In a close and exciting game at Sydney's Weigal Oval on Saturday, The Armidale School's First XV notched a 28-14 win against Sydney Grammar School's Firsts, in round three of the AAGPS Third Grade rugby competition.
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Building on wins against Shore School Thirds and Farrer MAHS Firsts in the last fortnight and armed with the return of two players who had been out with injuries, the team went into the match with confidence and gained the ascendancy early when captain Will Swales converted his own try and then one by fullback Joe Baker later in the first half.
Grammar upped its firepower after the break, wracking up a converted try to take it to 14-7 before Hamish Cannington crossed the line and Swales again slotting the extra two points.
The hosts managed another seven points, taking the scoreboard to 21-14 with just two minutes to the final bell, before Baker put the ball down for a second time and Swales took his tally with the boot to four from four.
Playing down his own contribution, Swales said the boys were united to come away with the win.
"The game was played in very high spirits, we were able to stretch their defence and break through their line with physicality and determination," he said.
"We had a strong first half but obviously let them into the game in the second with some defensive errors which allowed them to be within a try at 21-14.
"Although this was the case, the boys did not want to go home with a loss, resulting in a great final try which echoed the performance of the game.
Our strength throughout the game was generally our defence and line speed, and with the way we have developed over the past three weeks we have forged some confidence leading into this Saturday's fixture against The King's School."
Of the other eight matches against Grammar, TAS also secured wins in the 16As and 15s.
TAS goes into the fourth round of the GPS Third Grade competition with two wins and a loss and sits on the ladder behind St Joseph's College and St Ignatius College Riverview, both undefeated to date.