Rugby: Teachers Win Nicholl Shield Trophy
It’s been a few years since Teachers have claimed the Nicholl Shield Trophy, but they would not be denied in the final against the Renegades, picking up a 28 – 13 win.
Cory Boyce gave the Teachers the lead when he sprinted through to score opening try and with Padraic OShaughnessy kicking the conversion the Teachers would lead 7 – 0.
The Renegades would get on the board when a good forward driving maul resulted in kickable penalty in front of posts, which was taken by Paul Kelly making the score 7 – 3.
A fine individual run by Boyce saw him weave in from 60 yards extending the Teachers lead to 12 – 3 and O’Shaughnessy kicked the conversion making it 14 – 3.
A nice interplay in the backs saw Mikael Dill break through and an unselfish off load to O’Shaughnessy who stretched out the Teachers lead with a try and a conversion leaving the score at 21 – 3.
The Teachers dominated a wilting Renegades side off the ensuing kickoff with Tashon Desilva and Aldo Campbell bursting through to eventually connect with Dill for another converted try before the half time whistle with the score 28 – 3.
The second half saw the Renegades exert pressure and a well-earned try in corner by speedster Alex Brown and with the conversion missed it left the score 28 – 8.
The Renegades continued fight back and an attacking line out resulted in Delano Coetzer pouncing on an errant ball in corner to close the gap to 28 – 13 but it proved too little too late and Teachers completed the victory to raise the coveted Nicholl Shield.
Ladies Division
Renegades defeated the Police 15 – 10, the Renegades got tries from Rachael Jenkins, Amy Harvey-McGlynn and Laura Mullahy, while the Police got a try each from Mika Tomika and Megan Jackson.
Teachers defeated the Mariners 12 – 5 in the other game, Lauren Rothwell would score both tries for the Teachers, with Emily Sinclair kicking the conversion, while the Mariners lone try came from LysMarie Santana.
