Glory is on Plate

Shalom College's Toafa Masio was uncontrollable in this charge against Lachie Bryant and Hol Achiek from St Joseph's College.

Gary Hutchison

SHALOM College coach John Gilbert lauded the efforts of man of the match Joe Trost in their 20-16 triumph over St Joseph's College, that saw them march into today's final of the Confraternity Plate against St Michael's.

“Joe was playing second row and in the time he was on the field he did 12 hit-ups and 22 tackles,” Gilbert said.

“He had five minutes off the field to recover from a bit of a knock, so that was an outstanding performance.”

In a tough, physical, no-holds barred encounter that featured heavy tackling, Shalom College went to into half-time with a 6-0 lead.

Toowoomba's St Joseph's were unlucky to have a forward pass ruled to deny them of a try just before the break.

However, they equalled the score shortly after the resumption of play.

Within minutes though, Shalom College flexed their muscles and scored two tries in less than five minutes to take the score to 16-6.

The visitors crept back with a converted try that took them to a four point deficit at 16-12.

Once again the Bundaberg boys responded with a 60 metre corker that took the score to 20-12.

A try to St Joseph's with three minutes left on the clock had the big crowd on their seats with the final score at 20-16.

St Joseph's coach Scott Edwards said the match was a couple of minutes too short.

“I honestly believe if the game had gone another couple of minutes we would have won,” Edwards said.

“Full credit to Shalom, they controlled the ball better than we did and they deserved the win.

“We wish them all the best in the final.”

The locals are hoping for a loud, parochial crowd to cheer them to their first home town final victory since 2003.

St Michael's defeated Gilroy Santa Maria 20-0 to earn their place against Shalom College in the Plate final, which starts at 11.30am.

The match of the day will feature Confraternity Shield holders Ignatius Park who will defend their title against St Brendan's at 1.40pm.

All games are held at Brothers sports fields.