A good crowd at Rugby Park last Sunday saw two good games of rugby league when the Roosters hosted Bowen in reserve grade and Souths in A grade.
The premiership favourites, Souths, showed why they have that mantle by showing the locals just how to concentrate for an entire game.
The Townsville visitors took the A grade 46 to 20 but not before the locals had given them a fright.
Leading 12 – 10 and watching Burdekin denied a try, the visitors took advantage and moved the ball down field and scored to take an eight point 18 – 10 advantage into the break.
The visitors scored two quick tries after the interval, and it was all over.
Nemia Nawave, back from injury, scored two great tries before the end showing he should have been used more during the encounter. Coach Steve Lansley said his team has got to concentrate for the entire time on the paddock.
“At times we are fully switched on and then we slip away and they score points. And with an experienced ex NRL player in Steve Nona out there, he will hurt you,” Steve said.
Lansley said he thought forward Henry Teuteu had a big game making many breaks but were not there for the off load as with Jeremiah Matuatu.
The coach said Rhett Williams had a good game after a week off and Kali Nauque was always dangerous.
“We know we can do it, we just have to put it into action for an entire match,” Steve said.
Nevia Nawave scored two tries with one each to Kali Nauque and Jayden Sgarbossa. Joel Mason and Dylan Doak kicked goals.
In other A grade matches Herbert River beat Western Lions in Ingham 32 – 14, Brothers belted Charters Towers at Brothers 42 – 12 and Centrals beat Norths at Bushland Beach 38 – 20.
“We had a poor beginning giving Bowen a 16-point start before we put our backs to the grindstone and did the hard things right to take the game,” Roosters stand in coach Peter Horan said after his team beat Bowen 34 – 28.
Horan, with Paul Horan, were deputising for regular coach Chris Perry away on personal business. Peter said once his team hung onto the ball they quickly wore down the 22 – 6 lead making it 22 all at the break.
Peter said the team should have won by more but good defence added to poor options cost the boys.
The coach said though a win is a win no matter how you get it.
Mark Cervoni, back from a couple of years off, was awarded players player for a tough one up front making plenty of ground in attack and defending well.
Paul Meryl and Wassime Mouvelli enjoyed the drop in temperature even though the wind made it difficult for all. Meryl scored a good try put through by a perfect pass from Jeerome Lacco. Lacco and Dom Augostis also had good games.
Tries were scored by Sem Tom, Bryde Horan, Riley Horan, Paul Meryl and Dom Arrate with Dylan Doak kicking 5 goals.
In other reserve matches Western Lions beat Herbert River 42 – 18, Brothers beat Charters Towers 36 – 10 and Centrals beat Norths 38 – 12.
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There will be no club Rugby League over the May Day weekend with the Northern Zone trials in Mackay where the Roosters have two RLTD representatives Henry Teuteu and Jeremiah Matuate.
The Hens will also have two players in Mackay, Toni Daisy and Kazziah Lammon.
On Saturday May 14 the A grade, reserves and Ladies will play Charters Towers in the western city and it also happens to be Ladies Day in the Towers.
Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.
