Roosters Split Results in Townsville Triple Header

Two points stopped the Burdekin Roosters from recording three from three wins in the matches with Centrals last Sunday afternoon at the Townsville Sports Reserve.

First the Under 19 had a comprehensive 28 to 14 victory, with the reserve grade going down 22 to 20, before the A grade recorded their first win of the season 34 to 26.

Coach Steve Lansley said the Roosters finally broke through for their first win of the season with a determined performance against Centrals, showing plenty of grit and resilience from start to finish.

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In a tough and physical contest, the Roosters stood strong under pressure and refused to back down, with their defence proving the difference in key moments of the match.

Burdekin worked hard for every metre and showed great composure when it mattered most, turning persistence into reward as they secured a well deserved victory.

The side’s energy and commitment lifted throughout the game, with players stepping up when the pressure was on.

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Leading the way were Tama Reupena and Eneliko Savelio, who were outstanding across the park.

Both players made strong carries, defended tirelessly and provided the spark Burdekin needed in crucial stages, helping guide the Roosters to an important and confidence boosting first win of the year.

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Winger Jake O’Brien showed his true form crossing for three tries, with centre Dudley Dotoi very deadly in general play.

Hooker Nash Beck was dangerous at any loose moment, making good ground from dummy half, backed up by second rower Nemia Nawave who was rewarded with a well deserved try.

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While one centre Dotoi carved the opposition on one side, it was the other centre Jones Munro who did the same scoring two good tries.

Jake O’Brien scored three tries and kicked a goal, Jones Munro scored two, and one each by Nemia Nawave, Dudley Dotoi and Eneliko Savelio.

In other A grade matches, Western Lions beat Charters Towers 20 to 14, Souths beat Herbert River 24 to 16 and Brothers beat Norths 42 to 16.

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“My team plays like Jekyll and Hyde” were the words from reserves coach Peter Horan as his Roosters reserves went down to Centrals 22 to 20.

Horan said they dropped too much ball and let scoring opportunities go begging.

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Both teams traded tries throughout the match, with the scores locked at 10 all at the break.

Horan praised the efforts of Callen Taiters and K J Zaro, who backed up from Under 19.

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The coach thought Ron Geia and Aiden Prior were his better players, but he praised the efforts of Llama Ghee for his consistent hard running, causing problems to the opposition.

Llama Ghee, Adam Prior, Malik Ogameni and Luca Lago scored tries, with Dylan Doak 2 goals.

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In other reserve matches, Western Lions beat Charters Towers 48 to 16, Souths beat Herbert River 28 to 18 and Norths beat Brothers 32 to 10.

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Roosters Under 19 coach Alf Cantarella said they viewed the Under 19 match as a test as that team had been travelling well so far.

The young Roosters stood up and handled the challenge to score 5 tries to 3 to take the match 28 to 14.

The coach said his squad played as a team, with defence a key issue.

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We went into tackles like we meant them and then in attack the ball carrier had support, the coach added.

Tyce Cursio was judged to have an outstanding game, but again it was half Chad Fraser who led the way and was the players player, although Jack Power at hooker was a slippery customer in all aspects.

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Tries came from Kirk Viero, Jack Power, Callen Taiters, Chad Fraser, with 4 goals.

In other matches Brothers beat Norths 44 to 4.

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Next week Burdekin will travel to Charters Towers on Saturday in both A and reserve grade and in a strange one the Under 19 will go to Townsville on Sunday to play Norths.

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Both A and reserve grade Roosters teams should be strong in Charters Towers even though Dudley Dotoi could be out.

The Towers Miners will have plenty of support, Saturday being Ladies Day for the Club.

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In other games, Centrals will meet Brothers, Norths host Souths and Western Lions go to Ingham to play Herbert River.

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Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes

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