Round 12 vs Easts Match Report
by Ben Mitchell
Round 12 – GPS vs Easts
Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup
Saturday 26th June, Ashgrove Sports Ground, Yoku Road, Ashgrove
GPS are back at Yoku Road to take on the Easts Tigers, aiming to sweep the season series after winning 25-19 back in round 3. The Gallopers have played some of their best footy in recent weeks, beating Souths 47-20 in round 10 and dominating Norths 58-17 in round 11, hoping to produce a similar performance against the Tigers.
Points were few and far between in the first half. GPS fly half Mitchell Treleaven kicked a simple penalty in the 11th minute, putting his side up 3-0. The Gallopers didn’t see points again until the end of the half, when Patrick Nicholson broke through the heart of the defence with a darting run. He delivered an offload to Centre Maaloga Konelio, who found a wide open Matt Gicquel on the left wing for an easy try. Treleaven was unable to convert a difficult kick, keeping the score at 8-0 going into half time.
Easts had minimal attacking opportunities in the first half, being shut out by the Gallopers. Fly half Lachlan Kirk hit the upright on a penalty kick in the 27th minute, missing points on the Tigers only scoring opportunity.
The GPS scrum also flexed their muscle over the Tigers, winning two key scrum battles late in the first half, backed up only 5 metres out from their own line. These were big momentum swinging plays, and demoralised the attacking confidence of Easts.
GPS were the first to break through in the second half, off the back of quick ball movement from the ruck, speeding up the Tigers defence. Lock Tuaina Tualima dished off a timely offload to Mitch Treleaven, who released the ball to Matt Gicquel, running over three Easts defenders from 10 metres out to score a fantastic try. Reserve half back and Rebels star James Tuttle slotted the conversion to follow, extending the Gallopers lead to 15-0 with 26 minutes to play.
Mitchell Treleaven was sin binned in the 62nd minute for a deliberate knockdown on a Tigers line break, giving Easts a golden opportunity to claw their way back into the game.
The Gallopers were able to hold strong and keep the Tigers out despite being down a man. GPS were actually afforded the next scoring opportunity, where James Tuttle unfortunately hit the upright on a penalty kick 22 metres out, the score stagnating at 15-0 with 9 minutes remaining.
Easts were finally able to find the try line late in the second half, as winger Shane Kennedy went over in the right corner off the back of a timely pass from full back Jack Frampton. The Tigers couldn’t convert the try, leaving the score at 15-5 with 2 minutes to go.
The game would shortly conclude after the Easts try, the score reading 15-5, GPS coming out victorious and moving to 10-1 on the season. The Gallopers were close to shutting out the Tigers, behind solid tackling from the backs on Easts line breaks, and dominant scrummaging from the forwards, halting the attacking advance of the Tigers on several occasions.
Several players stood out for GPS in this game, none more than flanker Matt Gicquel, who snagged both of the Gallopers tries and won big turnovers at the ruck in the second half, frustrating the Easts attack. Fullback Patrick Nicholson also had his best game of the season, displaying his fast wheels on GPS line breaks, and making impressive one-on-one tackles as the last line of defence.
The Gallopers next hit-out will be against the Sunnybank Dragons away from home at Biggs Field. GPS are hot on UQ’s tail for that first place position, and are looking to make it 6 wins in a row, so make the drive to Sunnybank and support the Gallopers men to another win!
Round 11 vs Norths Match Report
by Ben Mitchell
Round 11 – GPS vs Norths
Saturday 19th June, Ashgrove Sports Ground, Yoku Road, Ashgrove
GPS return home to Yoku Road to battle it out against the Norths Eagles, coming out victorious in their round 2 matchup, 22-14. The crowd as per usual came out in great numbers and made their presence felt, cheering their Gallopers side on who sit comfortably in second place on the table.
Norths fly half Jacob Prideaux kicked the proceedings off early with a successful penalty in the 3rd minute, putting his side up 0-3.
The Gallopers responded immediately, executing a set piece from an attacking scrum 22 metres out. Chris Kuridrani delivered the ball to left winger Mitchell Treleaven who darted through a wide open gap in the Norths defence, going over untouched in the left corner. Jason Hofmeyr was able to navigate the strong winds and nail the conversion near the sideline, putting GPS up 7-3 after 6 minutes.
