All Conquering Mercy College Clinch Mackay Schools Rugby Cup Double

Mercy College rugby students etched their names in the record books last week after bringing home a Mackay Schools Rugby Cup championship double.

Competing for the final occasion in Mercy colours before the school’s amalgamation with St Patrick’s College in 2023, the Year 7/8 Boys and Year 9/10 Boys registered emphatic Grand Final triumphs at the Quarry Hills Rugby Grounds in North Mackay.

Mercy’s all conquering Year 7/8 Boys team capped an outstanding series by thumping Bowen State High 24-0 in the Cup Grand Final to remain undefeated.

Talented second rower Rory Lanigan produced a powerhouse display to earn the official Player of the Match award with strong performances from hooker Marik Srsen, back rower Cooper Elliott, half back Miles Kerrisk and forward Jesse Neale.

The Mercy outfit had too much power, skill and experience for their rivals in 2022 and didn’t concede a point for the entire competition – an incredible feat.

Squad comprised of Jesse Neale (captain), Marik Srsen, Rory Lanigan, Miles Kerrisk, Dominic Sorbello, Cooper Elliott, Eli Cookson, Treyce Ciantar, Lucas Aslette, Mason Mayer, Emmanuel Andrews, Sanguiani Chinula, Archie Townsend, Cooper Anderson, Raawi Tebao and Lucas Boshoff.

There was more joy for the Mercy Year 9/10 team as they toppled Holy Spirit College 22-7 to lift the senior premiership trophy.

Promising utility Toby Woodall turned in a superb performance with his strong running and no-nonsense defence a feature of the stirring triumph.

He was ably supported by talented flanker and stand-in skipper Declan Grady, clever half back Flynn Battaia and powerful colt Reuben Saron in a courageous team effort.

It was a huge turn around by the Mercy boys who lost their final preliminary round clash to Holy Spirit the previous week to finish second in their Pool.

Mercy eclipsed Mackay North State High 19-7 in a semi-final then backed up to avenge their loss to Holy Spirit with a convincing display in the trophy decider.

Trailing 7-0, the Mercy warriors hit their straps and overpowered their rivals with 22 unanswered points.

Mercy College Rugby co-ordinator Jo Ciantar-Schatkowski said the players were just starting to realise the significance of their premiership victories.

“They are the last athletes to win a sporting title under the Mercy College banner and will go down in the school’s history books,” revealed Jo.

“It was a fine achievement by both squads and a reward for all the hard work put in on the training paddock and during matches over the past month” she said.

Jo was supported by Mercy staff members Ashley Fergus, Nina Gaviglio and Bevan Little.

Convened by legendary forward and Holy Spirit College staff member Kyle Danns with the support of Mackay & District Junior Rugby Union, the four week competition is in its third year of operation featuring all Mackay schools as well as Bowen State High and Calen District State College.

Age divisions for Boys are Year 7/8 plus Year 9/10 which has two divisions of 15 a side rugby with Girls Year 7/8 and Year 9/10 playing a Rugby Sevens format.

By Chris Karas

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