WELL HUNG GLASS AND ALUMINIUM 1ST GRADE COMPETITION WRAP UP
Round 18 of the Well Hung Glass and Aluminium 1st grade competition saw some excellent Rugby on display all over Townsville and it’s districts. The first game of the weekend took place at Bindal Sports Grounds with the LARC’s looking to put on a show at home and possibly cause an upset against 1st placed Teachers West. Next up in Ingham, North Ward and JCU both made the trip to play in a great game. The final game of the weekend took place at Mike Carney Toyota Park, with Burdekin coming to town to play a desperate Brothers side looking to save the finals dreams.
GAME 1: TEACHERS WEST VS LARCS
The top of clash between Teachers West and the LARC’s saw some thrilling rugby and some crunching hits in a rough game. Early on both teams did not shy away from contact and physicality with both sides using their strength, making numerous line breaks. After 20 minutes of back and forth rugby, Teachers West were first to strike through Fullback Michael Kepper-Owens after some quick hands from a quick tap. Not long after Flyhalf Josh Fletcher burst through the line off a 5m scrum to score. After the Break a turnover at the breakdown saw the ball end up in second rower Hugh Huppatz’s hands as he ran 50m down the sideline to score. After Teachers West managed to extend their lead, a turnover from LARC’s flanker Toutai Leger saw him sneak through the defence of Teachers West and score under the post. LARC’s Fullback Jordan Pedro-Geeman’s outstanding defence and attack wasn’t enough to stop the control of Teachers West Flyhalf Josh Fletcher and his side as Teachers won 42-7.
GAME 2: NORTH WARD VS JCU
North Ward and JCU made the trip north to face off in Ingham on Saturday afternoon with both sides looking for a win. With North Ward dropping 2 games in a row they were eager to get back into the winners circle, against JCU who were looking to cause a major upset and grab their first win in 2019. From the start it was evident North Ward were the more dominant team, having the bulk of possession and scoring some great tries with a forward based attacking plan. Prop Matt Corrigan used his strength to score, Second Rower Jeremy Pullen picked and drived to score. A big game from flanker Connor Cavillin saw him grab a double and finally, inside centre Sam Bradley burst through the line to score. Number 8 Nathan Diedrichs was unlucky not to score after having an outstanding game. JCU stand out and inside centre Arnold Bhauran used his speed and strength to score for JCU but his efforts were not enough to defeat a strong North Ward side, going down 36-7.
GAME 3: BURDEKIN VS BROTHERS
The final game of the weekend took place at Mike Carney Toyota Park, with both teams evenly matched, the fixture ended up being the game of the round. With Both teams needing the win to keep their finals hopes alive, the players put it all on the line. Some great attacking efforts from Burdekin saw the take the lead early in the match. But with Brothers not willing to back down they struck back. The trend continued for the majority of the game with both teams playing back and forth, physical Rugby. An outstanding game from Burdekin Number 8, Leonard Herron and Brothers Second rower Dan Cooper managed to help their teams to tie the game 17 all with 10 minutes to go. After stringing multiple phases together, the Burdekin marched their way down the park and a short ball the Substitute Prop Brendan Buynun saw him score under the post to win the game 24-17 in a great match up and show of skill from both sides.
This weekend, at Mike Carney Toyota Park Charters Towers return from the bye to play JCU, also Brothers will look to finish their season on a high, playing the LARC’s who are looking to secure their spot as number 2 on the ladder. At Warrina Park Teachers West will host the Burdekin who will look to cause a big upset at the Kennel. Be sure to get to your local 1st grade action this weekend.