Shore was proud to take to the field at Allianz Stadium Friday evening, 1 May, in a special curtain-raiser match against Barker College, held ahead of the Waratahs vs Reds Super Rugby fixture. It was a showdown between the reigning schoolboy rugby Premiers, Shore (GPS) and Barker (CAS). It was an unforgettable experience for the players, stepping onto a world-class stage under stadium lights, with the roar of school supporters echoing through the stands.
The match opened with strong intensity, as Barker were first to register points before Shore responded with a well-executed play finished by Anderton Stock, locking the score at 7-7. The remainder of the first half was a tightly contested battle, with both sides adjusting to slippery conditions. On the brink of half-time, Barker reclaimed the lead with a clever kick and chase, heading into the break with momentum.
Shore struck early in the second half to level the score at 14-14, before Barker edged ahead once more with a converted try and penalty, pushing the score to 14-24. Shore’s determination remained clear, and a well-structured lineout allowed Max Garner to drive a maul over the line, narrowing the margin to 19-24. With Barker beginning to show signs of fatigue, Shore mounted a promising attacking raid, but a lost opportunity turned into a length-of-the-field counterattack, which Barker finished clinically to close out the game.
Despite the final scoreline, it was a hard-fought and high-quality display of schoolboy rugby from both teams. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Shore students, families and Old Boys who came out in force to support the team. Go Shore!