By Sam Davis, The Northern Beaches News
JCU Mariners beat Barron Trinity Bulls in the first FNQ Rugby premier grade game at the Bulls’ new headquarters at Machans Beach on Saturday.
In front of a decent crowd at the ‘Bull Ring’ and without massive offseason recruit Kele Degei due to a knee injury, the Bulls put in a highly committed and gutsy performance before finally being overpowered 26-10.
The match was evenly poised in the 55th minute when Bulls’ reserve Dwayne Irvine crossed to reduce the Mariners advantage to 14-10.
But quick replies from Mariners fullback Rob Rodokal and livewire winger Joel Skyes sealed a well-earned 16 point win for the visitors.
