Shalom forwards dominate plate

Shalom College second rower Felise Kaufusi charges through the defence.

Gary Hutchison

SHALOM College's forwards have proved an omnipotent force in their division of this week's Confraternity Carnival, leading the locals to an impressive 32-6 triumph over Carrara's St Michael's College in yesterday's Plate final.

“Our forwards have dominated all week and led the way for the backs,” Shalom College coach John Gilbert said.

“The team's defence has been brilliant all week, and that's reflected in the fact our line was only crossed seven times in six games.”

While 15-year-old Patrick Kaufusi received the man of the match award in the final, Gilbert credited giant prop forwards Toafa Nasio and Michael Vaega-Robson with laying the foundations for the victory.

“I thought Toafa and Michael were exceptional today,” he said.

“All week our forwards have over-powered the opposition, with the backs being able to finish off the good work from inside.”

It was no place for the faint-hearted in the decider with both teams tearing into each other with bruising tackles.

Nervousness contributed to poor ball security as players from both teams mis-timed their runs and their passes in the opening exchanges.

Shalom College opened the scoring after nine minutes with an unconverted try, but the visitors' defence held solid until the 40th minute when Shalom crossed for a six-pointer.

St Michael's struck back to take the score to 10-6, then the home team returned serve to go into half-time at 14-6.

Committed defence from the visitors failed to control Shalom who ground out another 18 points to record their first Plate title.

In what was virtually the first division of the carnival, St Brendan's (1) of Yeppoon wrested the Shield from title holders Ignatius Park, Townsville, in a high scoring game with the score at 36-26.

Other finals results:

Cup - Chanel College, Gladstone 16 defeated St James', Brisbane 12.

Bowl - St Thomas More, Sunnybank 22 defeated Emerald 6.

Trophy - St Patrick's, Shorncliffe 24 defeated St Brendan's (2), Yeppoon 6.