St Patrick’s College 1st XV Rugby team has secured a spot in the Victorian Schools Rugby Union grand final for just the second time in history.
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The team faces powerhouse St Kevin’s College after defeating Marcellin College 25-17 on the weekend.
Rugby coach Mike Silcock described the season as one of many firsts, with St Patrick’s College being able to field a second 15, going on a preseason tour in Canberra and finishing the regular season in second position.
“This team has been building for a few years now and most of these boys did actually return from last year… so we were thrilled (to make the grand final),” he said.
“I guess the final first that we want is the college in its 125-year history has never won the state title and so if that occurs on Saturday it’s going to be very special.”
St Patrick’s College’s only loss of the season came in a nail-biter against the undefeated St Kevin’s College.
Silcock said St Kevin’s had a well-established program that bred success.
But, despite suffering a heavy grand final defeat to St Kevin’s three years ago, he believed this season would be different.
“Training has been superb these past few weeks, the boys have never been more engaged and I’m really excited with what we’ve come up with,” he said.
“Our greatest weapon is the strength and talent across the team.”
He said the bedrock of the team’s success this season had been the commitment and passion of its players, coach, parent committee and the support of the college.
The grand final takes place at Xavier College on Saturday with kick-off at 1pm.