Shalom approach quarters in plate

Gary Hutchison | 1st July 2009

RUGBY LEAGUE: Felise Kaufusi scored two tries in his man-of-the-match performance in Shalom College's 24-4 defeat of Columba College in yesterday's Confraternity Shield quarter-final of the Plate Division.

The Bundaberg boys won both matches on Monday, and their first game yesterday to progress to the afternoon Plate quarter-final.

In four matches so far, the locals' try line has only been crossed on three occasions in a defensive display that has pleased their coach John Gilbert.

“Their attitude in defence really reflects the overall attitude of the whole squad,” Gilbert said.

“I'm proud of their attitude and the way they're playing.”

Shalom College's first scalp on Monday was Gladstone's Chanel College.

Halfback Matt Craven steered the team around the park for his award as best player in a decisive 32-6 display in their opening match.

Hooker Josh Scott was Bundaberg's best player in their emphatic 44-6 triumph over St Joseph's/Assumption in the second of Monday's matches.

The vanquished team deserves every possible accolade for their participation in the event.

Coach Bob Bell said that between the two schools - St Joseph's College, Stanthorpe and Assumption College, Warwick - there were only about 30 eligible male students from whom they could select their squad of 17.

Players from St John's of Roma and South Burnett/Kingaroy have bolstered team numbers.

Southern Cross College from Scarborough offered stout resistance to Shalom College yesterday morning, but the locals prevailed to run out victors with the score-line at 14-0. Josh Scott earned his second gong as Bundaberg's best player in that game.

Today is a rest day, with Shalom College's next match being a semi-final against St Joseph's of Toowoomba tomorrow at 3pm.