The Ulladulla High open boys touch football team travelled to Bateau Bay on the Central Coast last week to compete in the Combined High Schools State Finals. The top 10 sides had assembled to flex their touch muscle and determine who was the best of the CHS.
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After dismantling Muirfield High in their top 20 elimination match on home soil a few weeks ago, the boys were in a buoyant mood and brimming with confidence.
They were quickly brought down to earth in a sobering battle with Orange High. Although Ulladulla were clearly a stronger side across the park, Orange refused to be put to the sword. A see-sawing affair saw Ulladulla eventually overcome their adversaries 7-6.
Coach Hallett was swift to bring to the boys' attention that their attitude and preparation needed to be of the highest order to progress from the group stage. The boys took heed and ran riot over Wagga Wagga High, executing the coach's plan to devastating effect, winning 8-3.
Despite boasting an under 18s Australian representative, Wagga had no answer to the relentless drive of Ulladulla. Time and time again, smart and swift ball movement saw the Ulladulla wingers on the outside of their man with only fresh air separating them and the tryline.
Wade High of Griffith awaited in round 3 with a win being sufficient to qualify for the semi-finals on the Wednesday. Composure deserted the Ulladulla side. Despite leading 3-2, the side allowed frustration to creep into their play for the first time in the tournament. Coupled with some questionable referreeing decisions, they conceded the final 3 touchdowns of the game to go down 5-3.
Inverell High awaited in the morning.
The disappointment of the previous afternoon could have been lingering and adversely affected the outcome for the boys but with a calm maturity, the young team set about earning a place in the semis, running away dominant victors 7-2.
The boys had rocketed to the top of their group with a superior for and against, affording them a shot at second place from the opposite group, Hunter Sports High.
Hunter quickly asserted themselves as Ulladulla's most dangerous opponents. They took the lead early before Ulladulla levelled at 2-2. Hunter found a higher gear and skipped away to a 4-2 lead.
Ulladulla never surrendered, scoring the final try of the match to eventually go down 5-4.
Ulladulla were valiant in their efforts reaching the top 4 in the state for CHS. Boasting a side with only 4 ineligible players for next year's competition, it is a young side with astounding scope for growth and development.
The future of touch for Ulladulla High is a bright one.
