shortly after the substitutions, stamping their authority on the scrum game.
GPS were able to steal the ball from a Sunnybank lineout and get it out quickly. The ball found its way into the hands of the dangerous Chris Kuridrani, who goose-stepped past his defender and delivered a beautiful no-look flick pass to reserve winger Niven Longopoa for an easy try in the corner. Alatimu was unable to convert a difficult kick attempt near the sideline, so the score read 27-6 with 21 minutes left in the game.
After two yellow cards were given out to both sides due to a quick scuffle, the ball found itself with GPS deep in their own territory. Reserve fullback Haylett-Petty received the ball from the ruck and booted a massive kick downfield as Sunnybank had nobody home. The ball rolled for 20 metres before it was fumbled by the Dragons reserve winger Connor Mulhearn straight into the hands of Haylett-Petty. He dished the offload from his knees to Longopoa who raced over the line for his second try of the game and the Gallopers 5th in total. The conversion was missed by Waqavulagi near the sideline and the score was pushed out to a commanding 32-6 lead for GPS.
Sunnybank still had some fight left in them in the dying moments of the match, as they drove a rolling maul through the Gallopers defence with relative ease to score their first try, number eight Jeffrey Faamausili claiming the honours. The score was left unconverted by fly-half Hayden Sargeant, and the lead was shortened to 32-11 in the 78th minute.
The score would remain 32-11 when the final whistle was blown by referee James Palmer as GPS secured their 4th win in a row, taking them to 4-0 on the season and second place on the ladder behind a high scoring University of Queensland team.
As is now the trend for the GPS side, the forward pack displayed their dominance in the scrum again, winning turnovers and penalties on attack and under pressure. Outside centre Chris Kuridrani was unstoppable with the ball in this game, delivering 3 try assists to his wingers and definitely deserving of a try himself. First-grade debutant Emori Waqavulagi was scary quick out on the wing, scoring a sensational first try to kick things off for the Gallopers, and earning a double on the day. A 100m sprint between him and the customary winger Josh Collins would be a sight all fans would love to see.
Last but not least, reserve winger Niven Longopoa found himself in the right place at the right time out there, scoring a double off tremendous individual efforts from Kuridrani and Haylett-Petty.
The GPS men are in for a tough match next week when they head to the Gold Coast to take on the undefeated Bond University men. Bond is coming off a bye, so they’ll be well-rested for this top of the table clash. If you are able to make it down to Bond University, any support would be greatly appreciated by your GPS men as they take on their toughest opponent so far!
Round 3 vs Easts Match Report
by Ben Mitchell
Round 3: GPS vs Easts Saturday, April 24th, Bottomley Park Oval
The GPS men will be eyeing off an impressive 3-0 start as they come to Bottomly Park to match up with a formidable Easts Tigers side. The reigning champions on their home field will prove to be a tough matchup for the Gallopers as the Tigers will be looking to put the winning streak to an end.
GPS looked dangerous in the early stages of this match. The backs were running great routes receiving the ball, making positive metres each time they attacked the Tigers line. Identical to last week, the forwards were having their way at scrum time, forcing Easts to crack under the pressure and concede a penalty right in front of the posts. Jason Hofmeyr took a short glance at the uprights, knowing he could kick it with his eyes closed, and guided it over for the first score of the match. The Gallopers were up 3-0 after 8 minutes of play.
GPS did not take their foot off the gas pedal as they stuck to their game plan and continually drove the ball downfield with seamless set plays and determined runs by the backs. Several linebreaks came from the Gallopers backs as they were vying for the first try of the match. Josh Collins demonstrated tremendous pace on multiple occasions in the first half, as one of his offloads almost sent Teti Tela over for a corner try in the 20th minute. Easts conceded an offside penalty only moments later, and Hofmeyr kicked the simple penalty, the score ticking over to 6-0.
The Tigers bounced back quickly, converting on their first real attacking opportunity in the 23rd minute. A rolling maul from the lineout drove Easts down close to the try line, and after a few pick and drive attempts, number eight Henry Olsen found a crease in the GPS defence and barged his way over for a try. Jack Frampton missed the ensuing conversion, but a warning shot was sent to the Gallopers, as Easts moved the scoreboard 6-5.
