Saint Stanislaus' College claims second ISA Rugby win of season, overcoming St Pius X at home

Stannies overcame an early deficit to run out 34-14 winners and earn their second win over the year.

Victory to start the third term of the school year was vital for the Stannies students.

Still-undefeated Saint Gregory's College (26-17) and Saint Augustine's College (31-17) squads put the Bathurst players in the firing line for a third straight loss but the Stannies players responded strongly.

Martin Rudgely and Joe Sullivan both scored twice for the hosts as their team continued to improve the quality of play with every minute which passed by.

Stannies co-coach Jack English said the team weren't afraid to use some width on the No. 1 Oval.

"It was nice to play some running rugby. The handling errors were a little costly at times but it was the first time this season that we've managed to score four tries and promote some free flowing rugby," he said.

"We've been trying to do that the whole time this season but it's never come to fruition."

A high-tempo Pius side forced errors out of the Stannies boys early on and it proved costly for the hosts.

Pius took a quick tap from a penalty close to the Stannies try line and dove over for a converted try.

The deficit seemed to spark something within the Bathurst side who looked renewed at the breakdown, leading to a try Joe Sullivan.

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An inspired piece of play from Ben Mitchell helped Stannies take the lead.

Mitchell charged through the Pius line, moved the ball out to the wing before a grubber kick helped put Cam Trengove over the line. Mitchell's conversion made it 12-7.

Stannies turned down a penalty from close range, and were almost made to regret it when they coughed up the ball, but another chance came their way before half-time.

This time they opted to take the kick, which was successful, and bring in 15-7 lead into the sheds.

The second half saw the momentum stay with the navy and white.

Stannies scored three tries over the 20 minute window to put the game out of Pius' reach.

Pius found a consolation try but importantly for Stannies they had claimed a bonus point victory.

"We've been talking a lot about our intensity and physicality at the breakdown, and while that was lacking in the opening minutes that soon changed. We crossed the advantage line consistently," English said.

"Ben Mitchell had a fantastic game at 12, setting up a number of tries. Our number two, back from the Australian Rugby Championships, Joe Sullivan, also had an outstanding game.

"Martin Rudgely, our outside centre, ran well off Ben Mitchell who helped set him up for his two tries."

There's positive signs for the Stannies 2^nd XV who remain unbeaten this year.

Stannies travel to face Oakhill College this Saturday.