The next 20 minutes saw both sides go back and forth, seldom breaking the advantage line for scoring opportunities. Try scorer Mitchell Treleaven saw a yellow card in the 21st minute for a deliberate knockdown, giving Norths the advantage in attack.
Despite the disadvantage, GPS would be next to find the line in the 26th minute, as Norths came out in an interesting defensive formation at the scrum, that left fullback Patrick Nicholson wide open on the left wing. Right winger Josh Collins easily blew by his defender and dished it out to Nicholson, going over untouched in the left corner. Hofmeyr was unable to convert the try, leaving the score at 12-3 with 27 minutes gone.
Nicholson wasn’t done there, as he went over for his second try only minutes later. Centre Maaloga Konelio dived on the loose ball spilled by Norths, and popped up a nifty offload to Nicholson who was now on the right wing with the try line in sight. He blew by three defenders and dove over for the score. Hofmeyr unfortunately hit the post on this attempt, keeping the score at 17-3 after 30 minutes.
Norths would find a much needed score however right on half time, as centre Vilikesa Raboiliku received the ball from halfback Connor O’Regan at full pace, easily fending off Josh Collins and going over for his team’s first try. Sharpshooter Jacob Prideaux converted the try and narrowed the score to 17-10 at the half time break.
The Gallopers would punch back early in the second half, as Michael Richards drew in the defence and dished a timely short pass to lock Tuaina Tualima, who burst threw the guts of the defence for a try next to the posts. Hofmeyr slotted the simple conversion, taking the lead back out 24-10 with 8 minutes gone in the half.
Norths winger Kyle Foxwell was presented a yellow card in the 50th minute for a deliberate knockdown identical to Treleaven’s dismal in the first half. As a result, Josh Collins would go over for a try in the corner Foxwell was protecting, only moments later. Konelio whipped a cut out pass to Collins near the sideline, who beat the first defender with a silky stop and go move to make his way over the line. The sure footed Hofmeyr missed another difficult conversion near the crowd, leaving the score 29-10 with 27 minutes to play.
Although down a man, the Eagles would fight back, as Connor O’Regan smartly attacked the line from the penalty mark, GPS taking too long to position themselves 10 metres back. After gaining 20 metres before being tackled, he was able to pass the offload from the ground to centre Kenneth Taviri, who found acres of room in the midst of a scrambled Gallopers defence, and went over unscathed for a try. Prideaux would slot the conversion, bringing the score back 29-17, with 29 minutes remaining.
GPS took it to another level from here, as the floodgates opened up against a depleted Eagles defence. Centre Chris Kuridrani and reserve hooker Maile Ngauamo would score in quick succession to push the lead out to 41-17 with 16 minutes left. Kuridrani was the receiver of a great pass from Josh Collins to go over under the posts, whilst a little bit of trickery at the GPS lineout saw Ngauamo score in the corner.
Coach Shane Arnold rolled in the substitutions, knowing the 24-point margin was too much for Norths to overcome. Reserve winger and apparent crowd favourite Douglas Rayment capitalised on his opportunity, scoring two tries in a matter of minutes. He ran through three defenders for his first score, in front of an elated bunch of fans, appreciating his efforts. For his second, Rayment found himself on the end of an excellent line break from flanker Matt Gicquel, going over untouched for the score. Reserve fly half Sebastian Ward was unable to convert the difficult conversions on his Seniors debut, the score now reading 51-17 with 6 minutes to play.
To add salt to the wound, the Gallopers would go over for their 10th try of the match right on the 80th minute. Sebastian Ward dished the inside ball to Mitchell Treleaven, bouncing his way over the line for his second try of the match. Ward would convert the try for his first points at Senior level, concluding the game’s action with a score of 58-17, GPS coming out victorious.
Several players were instrumental in the 41 point demolition. Maaloga Konelio was in the middle of everything GPS ran at the second receiver position, earning two try assists on the day. Josh Collins was electric with his feet, beating defenders with relative ease to earn himself a try and two try assists. Tuaina Tualima and Michael Richards were both forces with ball in hand, making positive metres on each run and finding teammates with timely offloads. As per usual, Matt Gicquel was a pest at the ruck, winning two turnovers for GPS and constantly frustrating the Eagles on attack.
