Roosters Reserve Grade Battles Bowen Seagulls in Tough Match

While the Roosters' A Grade and Ladies teams enjoyed a weekend off, the Reserves travelled to Bowen on the evening of Friday 9 August for a fixture match against the Bowen Seagulls.

A strong crowd gathered for the Seagulls' final home game of the season, and they weren't disappointed. The Seagulls secured their second spot on the ladder with a 14–6 victory over the Roosters in a hard-fought and entertaining game.

Roosters coach Chris Perry praised his team's defence, especially in the first half, which ended in a rare 0–0 scoreline.

“It’s been a long time since I have seen a nil all score line at half time in any game of Rugby League let alone Reserve grade,” said Perry.

Both teams were evenly matched, but Bowen had an edge with former Blackhawk Temone Power, who took control of the game and set up several key plays.

“Temone was well known for the way he could stand and off load in his day and he has not forgotten how either,” added Perry.

Perry felt his team could have utilized their strong backline more effectively.

“I think we may have learnt a lesson in ball control, and we will be better with the return of Jerome Lacco from work when we meet the Crushers in Ayr on Saturday,” the Coach said.

Jayden Sgarbossa crossed for a try after a sweeping play, showing the potential of the Roosters' backline.

The absence of suspended player Dylan Doak was felt and Terry Connors, who filled in at five-eighth, had some solid runs but was called for running a decoy twice. Caleb Noah also showed promise but struggled to fully capitalize on his strength.

Sgarbossa was one of the standout players and was rewarded with the team's only try, which he also converted. Perry believes the team has learned valuable lessons in ball control and is looking forward to the return of Jerome Lacco for their next match against the Crushers in Ayr on Saturday.

Other Reserve Grade Matches:
   • Charters Towers and Brothers played to a 22-all draw in the Towers.
   • Western Lions defeated Herbert River 16–10.
   • Centrals dominated Norths with a 38–0 victory, while Souths had a bye.

A Grade Results:
   • Charters Towers defeated Brothers 30–18.
   • Western Lions reversed last week's result, beating Herbert River in Townsville 38–16.
   • Centrals turned their game around with a 40–22 win over Norths.

This week's matches will be crucial in determining the second and third placings, with Souths leading on 31 points, followed by Brothers, Western Lions, and Charters Towers on 22, and Herbert River on 21. Upcoming fixtures include Centrals hosting Charters Towers, Herbert River traveling to Burdekin, Brothers facing Souths, and Norths playing Western Lions.

Ladies Results: The weekend saw dominant performances from the top teams, with Western Lions defeating Herbert River 40–0 and Centrals beating Norths 48–0. In the other match, Brothers triumphed over Charters Towers 22–10.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

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Jayden Sgarbossa was praised for his performance in last weekend’s game against the Bowen Seagulls.

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