Padua and Iona play out stunning draw as premiership race hots up

Down by 20-6 into the second half, Padua rallied late after being out performed by Iona across the opening 40 minutes of the match.

The captivating draw, which featured elite performances from the respective fullbacks Pereira (Iona) and Chaseling (Padua), means Iona and Padua will share the title if they can roll through the short season unbeaten.

ROUND 1 RESULT; VILLA’S THREE TRY HERO

PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS SEASON

In the other matches, Villanova College 16 managed to outlast a gallant St Edmund’s 16-12 while St Laurence’s also claimed a thriller, 22-18, over St Patrick’s.

“We felt both teams represented their college well and played some great footy,’’ said St Pat’s coach Brian Polich. “We just happened to be the ones who made errors at the key times in the second half.’’

At Banyo, the captivating 24-all scoreline was almost broken at the death by a field-goal attempt from Padua maestro Damon Humphrys, but desperate Iona players were able to thwart the shot by getting a hand on the ball.

For so much of the game Iona looked winners after capitalising on Padua’s errors and generated unmatched speed in the play the ball.

But the game swung on an intercept try scored by Humphrys after the best player on the field, Iona fullback and captain, Tyler Pereira, had made a rare handling error after making a break.

Humphrys’ ran 80m to score next to the posts, dragging his side back into the contest 12-20.

Even then Iona were able to respond with their four try, scored by that man Pereira whose dazzling footwork bewildered Iona’s defenders.

But Padua found plenty of resolve and, on the back of improved discipline, the group’s hard running and energy started to generate momentum.

A grubber kick from kicking ace Humphrys gave Harrison Vera a chance to score, while winger Cooper Roggenkamp also crossed.

Players of the Day

Tyler Pereira (Iona)

In his first game back from injury, Pereira was a Mr Magic Man, light on his feet, clever with the ball and forever probing. It is little wonder the Gold Coast Titans have placed him in their academy.

Jarah Chaseling (Padua)

What Pereira could do for Iona, Chaseling could do for Padua. Playing fullback, he was Classy with a capital C who would have been even more damaging had Padua been able to play more disciplined first half football.

Cooper Benvenuti (Iona)

The proven prop played long minutes to great affect. His fitness and lateral movement on both sides of the ball gave Iona’s middle a quality look about it.

Jacob Grant (Padua)

Grant was Mr Reliable. Playing five-eight, he was a comfort player, solid in defence and well organised on both sides of the ball. He was exactly the type of steady, calming influence needed in a crisis when Iona stretched its lead to 20-4;

Conor Quinn (Iona)

The tall centre signed by the Cowboys was forceful carrying the ball from the defensive end or when possession was swept wide to his left side channel.

Brodie Stefanski (Iona)

Stefanski was an unsung hero, coming off the bench to provide good energy and enthusiasm to the middle field effort by Iona.

Special mentions: Damon Humphrys (Padua), Harry Walsh (Padua), Jack Mercer (Padua).

Villanova 16 defeated St Edmund’s 12

Villanova College scraped and scrapped its way to a narrow win over a gritty Eddies’ outfit at Villa Park.

Indeed a better handling performance by St Edmund’s across the first half could have positioned them for an upset victory.

Hudson Bishop (Villanova)

The tough little hooker tackled strongly, brought his forwards onto the ball and was energetic when he backed himself with the ball.

Harry Vidler (St Edmund’s)

Playing centre, Vidler scored an impressive try and had several powerful charges which threatened Villanova’s line.

Tomi Wilson (St Edmund’s)

The impressive young fullback held up his end of the bargain. He was impressive under defensive pressure and clever in attack.

Special mentions: Lachlan Frances (Villanova), Seb Kracht (St Edmund’s), Max Green (Villanova).

St Laurence’s 22 defeated St Patrick’s 18

Zac O’Shea (St Laurence’s)

Fullback O’Shea was one of the players of the weekend. He was a constant threat out the back in attack, a metre eater on kick returns while also being grand in cover defence.

Riley Blake (St Patrick’s)

Playing five-eight, Blake was outstanding both in defence and attack where he created some good opportunities for teammates. He also netted himself a try off a kick.

Jett Dean (St Patrick’s)

Dean shone brightly from dummy half, providing terrific service and adding to St Pat’s potency in attack with some of his ryck runs.

Special mentions: Abraham Huxtable (St Patrick’s)

Originally published as Padua and Iona play out stunning draw as premiership race hots up