ENDEAVOUR Sports High School are the champions for the fourth time in the national schoolboy rugby league’s competition history.
The Sutherland Shire-based school defeated Patrician Brothers Blacktown, 22-12, in the thrilling final yesterday at Kogarah Jubilee Oval.
In front of hundreds of supporters from the school and parents, Endeavour Sports High led 18-6 at halftime and held on for victory in the second half.
‘‘We were terrible with the ball in the second half,’’ said Endeavour Sports High coach Dave Howlett.
‘‘Our defence won us the game in the second half.’’
Howlett, who coached the Sharks Holden Cup under-20s team this year, lives at Caringbah. Howlett said he would be coaching the Sharks under-18s S G Ball Cup team next year.
The proud coach took over in 2007 as head coach of the open-age schoolboy teams at Endeavour Sports High.
The school had won the competition under former Dragons utility star Jeff Hardy in 2004-06.
A physical education teacher at the school since 1998, Howlett had steered the team — undefeated — this year.
The competition began in 1975 as the Amco Shield and over the years has had many different name changes.
Class centre Jamayne Isaako was awarded the player of the match for his tremendous game, scoring two tries and landing three goals.
Isaako scored the match-winning try with only minutes left; his side was ahead 18-12.
His try in the right-hand corner at the Carlton South Public School end brought the crowd to its feet.
Endeavour Sports High relieving principal Sophie Kapsimalis said it was a wonderful feat by the school, the team, coaching staff and players.
‘‘Our team is deserving and not only are they an exceptional rugby league team but they are an exceptional group of young men,’’ she said.
She praised supporters and parents of the players for their encouragement during the competition.
Endeavour Sports High 22 (Jamayne Isaako 2, Billy Lennon, Curtis Scott tries; Jamayne Isaako three goals) d Patrician Brothers Blacktown 12.
How good is it in the local rugby league community with Endeavour Sports High School’s GIO Schoolboy Cup win? Tell us what the highlights were.
