NEMIA NAWAVE STANDS OUT AS ROOSTER FOR SECOND WEEK IN A ROW

A grade Player of the match - joint winners are Nemia Nawave (left) & Jake O'Brien (right) presented by old boy Thomas Lammon (middle) Photos supplied

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Burdekin Roosters utility Nemia Nawave had a standout game against Western Lions at Bendigo Bank Park on Saturday night, but it wasn’t enough to get the locals over the line, going down 30-24.

Both sides played open, fast football in the first half to have the scores 30-18 to the visiting Lions at the break. While the first half was fast and exciting, with eight tries scored, the second half was a dour affair with a lot of dropped ball as both teams tried to get the ascendancy.

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The Roosters looked the better team in attack in the second session, but dropped ball robbed them of tries at vital stages.

Nothing could be taken away from the defence from both teams in the second session, as both fought valiantly to get on top.

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The loss by the locals sees them now in fifth place on the ladder, and with Centrals giving the premiers from the last two years, Souths, a hiding on Sunday, Western Lions are now equal third with Brothers behind Souths and Centrals.

Coach Steve Lansley said the Roosters produced a spirited second-half fightback but were left to rue a costly opening 40 minutes as they went down to the Western Lions in an entertaining rugby league contest.

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The first half was an attacking spectacle, with an incredible scoreline as the Lions raced to 30 points while the Roosters kept themselves in the contest with three tries of their own.

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Defensive improvements after the break saw just one try scored in the entire second half, highlighting the commitment and resilience shown by the Roosters.

Unfortunately, the damage had already been done, with the 30 points conceded before half-time proving too much to overcome.

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Despite the defeat, Burdekin never stopped competing and pushed the Lions all the way to the final siren.

Mitch Brown was outstanding throughout, while Nemia once again provided plenty of spark in attack and Jake O’Brien impressed with his tireless work across the park.

On to Ladies Day and the return of the Home Hill Devils reunion.

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For Burdekin, tries came from Lachlan Shepherd, Jake O’Brien, Nemia Nawave and Lach Bachbach. Jake O’Brien kicked four goals.

In other A Grade games, Centrals caused the upset of the season so far, beating two-time premiers and undefeated this year Souths 50-10, while Brothers and Herbert River played out a 30-all draw and Norths beat Charters Towers 26-14.

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It was not a good day for the Roosters, with Western Lions easily winning the reserve grade 40-6 over a disappointing Burdekin team.

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The Lions led 24-0 at the break, and it wasn’t until near the end that the locals showed any glimpse of what they are capable of.

Then Pryce Gesah finished off his match with a good try.

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Coach Peter Horan said he was thoroughly disappointed with the efforts of a number of players.

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Braiden Di Bella was the players’ player for a good effort, with Lincoln Boccolatte, Luca Lago, Bryce Caltiabano and Calem Saxby giving of their best.

Pryce Gesah scored the try, converted by Dylan Doak.

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In other reserve grade matches, Norths beat Charters Towers 46-8, Brothers beat Herbert River 40-6 and Souths beat Centrals 34-6.

The Roosters Under 19s had a bye for the weekend.

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Only one Ladies game was played, with Charters Towers beating Norths 24-12.

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Supplied by Brian Carnes

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