The Weekly Wrap-Up

On Saturday 22 June, Rugby Park was buzzing with a fantastic evening of football.

Roosters A Grade were unfortunately beaten 34 – 16 with A Grade Coach Steve Lansley, believing despite the loss the team held the Souths pretty will considering they are the only undefeated team in the A Grade competition.

“Our defence is effectively good, but what we have to learn to do now, is finish off movements resulting in tries,” explained Lansley.

Roosters A Grade experienced a range of disruptions in the lead up to Saturday’s showdown. Firstly, the team were not allocated Cowboys’ Jeremian Manuatu and Henry Teuteu, and secondly lost both Kali Nauque and Ratu Kikau to suspension. Lastly, winger Nemia Nawave withdrew due to a knee complaint ahead of the game on Saturday morning. Lansley explained he took his hat off to the young team he had to field, congratulating them on doing a great job.

However, the boys were not out of the woods yet as more trouble followed with half, and playmaker, Hayde Munro forced off with a leg complaint, like what was experienced by forward, Hayden Lammon. Hayden’s performance has been outstanding in all areas, and he was sorely missed.

Under 18 Captain, Jye Olsen made his debut and was positioned on the wing. For his first game, he handled himself exceptionally, and elevated his performance when moved in close, replacing Haye.

Second-rower, Michael Kennedy was one of the best on the ground, tackling himself to a stand-still, as did hooker Colby Thomson who scored a great try.

Lansley was also impressed with the efforts of young five eight, Rhett Williams.  

In consideration of Souths make up encompassing stars like former NRL player Shaun Nona, and Foley Shield representative Jordan Renfrey, Michael Carroll, Marcus Nona, Curtis Dempsey, Braither Knox and Declan Dowson, the young Roosters team performed well.

Tries were scored by Dudley Dotoi, Iowani Cavuilati and Colby Thompson, and two goals were kicked by Joel Mason.

In other A grade matches Western Lions beat Centrals 22 – 16, Charters Towers beat Herbert River 10 nil and Brothers beat Norths 44 – 12

Reserves coach Chris Perry believes his team should have put up a better effort despite being down on players following a 40 – 6 loss.

Perry said although Souths are the top team, Roosters have beaten them this season and expected a better result.

“We needed that loss I think as our training has not been as intense, and the bots have been getting a little lack in their attitude,” said Perry.

“Hopefully that will wake us up.”

Perry drew on a couple of Under 18 players who performed well, in particular, Llama Ghee who made some good runs.

Brody Ferguson was celebrated as Players Player for a full-time effort coming off the bench. Dylan Doak was also commended for scoring the try, and converting giving him seven from seven in two games.

In other reserve matches Centrals defeated Western Lions  26 – 18, Bowen defea5ed Norths 16 – 6 and Charters Towers beat Herbert River 20 – 14 with Brothers on a bye.

The Hens did not play as they had a bye. Herbert River beat Charters Towers 30 – 8 and Brothers beat Norths 36 nil with the Western Lions versus Centrals game not played.

All R L T D  clubs have a bye this week in a contingency round with games to recommence on Saturday 6 July with the Roosters meeting Western Lions at Rugby Park. The Ladies, A grade and the Reserves however, have a bye.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.
 
 

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