IN a time where their school is gaining attention for the wrong reasons, members of the St Stainslaus’ College first XV have manufactured something positive as they have stormed in to the final of the annual Waratah Shield competition.

Less than a week after allegations of sexual abuse at the college back in the 1970s and 1980s surfaced, Stannies’ top rugby union players banded together to enhance the reputation of their school and separate themselves from the past.

Having brushed aside Terrigal High School 56-12 in the quarter-final, Stannies were just as impressive in Monday’s semi-final as they ran in six tries against Farrer Agricultural School for a 41-10 victory.

“The school has been subject to some really intense pressure, but the boys wanted to make a positive,” Stannies co-coach Geoff Melville said.

“ I think we played pretty strongly against a committed team, but the boys had a commitment to play well for their school.”

The Waratah Shield is a knock-out competition for high schools across NSW. Since its inception in 1963, Stannies have won the coveted title four times – in 1974, 1980, 1981 and most recently 1995.

What Stannies have never done is win the Waratah Shield and Independent Schools Association titles in the same year, but thanks to their victory of Farrer the first XV are now one success away from the double.

Standing in their way will either be St Augustines, Manly or Campbelltown school St Gergory’s who played off in yesterday’s second semi-final. The decider will be staged at Eastwood’s TG Milner Field on Sunday at 3pm.

Stannies were the first to score in Monday’s semi-final and while looking in control with a 13-0 lead at half-time it was after the break their really flexed their muscle.

Skipper and hooker Sam Roberson finished with a brace of tries, as did Billy Veith, while Marc Roufeil and Barton Whiteley also crossed for five-pointers.

The score skipped out to 20-0 before Farrer got on the board via a penalty, while their try come in the final minute of play from a kick.

Melville singled out Stannies work in defence and at the breakdown as the difference between the two sides.

“We were much stronger in the forwards, especially our work at the breakdown. I thought that was really strong,” the mentor said.

SAINT STANISLAUS’ COLLEGE 41 (Sam Roberson 2, Billy Veitch 2, Marc Roufeil, Barton Whiteley tries; Sam Roberson 2, James Toole 2 conversions; Sam Roberson penalty goal) defeated FARRER AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL 10