The Gallopers are home again next week to take on the East Tigers, looking to produce the same outstanding performance they put together against Norths. GPS will also be trying to push their win streak out to 5 for the second time this season, so come down to Ashgrove Sports Ground and cheer your side on!
Round 10 vs Souths Match Report
by Ben Mitchell
Round 10 – GPS vs Souths
Saturday 12th June, Chipsy Wood Oval
GPS begin the second half of their season on the road against the Souths Magpies, who they bested 29-11 in round 1. The Magpies will be looking to put up more of a fight against this Gallopers side, as the 7-1 record proves GPS are one of the premiere teams in the competition.
Souths came out with conviction in the early going, as prop Andrew Romano peeled off the rolling maul and ran through Josh Vuta to score the first try. Fullback Luke Samoa converted the points and put the Magpies forward 0-7 after 9 minutes of action.
The Gallopers responded immediately to the Magpies score, executing a set piece perfectly from the attacking scrum. 15 metres out, the ball found Jason Hofmeyr near the wing, who launched a pass out to uncovered winger Maaloga Konelio, running in untouched for a try in the corner. Hofmeyr unfortunately couldn’t convert a difficult kick, GPS still trailing 5-7 after 12 minutes.
GPS weren’t done there, as they earnt an attacking lineout only minutes later in the same corner of the first try. Hooker Maile Ngauamo quickly got the ball in, but the Gallopers met no resistance in the rolling maul, so flanker Ratu Vio rumbled forward. Vio delivered the offload to lock Tuaina Tualima, who placed the ball down for another try. Hofmeyr, in virtually the same sport as the conversion prior, made no mistake with the kick, retaining the lead for GPS 12-7 after 15 minutes.
The remainder of the first half was uneventful in comparison to the first 15 minutes. Luke Samoa slotted two penalties for Souths in the 19th and 36th minute to put his team up 12-13. Magpies hooker Theo Fourie saw Yellow in the 39th minute for a high tackle, concussing himself in the process. Hofmeyr hit the upright on the penalty kick, and the score remained unchanged 12-13 heading into half time.
The Gallopers came out running to kick off the second half. An early scrum near midfield gave GPS another opportunity to draw up a set play. The ball found centre Teti Tela, who easily beat his defender with a goose step, and was off to the races. He linked up with centre partner Chris Kuridrani, who chewed up a lot of ground and drew in defenders before dishing a timely offload to flanker Matt Gicquel, putting the finishing touches on a well-worked try. Hofmeyr nailed the conversion, and put the Gallopers up 19-13 after 42 minutes of play.
GPS were on the charge again with an attacking lineout 10 out from the line. Several rucks ensued where the Gallopers inched closer to a score with pick and drives. Josh Vuta wanted to get in the mix, securing the ball and throwing an enticing dummy that froze the Magpies defence, diving under tacklers for the try. Vuta is adept at throwing those dummies, previously scoring 2 tries this season in similar fashion. Hofmeyr converted the try and pushed the GPS lead out 26-13 in the 50th minute.
As per usual, coach Shane Arnold made an entire front row interchange in the 53rd minute, and in the words of commentator Dallan Murphy, GPS have “two starting premier grade front rowers in rolling rotation.” The fresh forwards would flex their muscles in the 60th minute, as they strung together three dominant scrums 5 metres out to earn the penalty try. Captain Michael Richards was unfortunate not to claim the honours himself, as Duncan Male believed he knocked the ball on before placing it down, which he didn’t. Either way, the Gallopers walked away with another 7 points, taking their lead to 33-13 with 19 minutes remaining.
Souths, although giving up three unanswered tries, weren’t going to go down without a fight. They pushed their way down the field pretty quickly after the penalty try, arriving 5 metres out from the line. Centre Michael Siaki broke the advantage line of the GPS defence, and once tackled, popped an offload up to running partner Liam Fletcher who dove over in the left corner for a try. Luke Samoa converted a difficult kick on the sideline, and brought Souths back to a 33-20 deficit with 16 minutes to play.