From here the score remained 6-5 till halftime. Easts were fortunate to not be down by more as GPS showcased impressive linebreaks and dominant scrums throughout the half. The only detriment to the Gallopers attack being the several handling errors on the end of their runs, letting the Tigers narrowly escape an onslaught of tries.
GPS came out the aggressor to start the second half, as a massive territory gainer from Jason Hofmeyr, and ferocious pick and drives from the Gallopers forward almost set up a 44th minute try for the Blue and Green, but some courageous defence from the Tigers held them up at the line. Easts then won the penalty from scrum time on their own 5-metre line, releasing the pressure of a promising GPS stampede.
Minutes later, Tigers winger Max Baker broke away down the left sideline to put his team within 5 metres of the line. Before GPS could recover, lock Mitchell Schneider snatched the ball from the ruck and used his size to reach over for a try. This play swung the momentum of the game, as Easts took the lead for the first time, 6-12, in the 49th minute.
A whole new front row was inserted into the game for the Gallopers following the Tigers try, looking to revitalise the dominance of the scrum and take back control of the game. This tactic implemented by coach Shane Arnold worked to perfection as GPS forced Easts to concede penalties on the next two scrums occasions, setting them up for a lineout deep in Tiger territory. The rolling maul crashed over the line for GPS, as lock Daniel Byrne came up with the try, regaining the lead for the Gallopers 13-12 with 19 minutes to play.
GPS were not content with their narrow lead and were eager to put more points on the board to seal the win. The scrum again would prove to be the best weapon for the Gallopers as they turned the ball over twice from Easts in back to back minutes, pushing them closer to the line. After a flurry of fast-paced pick and drives from GPS, replacement hooker Matthew Mafi scratched and clawed his way over three Tigers defenders for a try, notching the score to a 20-12 buffer with just 11 minutes remaining.
The Gallopers were looking poised to come away with the victory from here with Easts needing two scores to retake the lead. However, disaster would strike for GPS in the 73rd minute, as Jason Hofmeyr sees yellow for deliberately knocking down a pass on an Easts attacking opportunity. To make matters worse, he was the last defender in play for the Gallopers, meaning if the ball had been left unimpeded it would have been a certain try for Easts winger Mika Tela. For this reason, referee Aaron Pook awarded a penalty try to the Tigers, moving them within one point of GPS, 20-19 and setting up a nail-biting finish.
Despite the extra man disadvantage, and the East supporters firing up to back their side, the Gallopers men dug deep to defend their lead. Once again, the scrum would prove to be the saving grace for GPS as they bullied Easts into conceding another penalty, alleviating some late-game pressure. From here, the Gallopers were able to drive down the field and set up a rolling maul opportunity close to the Easts try line. GPS sent all 14 men out on the field into that maul and bulldozed their way over for another try, as replacement prop Jethro Felemi came up with the ball, claiming honours. The score sealed the win for the Gallopers as they were able to withstand the late fight of the Easts Tigers and come out victorious, 25-19.
In a similar fashion as last week, special mention must go to the entire GPS forward pack for their utter dominance at scrum time, winning six penalties and two turnovers during the course of the match. Alongside them, the centre pairing of Teti Tela and Chris Kuridrani, accompanied by winger Josh Collins, devastated the Tigers defence as they broke the advantage line multiple times, all coming close to scoring tries of their own.
The Gallopers join University of Queensland and Bond University as the only teams to start the season 3-0. They’ll be looking to push their streak to 4 as they return to Ashgrove Sports Ground to take on the Sunnybank Dragons at home. The GPS men will appreciate the support after two hard-fought victories on the road, so come down to Yoku Road and barrack for your Gallopers!
Round 2 vs Norths Match Report
by Ben Mitchell
Round 2: GPS vs Norths Saturday April 17th, Hugh Courtney Oval
A confident GPS side head to Hugh Courtney Oval looking to make it 2 for 2 to start the young season. However, the Norths Eagles will prove to be a tough opponent at home, donning the retro striped 80’s kit in hopes of winning their first match of the season.
