2024 Cochrane Cup Northern Champions

 

The Cochrane Cup is a rugby league competition for U/14 Country Catholic schools. After winning the first 2 rounds, the SJRC team travelled to Coffs Stadium on Wednesday, July 24th, to contest the Northern State final. The first game was against St Mary’s Gateshead. It was a tough game played to a high standard by two evenly matched-teams. Even though the SJRC team made errors that kept the scores close, their effort was awesome, especially in defense. They were ahead 4 – 0 at halftime and were able to hold out a spirited St Mary’s side to win 8-6, scoring two tries to one.

The second game was against St Edward’s, East Gosford. To their credit, the SJRC had to back up while the opposition came on fresh. Again, it was a tough, physical game. Led by some excellent kicking by Zac, incisive running by Jack and tireless defense by Cam, the SJRC boys were ahead 12 – 4 at halftime. They were able to lift the intensity at the start of the second half, which allowed them to get 3 tries and finish winners 26 – 4. It was very exciting.

This meant that they won the northern half of the state, an incredible achievement that the SJRC has never achieved before. The state final against the Southern winners, St Johns Nowra, is expected towards the end of next month.