THE MARCH towards rugby league glory continues for the Ipswich State High Langer Cup side after it served up a 46-14 belting to Redcliffe High last week in the quarter final.
Ipswich went into the finals off the back of an undefeated season, and with gun players across the park ready to deliver week in, week out for their teammates, coach Josh Bretherton and their sport-proud community.
It only took two minutes for centre Christian Simpson to score as an early sign of Ipswich State High’s intentions to dominate, and he would cross for a double in the 30th minute.
By halftime Redcliffe had tries to Jackson Sambrooks (9’) and Jake Carsburg (11’), with Grady Payne converting both and adding a penalty goal in the 27th minute – this was the only scoring to be had by the peninsula team.
Silky fullback Tom Parker (32’, 57’) and prop Ezekiel Paulo (35’, 59’) scored doubles of their own in the outstanding Ipswich performance.
St George Illawarra Dragons-bound winger Saifiti Saifit also gave his boot a workout, landing seven of eight conversions in a huge individual contribution.
The performances from key individuals was evidence that the school continues to be a talent-rich nursery for players who go on to NRL careers.
Head coach Josh Bretherton told Local Ipswich News he was pleased with the win but said there was work to do.
“Glad to be through,” he said.
“Redcliffe were very good in the first half, and we were down at half time.
“The boys were great in the second half.
“Tom Parker and Ezekiel Paulo were both excellent through the whole game and played a big role in the win.
“Against Marsden next week in the semi-final we will have to be much better in the first half.
“The results so far give the coaching staff confidence that we have prepared the boys well and we just have to keep working hard and give ourselves the best chance to win next week.”
Ipswich State High will now clash with Marsden High in the semi-final on August 13 with kick-off at 1.45pm at BMD Kougari Oval.
