Keebra Park are the National Schoolboy Cup – Queensland winners after posting a 32-10 victory over Kirwan SHS at Sunshine Coast Stadium in an entertaining affair.
Kirwan were out of the blocks early, crossing in the only the second minute to shock their opponents when winger Gausa Dau went over for the opening try of the game.
However, it didn’t take long for Keebra to hit back, with three quick tries putting them in front 16-6 at the half-time break.
In an even opening to the second half, Kirwan came out with intent, but could not cross for the first points of the half, with Keebra instead increasing their lead when winger Siosaia Poese split the Bears defence to run in a long-range try.
Despite a quick response from Kirwan SHS fullback Kees Anderson to narrow the scores, it wasn’t enough and Keebra captain and hooker Cooper Murphy sealed the deal for his side with two late tries to ice the result and take home the Phil Hall Cup.
Fullback David Bryenton was named player of the match and shared his pride in seeing his team overcome a poor start.
“Real proud; real proud of the boys for their gutsy effort of getting ourselves back into that game,” Bryenton said.
“It’s so surreal, just so grateful and proud of the boys.”
Next up, the side will face off against Patrician Brothers Blacktown in the National Final.
Coach Peter Norman said his side worked hard for the Queensland title and would refocus for their next challenge.
“It’s great, they’ve worked really hard and they deserve this win,” Norman said.
“Again, we made it harder than it needed to be at times, but they responded and did what needed to be done.
“We’re really geared up for the National final.
“It’s been a long time coming for Keebra Park, the last time was 2017 and that was at Leichhardt, so we’re back there again and looking forward to a tough contest.
“Patrician Brothers College have been the team to beat all year, so we'll be up against it but we're looking forward to the challenge.”
Earlier in the day, Ryan Catholic College and Bellbird Park State Secondary College played out a thrilling NRL Schoolboy Trophy Final, with the teams needing 25 minutes of golden point extra time to crown a winner.
At the end of regular time, the Bellbird Park had fought their way back 20-20 to push the contest into extra time, with the deadline finally broken by an Ethan Sexton field goal in the 86th minute.
