Mid-season we have a look at the Schools of Excellence Cup with plenty of great footy to look forward to.
Currently, both the Junior (Under 14) and Senior competitions see Palm Beach Currumbin SHS and Sandgate SHS at the top of both ladders, with the other schools closely following behind.
It’s been a typically strong start to the season from PBC, especially with their juniors carrying on their strong form from last year proving too big and too strong for their opponents so far in the competition.
In the eagerly anticipated annual Round 2 clash between the two Gold Coast powerhouses, PBC and Helensvale, it was PBC who won both matches in slippery conditions at Salk Oval.
Helensvale have been depleted by injury this season with some strong players set to return in time for their Round 3 match against Narangba Valley.
Narangba Valley ‘Vipers’ have had a busy term, hosting visiting students from Tiwi Islands on a cultural exchange, mixing footy with learning and visiting Cherbourg to run clinics with the local children. Their junior team have had a very strong start to the season and are undefeated leading in to their fixture against Helensvale next Tuesday at Narangba Valley SHS’s ground.
Local rivals Sandgate have had the fortune of a full-strength senior team in their early matches against competition-newcomers Benowa SHS and Mountain Creek SHS, as well as the Vipers. With formidable accuracy in front of goal, the Sandgate team are a strong chance for the Cup Final at the Gabba on Wednesday 25th July.
Benowa and Mountain Creek have held their own in their first season, both with wins on the board, mixing it with the other teams and showing a lot of promise for the future. One of the matches of Round 3 saw the ‘Mountain Lions’ go down by 19 points to ladder-leaders Sandgate which was a terrific result for them.
Benowa had to fight hard against Park Ridge SHS to notch their first junior and senior wins of the season, with the scoreboard not doing the game justice.
The surprise packet of the season has been Victoria Point SHS, with the seniors flying, undefeated, and sitting third on the ladder with only two games under their belts. With a strong group of Grade 12 boys having come through the ‘Vikings’ Academy together, they have gelled and put on two great performances, with the upset of the season defeating PBC at Beenleigh in their first match.
The final matches of Round 3 see the Vikings travel up to Maroochydore to take on the Mountain Lions, while Helensvale head up to Narangba Valley.
With some exciting top-of-the-table clashes ahead, it is sure to be an enthralling end to the season and close race to make the Grand Finals.
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Click here for Schools of Excellence Cup fixtures and results.
