Newly appointed Mackay Cutters Head Coach Michael Comerford has just experienced a week of mixed fortunes in the world of rugby league.
Only days after agreeing to take over the reins from departing Cutters’ Head Coach Dave Elliott for the next two seasons, the widely respected Comerford has missed out on a fairytale Aaron Payne Cup premiership with his much-vaunted St Patrick’s College Mackay team.
Comerford will step down from his Sports Coordinator role at Mercy College on October 4 to take up the full time Head Coaching position at his beloved Cutters.
With Elliott accepting the Head Coach role at Norths Devils for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, the astute Comerford was aiming to finish his schoolboy coaching commitments on a winning note.
But hats off to Ignatius Park College who have added the Aaron Payne Cup to their trophy cabinet after registering a 24-12 Grand Final victory over St Patrick’s last Friday at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.
In yet another torrid clash between the northern Queensland schoolboy titans, Ignatius Park have claimed the honours after stepping up with two late tries in an enterprising finish.
Turning point came with Ignatius Park leading 18-12 inside the final ten minutes when boom St Patrick’s centre Kai Simon appeared to be taken off the ball when charging for the try line to pounce on a perfectly weighted Ethan Van Kerkwyk grubber kick.
No action was taken and Ignatius Park responded with a sweeping 70 metre movement downfield that led to a crucial four pointer as the home side seized the advantage.
Spearheaded by top prospect Jack Wood, the Townsville youngsters jumped to an early 12-0 lead before the elusive Simon nabbed a converted try for St Patrick’s before the break.
When St Patrick’s centre Bray Tait crossed for his side’s second try after the interval to level up proceedings the scene was set for a gripping finale.
Having also lifted the 2022 Confraternity Shield, Ignatius Park have now set their sights on beating Dolphins Cup winners St Brendan’s Yeppoon in this week’s showdown at the Mackay Junior League Fields.
St Brendan’s toppled The Cathedral College 20-6 in last week’s final to set up another tilt with Ignatius Park with the winner to meet either Ipswich State High School or reigning champions Palm Beach-Currumbin State High in the NRL Schoolboys Phil Hall Cup Grand Final at Robina’s Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.
Promising St Patrick’s forward Levi Love turned in a strong performance in his side’s 24-12 loss to Ignatius Park in the Aaron Payne Cup Grand Final
Dynamic utility Bray Tait shone for St Patrick’s in the Aaron Payne Cup decider against Ignatius Park in Townsville
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