The Uni SAINTS were not so mighty on the weekend, going down in all three grades against Brothers.
UNDER 18s Lost 14-32 after leading 10-6 during the first half. The loss of half back Mitch Gray who was elevated to a starting spot in A Grade and then an injury to five eighth, Brad Duckworth just before half time, saw them lose their way a bit in the second half.
Poor ball security gave Brothers too much field position and despite the best efforts of the front rowers, NICK OATES and SEAN FOSTER, the opposition took full advantage of a larger amount of possession. The Western Lions – Saints now sit 5th on the ladder, but still only one win behind 3rd and 4th placed teams.
REGGIES Lost 22-40 and they also led 10-8 after 20 minutes thanks to some good combinations between the evergreen ‘DOIGY’ and five eighth, ANTHONY TOBY. TOBY was clearly the best on ground for the SAINTS and showed great flair in attack and will only get better with extra fitness.
Fullback MJ NELLIMAN-ADAMS also had a strong game at the back and back rower, ESIAH DANIELS worked hard in both attack and defense. Unfortunately, the Reggies have lost touch with the top four and sit in 6th spot and two and half games behind the semi-final positions.
A GRADE Lost 18-38 and in what was becoming an all too familiar story, they led 12-4 mid way through the first half with three unconverted tries. Young winger, RICHIE MARTIN was absolutely electrifyng on the right wing and scored two of the three tries with shear speed. But, they let Brothers back in the game to trail 12-14 going into the break.
Brothers were too strong and disciplined in the second half and eventually wore the SAINTS down. Nevertheless, the boys showed enough to prove they will be a handful for all Clubs in 2014 and a semi-final spot is clearly in the picture. The side was very young with Under 18s half MITCH GRAY having a satisfactory starting debut. The A Graders also sit in 6th spot, but are only half a win behind 4th placed Burdekin.
On a side note, the Teams played in special anniversary jerseys as the TDRL celebrated 100 years of Rugby League over the weekend. The FUGS and STRUDDYs SPORTS kindly donated the cost of the Jerseys. The FUGS have also struck a ‘One Off’ anniversary jersey which will be raffled off in July. This will be an exclusive raffle for 2014 FUGS Financial Members only and details will be released next week.
This coming weekend is a BYE for the Club and will give the players an opportunity to nurse their injuries and be fully fit for the next games against Herbert River in Ingham, on Sunday 18th May.
