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.
Cristian Aruha, Dudley Miles, Mitch Francis and Scott Armstrong played well for JCU, while hooker Mitch Smith and skipper Cameron Thompson were the stand outs for Barron.
“I was really impressed with our defence, particularly in the first half,” Mariners coach Lee Boylan said.
“To go in at half time having not conceded a try was such a big lift for us, considering how much territory and possession they enjoyed in the opening half.
“We were pretty scrappy at times but I’m glad we were able to grind out a win.”
Mariners veteran Mitch Francis was satisfied with the result.
“We knew coming here today it would be very difficult for us considering how much the Bulls would have wanted to win in front of their home crowd on such a big day,” he said.
“Before the match we spoke about how we had to match their intensity and effort and as the game went on I thought we did that.
“Special mention to (winger) Dudley Miles – he’s probably one of the smallest guys in the competition but he has one of the biggest hearts – he played well for us.”
Although disappointed Bulls coach David Brooks was proud of his team’s effort.
“I thought we tried really hard, particularly in that first half. In the end we probably didn’t convert our chances and that cost us,” he said.
“Our discipline let us down at times in the second half too so that’s something we’ll look at improving going forward.”
Barron enjoyed more territory and possession in the opening 40 minutes but still trailed 7-3 after JCU’s Bernard Thomsen scored a try nearing halftime.
Haryne Uta’s try extended JCU’s buffer to 14-3 soon after the break and from there the red and blacks held on to get the chocolates.
In other round one results defending premiers Northern Beaches Mud Crabs beat Port Douglas 41-12 and Southside upset Brothers 25-5 last night at Stan Williams Park.
Source: The Northern Beaches News, 10th April 2016
Link: https://northernbeachesnews.net/2016/04/10/jcu-prove-party-poopers-machans-beach/
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