Even with a comfortable lead, GPS didn’t take their foot of the gas pedal. They held possession of an attacking scrum 15 metres out, a favourable position to be in. Michael Richards pounced out the back and threw a dummy that faked three defenders to find a huge gap to exploit. He offloaded the ball to Matt Gicquel who just missed scoring his second. A few pick and drives later, Tuaina Tualima bowled his way through two defenders to score his second try. Hofmeyr kicked the conversion, putting the Gallopers up 40-20 with 11 minutes left.
GPS had one last crack for points, with an attacking lineout 10 metres out. The target was Michael Richards, who caught it cleanly, and the rolling maul was launched. They bulldozed their way through a defeated Souths defence, reserve hooker Matt Mafi falling over the line for an easy try. Reserve half back Cullin Cooper-Jones made a difficult conversion look routine, extending the Gallopers lead out 47-20 with 6 minutes remaining. The score would stay unchanged when the final whistle blew, GPS coming out victorious 47-20 over the Souths Magpies.
It may seem like a broken record playing, but the GPS forwards were once again instrumental in the win, with the dominance of the second half scrum essentially setting up the 5 tries that followed. Alongside this, Jason Hofmeyr was able to gain massive territory from these penalties, granting the Gallopers great position for rolling mauls. Josh Vuta was excellent finding the right receivers from the ruck, setting his backs up in favourable running lanes to attack.
GPS return home next week to take on the Norths Eagles, hoping to build off the momentum of three straight wins and make it 4 in a row. They won’t be able to do it without passionate fans supporting them however, so get down to Yoku road and back your Gallopers side to another win!
Round 9 vs Brothers Match Report
by Ben Mitchell
Round 9 – GPS vs Brothers
Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup
Saturday 5th June, Ashgrove Sports Ground, Yoku Road, Ashgrove
GPS look to conclude the first half of season fixtures with a win over long-time rivals Brothers Rugby Club. Fans well and truly showed out to support the Gallopers for this match, sprawled across Ashgrove Sports Ground in huge numbers. The day was also to celebrate the old boys who have been a part of GPS’s illustrious history, and they were honoured accordingly, as the team wore a heritage jersey inspired by the 1951 first grade side.
There’s not much to say about the games early stages, other than Brothers fullback Nathan Carroll kicking a penalty. Only a couple of minutes later, however, the boys in blue and white would strike again. A set play from the scrum drove them well over the advantage line around the 22. Fly-half Patrick James received the ball from the ruck and fired an inside ball to centre Hudson Creighton, who found a gap and stepped Josh Collins to score his team’s first try. Nathan Carroll made quick work of a simple conversion and put Brothers up 0-10 after 14 minutes.
GPS were on the back foot, and scrambling for an answer to Brothers fast start. They would find it in the 22nd minute, as territory gaining possessions would lead them to an attacking scrum 5 metres out. Nothing really came from the scrum, and it became a pick and drive battle between the forwards. As GPS inched closer, hooker Maile Ngauamo scooped it from the ruck and bulldozed his way through four Brothers defenders to score his first try of the season. Fly-half Jason Hofmeyr routinely kicked the conversion and brought the Gallopers to within striking distance, 7-10, in the 23rd minute.
The Gallopers really turned the pressure up from here, as only minutes later they were in control of possession 5 metres out. Several runs were thwarted from a strong Brothers defence, determined to keep their lead. 10+ phases passed before the witty half back Josh Vuta threw a dummy that froze his defender for a second, and dove under the tackle for a try between the posts. Hofmeyr slotted the conversion and gave GPS the 14-10 lead over Brothers with 29 minutes gone.
Near the death of the first half, GPS had drawn multiple penalties against Brothers in the rolling maul just 5 metres out, unfortunate not to see anyone yellow carded for their efforts. Despite the penalties stacking up for Brothers, the Gallopers were determined to score a try before halftime. One last rolling maul was formed from the lineout, and Maile Ngauamo found his hands on the pill. He spotted a favourable one-on-one matchup with winger Kamilo Guido on the blindside and ran straight at him, ploughing over for his second try. Hofmeyr, as he often does, made a difficult conversion look all too easy, putting GPS up 21-10 at the halftime break.
