Saturday’s victory marked a historic moment for the QEGS 1st XV, who ended a six-year losing run against Woodhouse Grove with a 23-17 win. The team also extends their unbeaten streak to 10 matches in both league and national cup play this season.

In a high-energy clash on Saturday, the 1st XV put in an impressive performance to defeat Woodhouse Grove, securing a long-awaited win over their rivals for the first time since September 2017. The 23-17 triumph sees QEGS continue their outstanding form this season.

The match got off to a flying start with QEGS capitalising on early pressure. After earning a penalty inside the Woodhouse Grove 22m line, the home side chose the attacking option and from the ensuing lineout, Harrison Powell touched down following a driving maul to give QEGS an early 5-0 lead within just two minutes.

However, the visitors were quick to respond. Woodhouse Grove crossed over in the 11th minute, converting their try to take a 5-7 lead. But QEGS regained the advantage just minutes later. A powerful driving maul saw the ball worked swiftly out to the backs, with Ounsley passing to Barker, who then linked with Hunter before Mackenzie finished the move in the corner to make it 10-7 on 15 minutes.

The first half remained a tight affair, with both teams showing strong counter-rucking and aggressive defence. Despite some uncharacteristic errors from QEGS, they managed to hold on to their narrow lead, going into halftime 10-7.

The second half began with a renewed sense of urgency from both sides. Woodhouse Grove took control 10-minutes in, pushing over from a maul to retake the lead at 10-12. The response from QEGS was swift, as they lifted the intensity of their play.

Two quick penalties from Lance Barker, both expertly converted, saw QEGS back on top at 16-12. The defining moment came in the 20th minute when Jayden Kalambay made a brilliant interception on halfway, sprinting 40 metres to score. With Barker’s conversion, QEGS were comfortably ahead at 23-12.

Woodhouse Grove mounted a late rally and managed to grab a consolation try with the final play of the game, but it wasn’t enough to deny QEGS the win, sealing the victory at 23-17.

Congratulations to all players and the coaching staff for their hard work and dedication. The team will now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures, aiming to build on this momentum as they chase further success. Having drawn Ellesmere College in the National Cup on Wednesday, everything builds to the first home U18 Quarter Final in recent memory.

Thank you to Mr Bailey – our secret news reporter on the touchline!