Palmerston College emerged as the undefeated champions of the 2024 Palmerston Schools Rugby League, securing three commanding victories over the MacKillop Saints at Saints Field. Despite the Saints' best efforts, the day ultimately belonged to Palmerston in a series of matches marked by intense competition and emotional farewells.
The action kicked off with a rematch of the NRL Gala Day, featuring the Middle School teams in what proved to be the most thrilling game of the day. The Saints came out with a point to prove, eager to avenge their recent defeat at the hands of Palmerston. Their determination paid off early, as second-rower Vaiola Tofilau crashed over on the left edge to score the opening try after a period of relentless defense and sustained possession. Tofilau's accurate conversion extended the Saints' lead to 6-0 going into the first drinks break.
Palmerston quickly responded with a try of their own, but Saints junior captain Kade Kraut, playing through the pain of a broken nose, delivered a true captain’s performance. Kraut scored twice, showing his leadership in both attack and defense, as he held firm in the middle of the park. However, the Saints’ hopes were dashed in the final minute when former Saint George Tekopua crossed the line for a last-minute try, sealing a 16-14 victory for Palmerston with the successful conversion.
"I’m incredibly proud of the boys today," said Saints coach Matthew Sharp. "Two weeks ago, this Palmerston side blew us off the field 30-0, and today we led for almost the entire match. It was a game of fine margins, with both sides scoring three tries each, but goal-kicking made the difference. Our boys showed heart, and they’ve learned what it means to be a Saint. The spirit of Mary MacKillop and the old boys is alive in this group, and success is just around the corner for them."
Standout performances came from a number of Saints players, including debutant prop Jyles Boulton, halfback Byron Pearce, hooker Walter Lasker, and centre Zed Buzza, all of whom joined Kraut and Tofilau as the team’s best on the day.
The excitement continued with a spirited all-ages Girls league tag match. Although the Saints girls, led by Year 10 standout Emily Cogill, fell short, their effort showed great promise, particularly given that many of the players were Year 7 students. The future looks bright for this young team.
The main event of the day was the highly anticipated Palmerston Cup clash, where the Saints were seeking a rare four-peat against their cross-town rivals. Emotions ran high as the team farewelled its Year 12 players, including key figures like Koen Hughes, Will McCallum, Nic Hall, Angus Cram, Charlie Napier, Jayden Lih, and Cohen Patch.
However, a string of late withdrawals, including team stalwart Daniel Murphy, left the Saints starting with just one substitute on the bench. Up-and-coming player Kallen Cunningham stepped up to fill the void, embodying the spirit of Mary MacKillop by pulling on his boots to support his teammates.
Despite individual highlights—most notably from Angus Cram, who was named MVP in his final match—the Saints struggled to keep pace with Palmerston, falling 20-8. The scoreline was kinder to the Saints than the game itself, as Palmerston controlled much of the contest.
In his emotional final address to the seniors, Coach Sharp pointed to the photos that adorned the Saints’ inner sanctum, reminding the players of the legacy they had built. Though the day ended in defeat, Sharp emphasised the remarkable careers of the Year 12 players, marked by Eels Cup victories, Catholic Cup triumphs, an undefeated 2023 senior competition, and a Palmerston Cup three-peat.
As the sun sets on the school rugby careers of some of the finest Saints to wear the navy and ochre, the MacKillop community reflects on the immense contributions of these young men:
Angus Cram: A player of intelligence and perseverance, Cram blossomed in his senior years, earning representative honors and first-grade selections. A part-time Saint for the Rugby Union team in its infancy backing up to support his schoolmates, his contributions on and off the field were invaluable.
Charlie Napier: Debuting as a Year 12 player, Napier consistently gave everything for the team. His leadership in helping the Year 9s during the Grade of Origin left a lasting impact. Napier is now set to make his mark in Canberra with the Woden Rams.
Cohen Patch: Described by Coach Sharp as a "victim of his own versatility," Patch was a player who excelled in any position. His selflessness and skill were key to the team’s success throughout his years at MacKillop.
Jayden Lih: A courageous player who stepped up when his team needed him most, Lih’s grit and determination were hallmarks of his time with the Saints. His contribution to the 2022 Eels Cup final won’t be forgotten.
Koen Hughes: Captain Koen - perhaps the best of his generation. A player who transcended eras running out with the likes of Liam Kennedy, Brandon Norris and Dylan Mugadza in the Golden Era of Saints Rugby. He put the Union program on his back only to miss our first Grand Final. Whether Hughes reached his potential at Saints is debatable, but what isn't is that he'll be remembered in the upper echelon of Saints legends with names like Liam Gardner and Stepheno George.
Nic Hall: Palmerston Cup winner in 2023, his debut season, Nic will be remembered as a gentleman off the park but a force to be reckoned with on the pitch.
William McCallum: Any accolades extended to Hughes must also be passed onto McCallum as well. A captain who led with pride, he was a reliable wing/centre who rarely made a mistake. McCallum was cruelled by injuries in his final year but will forever hold the title of Captain of a Saints Eels Cup NT Championship where his name joins only that of Liam Kennedy and Noah Pinhiero.
Clubs come and go, as do the people who run them, but MacKillop will stand long after any of us are gone and the Saints Rugby club will forever be at its cultural heart. To our graduates, be proud of your efforts and know that you were loved and valued by your coaches, teammates, supporters and community. No matter where you end up, you'll always be Saints and there is a home for you here.
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