Brothers needed to come out with aggression to start the second half, and they did just that. A well-planned set-piece was formed at a lineout inside their own 50. They executed it to perfection, finding flanker and Reds star Fraser McReight flying through an open lane with the ball in hand. After several well-timed passes, right-winger Billy Bulley found his partner Kamilo Guido near the left sideline, who dove over for the try. Nathan Carroll stepped up and slotted a difficult conversion, bringing Brothers to within one score of GPS, 21-17, after 46 minutes of action.
The next 15 minutes would be dominated by the GPS forwards, winning six scrum penalties during this time, allowing Hofmeyr to kick the team closer and closer to the try line. Once again, Brothers were incredibly fortunate not to receive a yellow card for their repeated offences, referee Jordan Way being very lenient with them.
Several rucks after another dominant GPS scrum, lock Tuaina Tualima charged at the line, needing four Brothers defenders to bring him down. When he landed on the ground, he popped the offload back up to centre Teti Tela, who fell over the line for a try. Hofmeyr uncharacteristically missed the conversion, but the Gallopers were now up to two scores, 26-17 with 16 minutes to play.
Brothers gave it their all to get back into the game, forcing GPS turnovers and driving their way to inside the 22 for a potential try. However, flanker Matt Gicquel had other ideas. Winger Billy Bulley was left isolated with pilfering specialist Gicquel, and the reinforcements came too late, as referee Way blew the whistle for not releasing. This play undoubtedly sucked the life out of the Brothers team, and the crowd knew it, absolutely elated with the efforts of Gicquel.
With tensions now running high, a lengthy skirmish broke out between the sides, with a bit of pushing and shoving. Surely a yellow card was to be seen here, but Jordan Way gave both captains a stern warning, and let play continue.
In the 80th minute, Matt Gicquel would win another penalty for his side, clamping down on Fraser McReight with no chance of the ball coming back out. This sealed the win for the Gallopers, as Hofmeyr booted the ball in touch and the final whistle was blown, GPS winning 26-17 over Brothers.
There were several standouts on the day, obviously Matt Gicquel with his stymie defence down the stretch, ripping attacking opportunities away from Brothers. Flanker Ratu Vio broke through numerous tackles and made plenty of metres after contact, as we’re now accustomed to seeing. Josh Vuta controlled the tempo of the game masterfully, recycling the ball quickly from breakdowns and finding the right people in the attack. Once again, special mention must be made for the forward pack, with a dominant second-half performance at scrum time.
Next week the Gallopers will be heading on the road to face off against the Souths Magpies at Chipsy Wood Oval. GPS came out victorious in their round 1 battle, winning 29-11, and will be hoping to reproduce the same result. The boys would appreciate your support for this match, so make the drive to Annerley and steer them to victory!
Round 8 vs Wests Match Report
by Ben Mitchell
Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup
Saturday 29th May, Memorial Park, Sylvan Road, Toowong
Coming off the back of a hard-fought defeat to the University of Queensland, GPS will be raring to go for this battle against the Wests Bulldogs, who sit just one point behind on the ladder in 3rd place. Wests will be hard to beat away from home, only losing to the Souths Magpies at Sylvan road.
The Gallopers were off and running early in this one, almost scoring a try in the first 5 minutes off the back of a lethal Teti Tela stiff arm, leading to an impressive line break. This didn’t deter the boys from having another crack at the line as half back Josh Vuta fired a soaring cut-out pass to winger Josh Collins, standing in solitude near the sideline. He waltzed over for the simple finish and added try number 5 to his season total. Sharpshooter Jason Hofmeyr slotted the difficult conversion and put GPS up 7-0 after 8 minutes of action.
Before Wests could catch their breath, GPS was knocking on the door for a second try only minutes later. Another pinpoint cut-out from Josh Vuta found its way to an unmarked Teti Tela with nothing but the try line in front of him. Unfortunately, he was thinking try time a little to early and dropped the catch, granting the Bulldogs a giant break.
A bit of back and forth ensued after Tela’s try attempt gone begging. The Gallopers however found themselves 5 metres out with the attacking lineout, licking their lips at the prospect of a rolling maul. The ball was rifled in accurately by hooker Maile Ngauamo to Captain Michael Richards, skying in the air. Flanker Ratu Vio latched onto the ball and started his push forward, but no one from Wests was resisting, so he detached from the maul and flew over for an easy try. Hofmeyr was unable to convert, leaving the score 12-0 GPS after 22 minutes.
