A nail-biting finish to the A grade match at Rugby Park last Saturday night saw the Burdekin Roosters go two on end defeating Townsville Norths by 24 – 22.
The Bushland Beach club actually lead 12 – 6 at the break with the Roosters making a few mistakes.
In the second session, the locals started to put it together with some top tries scored.
The skirting of the touch line for 40 metres by winger Nemia Nawave before crossing the score stripe brought the good crowd to its feet.
Centre Dudley Dotoi has been an explosive player for some time now after coming here from Bowen and he showed just what he could do with his fast attacking bursts.
Dudley rightly so was awarded player’s player.
The return of Jeremiah Matuatu from the Cutters replacing Henry Teuteu who was rested also paid off with big Jerry making plenty of ground running off the rucks.
Coach Steve Lansley said while his team’s defence was good, he would like to see more time taken in guarding the grubber kicks by the opposition.
Norths scored two tries from this move.
Tomasi Tikomilia has been training for some time recovering from a knee reconstruction and this was his first game in twelve months.
The wait was worth it with Tomasi crossing for a determined try.
The coach added that he thought Hayden Lammon again stood out while his halves Rhett and Hayde were to the fore although not as controlling as in the good win over Centrals.
“Ratu Kikau can really finish with our bench of Colby, Nelson, Tomasi and Tate really contributing,” the coach said.
The win still has the Roosters in fifth behind Souths, Brothers, H River and Western Lions.
Burdekin; tries by Ratu Kikau 2, Dudley Dotoi, Nemia Nawave, Tomasi Tikomilia and Joel Mason 2 goals.
In other a grade games Herbert River beat Centrals 24 – 22, Souths beat Charters Towers 32 – 18 and Western Lions def Brothers 32 – 16.
The Roosters Reserves remain in second spot on the ladder despite giving Norths a lesson 64 nil scoring 11 tries in a dominant display.
Despite the shellacking, coach Chris Perry said his team is not yet playing at their best.
Perry said at times his side looked like world beaters and then dropped off for a snooze.
He said despite that, he thought his squad was getting better each outing with his team’s defence equalling that of the attack.
Fullback Jayden Sgarbossa was judged player’s player for the second week in a row.
The tall fullback is showing a good turn of speed in attack.
He was backed up by several players with Zac Campbell showing plenty of hard forward play.
The coach added it was unfortunate French import Wassime Nouvali played his last game as he has to return to France where he has been selected in the national team for a match with England.
Wassime has been a forward leader whilst here and never takes a back step.
Dylan Doak had a top game at lock scoring 2 tries and kicking 10 goals for 28 points.
Burdekin tries by Paul Bunacam 2, Dylan Doak 2, Jayden Sgarbossa 2, Zac Campbell, Terry Connors, Dom Arate, Caleb Noah, John Zaro, and Dylan Doak 10 goals.
In other reserve grade matches, Centrals beat Herbert River 32 – 16, Souths beat Bowen 46 – 16 and Western Lions beat Brothers 32 – 12 with Charters Towers on a bye.
Despite having the bare 13 with others sick, the Burdekin Hens were far too good for Norths winning 64 – 4.
With Theo Mosby Nona, Margie Jay and Lily Chappell making ground up the middle, it made room for the speedsters to take advantage.
Hooker Abby King was outstanding, scoring nearly at will crossing for 4 tries.
Logan Roncato started at fullback but was all over the field, scoring two tries and then kicking 5 goals for 18 points.
Give the Monday twins and Toni Daisy room to move and they will make you pay with all three crossing, Martina twice.
Coach Anita Hagarty named Abby King as her best player with Akeilah Thomasson doing a lot of work in the centre.
The girls have moved up the ladder to third.
Burdekin tries by Abby King 4, Martina Monday 2, Logan Roncato 2, Theo Nona, Marella Campbell, Toni Daisy, Steph Monday and Logan Roncato 5 goals and Steph Monday 3 goals.
In other ladies games, Centrals beat Herbert River 38 nil and Western Lions beat Brothers 40 nil with Charters Towers having a bye.
Visit www.burdekinlife.com for the full report and a preview of round nine.
Contributed by Brian Carnes
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