Johnnies started slowly against a big Corpus Christi side, letting in an early try before finding some cohesion in defence to limit the damage that was being done by their forward runners. 

It took some strong ball carries from Mason Lawrence, Jett Glennan and Luka Treweek up the middle of the field to turn the game around. The dominant carries and fast rucks allowed the halves pairing of Blake Totten and Brodee Green to find space on the edges. Johnnies first try came from a kick ahead that was regathered by Patrick O’Leary, who converted his own try. Patrick soon scored again with too much pace down the left edge. The first half ended in Corpus favour with a try on the last play. 

The second half saw Corpus’ big forwards cause havoc up the middle of the field. Johnnies put in a brave effort with some huge tackles by Jett Glennan and Riley Wells which limited them to a solo try in the half. Taj Barrett's leadership around the field was rewarded with a try late in the half from a strong ball carry and good feet, beating three defenders on his way across the line. 

Game 2 saw Johnnies take on Edmund Rice College. A big and athletic team who were well drilled and deservedly the favourites on the day. Johnnies stepped up to the challenge and dominated the first 6 minutes of play, holding Edmund Rice in their half for repeat sets. Despite dominant ball carries from the forwards including one of the younger team members, Ashton Towns, Johnnies could not get across the try line. It took a turnover and an 80m run for Edmund Rice to strike first. Summing up the boys' determination to win was an enormous chase and tackle over the line by Noah Walker from the opposite centre who almost held up the ball to deny them the opening try. Johnnies had learned their lessons in defence from the previous game and stood up to the Edmund Rice attack, hooker Jett Creary repeatedly chopped down their big runners to halt the attack. Edmund Rice managed to get another try in the second half to go out to a 10 to nil lead. Johnnies never doubted themselves or gave up as the final 5 minutes were played out attacking the try line. Patrick O’Leary and Taj Barrett put unpredictable kicks into the goal area, forcing multiple goal line drop outs. Johnnies had penalties and scrums 10m out from the line but unfortunately, couldn’t find a way through a solid defensive line. 

The team finished the day with some disappointment, not coming away with a victory. However, they held their heads high with pride at the determination and the improvement they demonstrated over a great day of Rugby League.

NSW ALL SCHOOLS STATE CROSS COUNTRY