First Grade Completes Undefeated First Round
In a season that will be remembered for years to come, Footscray Rugby Club’s First Grade team has achieved the remarkable feat of completing the first round of the Dewar Shield Premiership completely undefeated. The milestone was sealed with a heart-stopping 19-17 victory over Harlequins that epitomized everything this team represents: resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in each other.
A Test of Character
The final match of the first round presented the ultimate test of this team’s character. Down 10-0 at half-time, many teams might have folded under the pressure of maintaining their perfect record. But this Footscray side is made of different stuff.
The halftime deficit meant the team faced their biggest challenge of the season - not just the scoreboard pressure, but the weight of expectation that comes with an unbeaten run. How they responded would define not just this match, but potentially the entire season.
Second Half Heroics
What unfolded in the second half was nothing short of spectacular. Down by ten points, the Footscray forwards rolled up their sleeves and began to assert their dominance. The pack’s relentless pressure in the tight phases began to tell, while the backs showed patience and precision when opportunities arose.
The turning point came through a combination of tactical nous and raw determination. The team systematically worked their way back into the contest, erasing the ten-point deficit and then taking the lead through what would prove to be the match-winning converted try late in the second half.
The Decisive Moment
With time running out, Footscray struck gold with a perfectly executed try that showcased the team’s ability to perform under the ultimate pressure. The conversion sailed through the posts, giving the home side a precious two-point buffer that they would defend with everything they had.
The final moments saw Harlequins throw everything at the Footscray line, but the defensive effort was nothing short of heroic. Every tackle, every ruck clear-out, every line-out throw became crucial in the context of preserving both the victory and the unbeaten record.
Grit and Determination Defined
This victory was about more than just rugby skills - it was a testament to the mental fortitude that has been carefully cultivated within this group. To come from behind in such circumstances, with so much at stake, speaks volumes about the character of these players and the coaching staff who have prepared them for these moments.
The late try and successful conversion that secured the win came at the perfect time, demonstrating not just technical execution under pressure, but the tactical awareness to know when to take risks and when to play conservatively.
Defending the Lead
The final phase of the match, with Footscray clinging to their 19-17 advantage, provided some of the most tense and thrilling rugby of the season. Every player on the field understood the magnitude of the moment - they weren’t just defending a two-point lead, they were protecting an entire round’s worth of hard work and dedication.
The defensive effort in those closing minutes was a masterclass in collective determination. Bodies were thrown into every tackle, and the team’s commitment to keeping Harlequins out was absolute. When the final whistle blew, the relief and joy were evident as players celebrated not just a victory, but the completion of a perfect first round.
Historical Achievement
Completing an entire round undefeated in the competitive Dewar Shield Premiership is no small feat. This achievement places the 2025 First Grade team among the elite in the club’s history and sets them up perfectly for the challenges that lie ahead in the second round.
The unbeaten run has been built on several key factors: exceptional preparation by the coaching staff, outstanding individual performances across all positions, and perhaps most importantly, a team culture that refuses to accept defeat.
Looking Ahead
While the team and supporters will rightly celebrate this milestone achievement, the focus now shifts to maintaining this standard throughout the second round. The target on Footscray’s back will only grow larger, with every opponent now knowing they face the team to beat.
This comeback victory against Harlequins has shown that even when things don’t go to plan, this Footscray team has the resilience and skill to find a way to win. That mental strength will be crucial as the business end of the season approaches.
The undefeated first round is now history, but it has laid the foundation for what could be a truly special season for Footscray Rugby Club’s First Grade team.
The dramatic scenes at the final whistle captured the essence of what makes rugby such a compelling sport - and what makes this Footscray team so special to watch.