ST Peter's powered past Hunter Sports High 46-24 in a thrilling final round at Bernie Curran Oval on Wednesday to secure the inaugural Steve Merrick Cup.
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In the shield competition, Tomaree High overpowered Merewether 47-22 to finish top of the second division.
The 10-a-side round robin tournament for year-10 students has been hailed a major success by the NHRU.
Each of the eight schools was paired with a local club.
"We have been able to track registrations through to junior clubs and about three players per school have joined junior clubs," NHRU general manager Andy Fairfull said.
"Secondly, the teachers and school kids indicated that they loved the tournament.
"Previously it would have cost the schools to participate. Through a grant from the Paul Ramsay foundation we have been able to cover all costs."
Next year the NHRU plans to have competitions for boys in year-10 and year-11, with the possibility of 10 schools in each.
* After initially being slated for Sunday, Wanderers will take on Maitland at Passmore Oval on Saturday. Their home ground, No.2 Sportsground is off limits until after the women's test between the Wallaroos and Japan on July 13.
* Garrick Morgan has played for the Wallabies, was a foundation player for the South Queensland Crushers, won a European Challenge Cup with Harlequins and is now the vice president of the Queensland Rugby Union. The former lock will give an insight to a long an varied career at the Hawthorne Club lunch at the Newcastle next Friday (June 28).
Fellow Wallabies Steve Merrick and Adam Freier will also be in attendance. Cost is $120 per head or $1100 per table of 10 and can be booked at www.hawthorneclub.com.au.