Well Done Tony And The Victorian
U/18's!

This year's U/18's Australian Schoolboy's National Championships have come and gone for 2004 with the final played on the 15th of July at St. Mary's Western Weekender Stadium. Singapore Rugby League's head coach, Tony Ashton was given the reigns of the young Victorian side. Even though the Vic's didn't progress pass their pool stage, they can still be proud of their efforts.

Victoria's first game was against Western Australia who are argubly the 3rd best Rugby League state in Australia after NSW and QLD. WA got up 44 points to 6. Point scorers for the Victorians were Try: Frank Amituanai Goal: Whitney Hiriaki.

The next challenge for the Victorians was against neighbouring state South Australia. Victoria played exceptionally well and recorded a 64 points to 12 win. Point scorers for the Victorians were Tries: Isak Filmater 2, Trent Rawlings 2, John Lentini 2, Nathan McKay, Dylan Hare, Leigh Rangitonga, Jarrad Stack, Sylvester Fuimmaono, John Makai Goals: Whitney Hiriaki 7, Leigh Rangitonga

Tony's side were going to face there toughest opposition to date against the NSWCIS (NSW Combined Independent Schools) in there next match. The NSWCIS walked away with a comfortable 60 points to 14 victory. Point scorers for the Victorians were Tries: Dylan Hore, Whitney Hiriaki, Teiran Moslen Goals: Whitney Hiriaki

The Victorians last game of the tournament was against an impressive Northern Territory side whose previous results were a 12 - 10 loss to WA, a 62 - 4 win over South Australia and a 38 - 22 win over the NSWCIS side. The Vic's were well aware that the NT side had beaten the NSWCIS days earlier. The same side that had put 62 points past the Vic's. Tony and his side knew they had to play well to not be on the end of a big scoreline.

Victoria lifted against the NT team and only went down by 18 points. Final score being 32 - 14. Overall, it was a top effort put in by Tony and his young side. Well done guys! Victoria's most valuable player for the tournament went to John Makai.

The Australian Schoolboy's National Championships ended up going to NSWCHS (NSW Combined High Schools) who beat QLD 44 - 12 in the final. At the conclusion of the tournament, an Australian Schoolboy's side was selected and also an Affiliated States Side (WA, NT, SA, VIC) was chosen. Frank Amituanai was the lone Victorian selected in this team which was dominated by mainly WA and NT players.