Moree’s Jack Rogers in action against The Scots College at The Armidale School. Image supplied by The Armidale School.
Moree’s Jack Rogers has capped an undefeated AAGPS Third Grade premiership campaign with a 39-0 final-round win over The King’s School Third XV.
The Year 11 Armidale School halfback was part of a side that went through the seven-match competition unbeaten, with defence emerging as one of its strengths. Four opponents were kept scoreless across the season, including King’s in the final round on Saturday, August 15.
Rogers said preparation for the final match included looking closely at where King’s could be challenged, while continuing to work on the defensive game that had served the side throughout the season.
“Before the game we had reviewed King’s previous matches to identify where there were opportunities such as in their lineouts, as well as working on defence,” Jack said.
“It was a pretty physical, hard working game, but a great effort from the boys.”
Playing at The Armidale School during Reunion Weekend, the home side established a 22-0 lead by half-time. Will Hall scored twice early and went on to complete a hat-trick, while King’s was unable to break through the TAS defence in the second half.
Another two unanswered tries completed the 39-0 result and the undefeated season.
While defence provided a foundation for the campaign, Rogers said the team’s attacking game also developed as the season progressed.
“Our attack was sharp, and over the season we also increased our speed and played faster and faster,” he said.
The clean sheet against King’s was the fourth of the seven-match competition for Rogers and his teammates, following scoreless results for their opponents in matches against Sydney Boys’ High, The Scots College and Sydney Grammar School.
There was also a link to the school’s previous premiership success before the final match, when members of the 2016 First XV presented the current players with their jerseys. The 2016 side was the previous TAS team to win the GPS Third Grade premiership.
For Rogers, who still has another year of school ahead of him, the undefeated season also provides something to build on.
“It will build a lot of confidence going in to next year, and will motivate not just the boys coming into the team but the younger ones as well,” he said.
