Woodlawn on top of their game

DEFENSIVE AGGRESSION: St John’s College Woodlawn’s Mitchell Krause is hell-bent on stopping St Francis Xavier College’s Justin Smith in their Arrive Alive Cup rugby league game at Woodlawn yesterday.

David Nielsen

ST JOHNS College Woodlawn have set themselves up for a showdown against one of Sydney's elite rugby league schools after downing the strong St Francis Xavier College 26-6 yesterday.

Some mighty defence, particularly in the second half, and a strong attacking game from centre Nathaniel Regueira paved the way for the win.

Nathaniel scored two tries and kicked two conversions to put the game well beyond the reach of the visiting team, which travelled up from Hamilton in Newcastle for the game.

Woodlawn has now progressed through Tier B to become one of the final four non-seeded schools in the Arrive Alive Cup.

Assistant coach Simon Andrews said Woodlawn would now meet powerhouse Sydney team Matraville Sports High.

“A lot of their players will be from the Sydney Roosters' under-20s, so we will have to sort out where we will play them,” he said.

“It is the premier competition for schoolboy rugby league and to be in the final four of the non-seeded sides is a really big achievement.

“We do see ourselves as a rugby league powerhouse in this area and it is good to see us get the runs on the board in terms of results.”

Woodlawn, which fielded a depleted side due to injury, led 16-0 at half-time and looked almost certain to hold St Francis Xavier scoreless in the second half.

But after Woodlawn held out set after set of attacking play close to the try-line, St Francis managed to break through for a consolation four-pointer late in the game.

Woodlawn responded in kind soon after as Nathaniel stepped off his left from about 20 metres out and timed his angled run beautifully to score beneath the cross-bar.

He left the conversion for hooker Caleb Binge and the big lad didn't disappoint, calmly potting the conversion from right in front which left the finals score at 26-6.

Aside from Nathaniel's 12-point personal tally, other try scorers included Mitchell Krause, Michael Thomas and Damian Sironen.