01 Apr 2025
The final round of Fifita between MRHS – Griffith and MRHS – Wade played out last night with both the girls and boys matches going to Griffith.
The girls league tag was the first match of the evening. Kicking off at 5.30pm, the game was a nailbiter. Wade’s Zianna Zuccato was the first try scorer, forcing Griffith to kick their game into gear. Jess Carusi and Ruby Snow Curry from Griffith scored in quick succession with Armanhi Cook converting both. Wade player Tess Jamieson managed to land another try which was then converted by Armani Coe taking the game to 12-10 at half time.
In the second half, Jess Carusi made one more try which was again converted by Cook. Wade kept the pressure on, with Daisy O’Connor scoring one last try which was again converted by Coe. The final score was 18 – 16 Griffith’s way at the final whistle, Wade’s valiant efforts notwithstanding.
Tess Jamieson’s offence and particularly her runaway try really is worthy of a special mention. Meanwhile, Daisy O’Connor and Jorja Schaeffer’s formidable defence helped repel a number of potential tries from the Griffith side.
“I’m really proud of the girls,” explains Wade girls coach Minata Misi, “They played their hearts out and put everything they had into the game. I really can’t fault them.”
The boys took to the field at 6.30pm with Griffith’s Kieran Casey making the first try of the match. A second try from Casey put Griffith in a comfortable lead when Wade’s Frederick Tietie scored and converted.
Despite an upset in the team’s momentum, Paul Langi chalked another try for Griffith, bringing them to a 16-6 lead at half time. The second half saw Griffith’s James Snow Curry and Nate Charles both score and Wade’s Frederick Tietie make his second try and conversion of the day. Unfortunately, Wade couldn’t repel the Griffith onslaught and ultimately went down 26-12.
Captain Mekhi Simpson showed great leadership on the field despite playing through an injury. Frederick Tietie’s contribution to the scoreboard and his ability to make a big hit made him a force to be reckoned with and young David Fineanganofo’s proactiveness brought a lot of energy to the game.
“Even though the boys came away probably wanting more, they put up a good fight against an experienced team,” explains Wade boys coach Daniel Bozic, “They put their bodies on the line and I’m proud of them. There’s a lot of strong football talent at Wade.”
You can view the gallery here.