OLSEN LEADS ROOSTERS TO BIG WIN

John Davenport (left) presents the A Grade Player of the Match award to Nemia Navulubalavu (right).

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Burdekin Roosters A grade half had an outstanding game last Saturday at Bendigo Bank Park as the Roosters put in a strong second-half display to blow Norths away 42–12.

The locals were slow to get off the mark in both attack and defence, to be just up 12–10 at the break.

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With Olsen dictating play from half, the team clicked into gear in the second session to score six tries to one and run away with the game.

While the speedy half was dominating in the backs, replacement hooker Nemia Nawave was cutting them up the middle, scoring one try whilst setting up two others.

The A grade win capped off a good day for the Roosters as they won both the reserves and under 19s.

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Coach Steve Lansley said his team produced another impressive performance, defeating Norths 42–12 in a match that was much tougher than the final score suggests.

After leading at the break, the Roosters were forced to work hard against a determined Norths outfit in a physically and closely contested half.

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However, a devastating 15-minute burst immediately after half time proved the difference, with Burdekin crossing for four unanswered tries to blow the game wide open.

Half Jye Olsen was unstoppable, finishing with a superb hat-trick after repeatedly finding space behind the ruck and finishing clinically.

Hooker Nemia Nawave controlled the contest brilliantly, providing direction with the ball and proving electric in attack, constantly threatening the defensive line with his speed and creativity.

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The Roosters defence remained resolute throughout, limiting Norths’ opportunities and capitalising on field position.

It was a complete team performance that highlighted firepower and the ability to seize momentum when it mattered most.

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Tries: Jye Olsen 3, Malik Ogameni, Jake O’Brien, Adam Camer, Nemia Nawave, Emilikio Savelio.[Text Wrapping Break]Goals: Jake O’Brien 5

In other A grade matches: Souths 22 Western Lions 20, Charters Towers 22 Brothers 18, Centrals 18 Herbert River 16.

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A man-of-the-match performance from reserve grade captain Dylan Doak saw his team come back from 14–4 down at half time to defeat Norths in reserve grade 26–20.

Doak was outstanding, especially in attack, and his high fly to score his try from a bomb was well worth watching.

After a lethargic first half, the boys came home to win the second session by 22–6, showing what they are capable of.

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Coach Peter Horan said his team showed what they can do and they should have done it more often.

Horan said he thought that Lincoln Boccalatte and Bokeem Reid had good games, with Keon Noah outstanding, scoring a good try, and Terry Connors dangerous when fed.

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Ron Geia was again the best forward on the paddock with help from Harvey Horan and Matty Lee, with Llama Ghee dangerous near the line.

Dylan Doak, Terry Connors, Keon Noah, Ron Geia, Llama Ghee tries. Dylan Doak 3 goals.

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In other reserve grade games: Western Lions beat Souths 24–14, Brothers beat Charters Towers 20–12, and Herbert River beat Centrals 18–10.

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After a slow start allowing Norths to lead 16–0, the Roosters under 19s fought back to lead 22–16 at the break.

After lemons, the boys showed what they are capable of, running in four tries while conceding only one to run out easy victors in the end 46–20.

The team went into the game without their Confraternity Schoolboys still in transit from Brisbane, but the other boys adjusted and, when they settled down, played some really good attacking and defensive footy.

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Five of the eight tries were scored by backs, showing the boys let the ball do the work.

Here, K J Zaro, Kirk Viero and Chakayne Taiters were outstanding, with Zaro the best on paddock.

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In the forwards, Jack Power had a good one, along with Mason Kiehne, Leylan Lampton and Joey Southwell.

Tries: Jacob Drain, Chakayne Taiters, Kirk Viero, George Price Dau, K J Zaro, Leylan Lampton, Mason Kiehne, Callan Taiters. Goals: K J Zaro 7

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This Saturday the Roosters are at home at Bendigo Bank Park to Western Lions in A and reserve grades, with the reserves at 4.30 and the A grade at 6.

Western Lions recently withdrew from under 19s, leaving five teams in the competition: Burdekin, Brothers, Norths, Centrals and Herbert River, with Souths and Charters Towers not fielding.

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The following week, Saturday July 18, Burdekin meet Centrals in three grades, with Ladies Day being celebrated plus the 1986 Home Hill Devils premiership reunion.

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Supplied by Brian Carnes

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