Gallopers lock Tuaina Tualima saw Yellow in the 28th minute, leaving GPS vulnerable for the remainder of the first half, giving the Wests Bulldogs an opportunity to capitalise. Fullback Mason Gordon found acres of room near the wing, slinging the ball out to winger Benjamin Navosailagi for the easy try in the corner. Only several minutes later, the Bulldogs were back on the attack, as a deflection from Ratu Vio fell in the hands of halfback Joel Atkins, who steamed his way over for the 5 points. Centre Byron Hutchinson converted one of the two scores, and knotted the game up 12-12 heading into half time.
The second half was a mirror image of the first for the Gallopers, starting hard and fast to put up early points. GPS had the lineout around the halfway line, the backs forming their set plays in the background. Reserve halfback Cullin Cooper-Jones dished the ball to first receiver Jason Hofmeyr, who quickly delivered the inside ball to Josh Collins, carving his way through the middle with room to run and gas to burn. After beating three Wests tackle attempts, he found a wide-open Hofmeyr to his right, cruising his way under the posts for a try. He converted his own try, and retained the lead for GPS 19-12 in the 49th minute.
Misfortune would strike again for the Gallopers, as openside flanker Matt Gicquel was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle, giving the Bulldogs a sniff at another try. Wests seized the opportunity immediately after the yellow card, as the weaker GPS maul couldn’t stop the Bulldogs from pushing forward. Hooker Ethan Dobbins peeled away to the right and crashed over for a try. Hutchinson converted his team’s score and levelled the game 19-19 with 26 minutes remaining.
Despite the Bulldogs score, and being a man down, GPS were back on the front foot and looking for more points. The ball quickly exited from the lineout to the raging bull that is Ratu Vio, picking up metres and bodies on his way forward. Cooper-Jones recycled the ball quickly from the ruck and found outside centre Chris Kuridrani, beating three defenders and falling under the posts for a try. Hofmeyr made no mistake with the conversion and sent the Gallopers up 26-19 with 23 minutes to play.
GPS wasn’t done there. Teti Tela decided to showcase some magic with an exceptional cross-field kick to winger Maaloga Konelio, catching the ball in full stride. He passed the ball back inside to fullback Patrick Nicholson, sprinting his way down the side-line to score a spectacular try in the corner. Hofmeyr slotted a difficult kick on the side-line, and showed the Bulldogs fans some appreciation as GPS sat comfortably up 33-19 with 17 minutes remaining.
Wests weren’t out of this game yet, earning an attacking lineout 5 metres out. The maul was unsuccessful, but after a few rucks the ball found its way to Mason Gordon, who showed a great dummy on reserve prop Fred Burke to find Byron Hutchinson uncovered for the try. Hutchinson was unable to convert his own try, keeping his team down two scores, 33-24, with 10 minutes left.
No more than a minute later, the Bulldogs were back for more. Reserve halfback Moses Sorovi quickly tapped the ball from the penalty mark and booted it downfield, the GPS men finding themselves out of position. The ball rolled for 10 metres before it found a hand, but the Gallopers there, Tualima and Kuridrani, were unable to recover it, and Wests winger Shea Lalagavesi scooped it up and dove over for a try. Hutchinson quickly converted the try, narrowing the GPS margin 33-31 with 7 minutes to play.
GPS in the final passage of the game managed to hold off the desperate Bulldogs side, and narrowly escaped with the victory, 33-31 when the final whistle blew. Wests dug deep to create such an exciting finish, almost earning themselves a comeback victory.
Several Gallopers were sensational on the day. Ratu Vio was a pest at the breakdown, drawing three ruck penalties and bulldozing his way through Bulldogs defenders with ball in hand. Teti Tela was clinical at the inside centre position, setting his teammates up masterfully for line break opportunities, and was unfortunate to not score a try himself. No one can look pass the efforts of Jason Hofmeyr, who kicked accurately off the tee, made smart decisions with ball in hand, and was rewarded with a well-earned try.
The Gallopers next opponent will be a formidable Brothers side, sitting middle of the table. The match is back home at Yoku road, and the men will be eager to avenge their one home loss of the season. Come down to Ashgrove Sports Ground and cheer on your Gallopers as they aim to move to 7-1 on the season!