GPS found themselves on the attacking lineout after Norths conceded an offside penalty deep in their 22, setting them up for a potential scoring opportunity. The Gallopers drove a rolling maul toward the line, with Freddy Burke falling just short of the line. This didn’t slow the GPS attack down however, as the ball shortly found AJ Alatimu in the middle of the pitch, who launched a missile cut-out pass to left winger Maaloga Konelio, beating the Eagles winger and fullback to score the first try.
Norths showed tremendous resilience after the Gallopers 7th minute try, as the Eagles quickly won the ball back off their kick-off, and strung together several progressive phases. They found themselves in a similar position to GPS, with an attacking five metre lineout. The Eagles rolling maul didn’t quite reach the line, but a powerful pick and drive from Captain Paulo Leleisiuao beat the tackle attempt of Gallopers flanker Matt Gicquel to send him over the line for a try. Once the conversion was slotted by fly half Jacob Prideaux, the score was knotted 7-7, after 14 minutes of action.
From this point until the end of the first half, the GPS forward pack took complete control of the game. They were pushing back the Norths pack constantly, forcing them to concede a number of penalties. The relentlessness of the Gallopers scrum finally reaped it’s reward late in the first half, as Eagles loosehead prop Dane Zander saw yellow from referee Brett Cronan, losing patience for the front rower’s continual angling at the scrum.
Despite the dominance of the GPS scrum and the extra man advantage, the score remained even at the half-time hooter. This was due to both teams being plagued with butterfingers during the first half, as most line-breaks and attacking opportunities went begging with knock-ons.
Both teams approached the second half with the same objective, to gain control in a scrappy game so far. They exchanged blows early in the half, as Eagles fly half Jacob Prideaux sent several deep kicks down the field to gain his team territory, whilst the GPS back line were determined to gain metres on the ground. The early stampede by the Gallopers paid dividends in the 44th minute, as a knock-on by Norths winger Veresa Mataitini gifted Captain Michael Richards with the ball in full stride to the line, cruising over for his second try of the season.
Norths fired back immediately after giving up such an easy try, maintaining the majority of territory and possession up until the 61st minute, where they found themselves 5 metres out with an attacking lineout. After a number of phases from the lineout, reserve Eagles half back Lachlan Howell spotted a gap in the GPS defence at the ruck, diving over for a much needed try. The Gallopers were given another slap on the wrist, as too successive penalties led to reserve Nick Richards receiving a yellow card after the score, giving Norths an extra man advantage and a 14-12 lead.
GPS knew they had to dig deep to escape with a win, and that’s just what they did. Off another authoritative Gallopers scrum, half back Josh Vuta fired a pass to fast moving AJ Alatimu, who steamrolled his opposite number Prideaux and several other Eagles over the line for a try, swinging the lead back to GPS 19-14 with 13 minutes to play.
Norths right winger Shai Wiperi got sent to the sidelines with a yellow card shortly after the Gallopers score, with his no arms tackle on AJ Alatimu. The win seemed within reach now for GPS, as Nick Richards was returning from his stint in the sin bin, stealing the extra man advantage back from Norths.
Gallopers controlled the tempo of the game from here, seeking a line-break but knowing a mistake could cost them greatly. They drew a penalty just outside of the Eagles 22, setting up sharp shooting fullback Jason Hofmeyr with the kick to seal a GPS win. He kicked the ball beautifully off the tee and it sailed over for 3, putting the game on ice. When the final whistle blew the score read GPS 22, defeating a resilient Norths outfit 14.
In a hard fought scrappy win such as this one, special mention must go to the GPS men in the engine room, as the front row of Jethro Felemi, Matt Mafi and Fred Burke, alongside locks Tuaina Tualima and Oliver Bartlett led the Gallopers forward pack to massive scrum wins, especially in the first half. Once the ball found its way out of the scrum and into open space, inside flanker Ratu Vio and outside centre Chris Kuridrani were electric with the pill, bouncing Norths defenders off them and gaining plenty of metres after contact with each touch.
