The U14 Buckley Shield team travelled to Goulburn Workers Arena on May 23 to play in the Zone knockout competition against Mulwaree and Crookwell High Schools winning both matches 16 – 10 and 32 – 0 respectively.

The field looked to be in mint condition at first, but a bit of rain meant a slippery track for the boys to negotiate. Yass played Mulwaree in the first round and from kick-off both teams were in a tight battle.

Mulwaree scored first and converted the goal taking a 6-point lead. Harry McIntyre took exception to this and shortly after made a barnstorming run up the left edge to score, which Sutherland Holliday converted.

The remainder of the half was grid-locked, with fantastic defence exhibited by both teams. To start the second half, Logan Waters made a break down a narrow blind side to streak away and score in the corner, giving Yass a 10 – 6 lead.

Mulwaree responded to level the score with a try from their second-rower, arguably the best on the ground for the day. With scores locked, the team dug deep in defence, but Mulwaree ran in a late second-half try and converted to finish 16 – 10 in front.

The second match against Crookwell saw some high-intensity play and a couple of quick tries to Jack Ryan and Sam Hewett provided a lead to Yass.

Crookwell dug in with their defence but some handy footwork and ball movement from Jack, Sutherland, Harry and Will Mihaljevic led to a flurry of tries late in the first half.

Yass started the second half with the same intensity and further involvement from the back line and sent Will, Logan and Lachlan Houssenloge over for a few 4-pointers. Oran Bradley and Eden Cross chimed in with some dummy half darts and Tray Souter led the backline around well.

Yass finished the game with a 32 – 0 victory and came away runners up for the zone.

Well done to all the boys for representing Yass High in such a positive way throughout this day.