GPS will be eyeing off an impressive 3-0 start next week when they hit the road again to take on the reigning champions Easts Tigers. If you’ve got nothing planned for your Saturday afternoon, make the drive to Coorparoo and urge your Gallopers men to three wins on the trot!
Round 1 vs Souths Match Report
by Ben Mitchell
Round 1 - GPS vs Souths: Saturday April 10th, Ashgrove Sports Ground, Yoku Road
Clear skies and little wind set up perfect conditions for a round one clash between the GPS Gallopers and Souths Magpies at Ashgrove Sports Ground. With a kick-off temperature of 32 degrees, fans and players were expecting a free-flowing and exciting game of rugby. Before the game commenced, Freddy Burke, a stalwart at prop for GPS was congratulated for his 100th cap for the side.
The Gallopers came out of the gates firing on all cylinders, taking a commanding 14-0 lead after just 16 minutes of action. A beautiful set play devised by the back line led the speedy right-winger Josh Collins over for the first try of the match, assisted by his fullback Patrick Nicholson playing up from his position. Following several dominant scrums by the GPS front pack early on, the Blue and Green were poised for another attacking opportunity with a lineout deep in the Souths 22. A well-executed rolling maul allowed Captain Michael Richards to easily cruise over the line for try number two.
Despite their rocky start, Souths snatched back some of the momentum with a huge turnover win by flanker Sean Farrell, proving to be a problem for GPS all game at the breakdowns. This allowed them to push the ball down the pitch, and after several phases the Magpies finally broke the advantage line of GPS as half back Jakob Morrison delivered an excellent offload to prop Phransis Sula-Siaosi for their first score.
A yellow card late in the first half for Souths tighthead prop Andrew Tuilagi had the Gallopers licking their lips for another score, and to build the lead with the extra man advantage. Teti Tela broke through in the final minutes of the half off a well-worked set play by GPS, but the ball was knocked on by Patrick Nicholson behind some desperation tackling of the Souths back line, wrapping up the first half action.
The Magpies came out a different team in the second half, almost securing a stunning long-distance try in the first minute of action, but fortunately for GPS, left-winger Leone Cama just put a foot in-touch, saving them from an early scare. This did not waver the confidence of Souths however as they controlled the next 20 minutes of play with the return of prop Andrew Tuilagi from the sin bin.
After the Gallopers conceded several penalties inside their 22, Souths fullback Luke Samoa slotted two simple penalty goals to bring the score to 14-11 with 21 minutes left in the match.
As the tension started to build around the home fans, GPS needed to find that extra gear to pull away from the surging Souths team. A well structured attack led the Gallopers within metres of the try line for a potential score, and slick work by half back Josh Vuta to find a small gap in the defence from the ruck, earnt him a try in his GPS debut.
From here, the points began to pile on for GPS as replacement fly-half AJ Alatimu continually drove his team down the field with booming kicks that gained massive metres. This set up a penalty goal 30 metres out for Alatimu in the middle of the park, which he converted with ease, giving the Gallopers a 22-11 buffer.
Undoubtedly, the play of the game came with 6 minutes left in the match, off the back of a dominant scrum by the GPS front pack, a constant theme during the match. Winger Josh Collins received the ball from Alatimu in full stride and blitzed through the Souths pairing of Cama and Samoa for an acrobatic try in the corner, putting the nail in the coffin.
When the final whistle was blown, the score had GPS defeating Souths 29-11, and all-around performance for the men in the Blue and Green.
There were several standout players for the Gallopers on this day; winger Josh Collins terrorised Souths with his lightning speed, scoring a brace to start his season in red hot form. Alongside him, replacement fly-half AJ Alatimu made an immediate impact after being inserted in the game, controlling the tempo masterfully and leading his side to 15 unanswered points on their way to victory.
Special mention must be made for the GPS forwards who maintained a powerful scrum throughout the game, earning several penalties from their pressure and giving the backs opportunities to create dazzling set plays.
The Gallopers next match will be on the road against Norths at Hugh Courtney Oval, Saturday 17th April. If you are free and in need of some rugby, make the short trip to Wavell Heights and support your GPS Gallopers to another win!