Wallaroos Show Attacking Flair

WALLAROOS proved too slick and strong for Brothers in the Bundaberg Rugby League Grand Final on Sunday in front of more than 3000 spectators at Salter Oval.

Brothers opened their account early and led 12-0 after 10 minutes following tries from Brent Kuskey and Ryan McGoldrick.

Following some scrappy play, the Maryborough-based club was on the scoreboard with great backline play resulting in Justin Pryor scoring, much to the delight of the huge crowd.

Roos continued to put some brilliant pieces of attack together and after a disallowed try from a forward pass they were rewarded with a try from winger Gordon Fonua.

Within three minutes Mark Saltner also crossed for a four pointer.

Six minutes before the interval, Nigel Williams (Player of the Final) showed brilliant foresight by kicking through, regathering and passing to Stafford Saltner who scored under the posts for Roos to lead 20–12.

With one minute remaining in the half, Brothers star Lewis Williams scored a great try which was converted by Steve Irwin.

Brothers placed Wallaroos under pressure early in the second half but the last pass seemed to go astray too often.

Roos seized these opportunities with Mark Saltner fending and barging his way through the defence to score his second try, and Bundaberg Player of the Year Shaun Collins scooping on a loose pass and bursting through the defence to score a 60 metre try under the posts for Roos to lead 32–16.

Roos’ defence seemed to fluster Brothers who seemingly dropped the ball with each scoring chance.

From one of these mistakes, Corey Saltner then sprinted along the sideline and gave a beautiful pass inside to Gordon Fonua to score his second try. This provided the largest margin in the game with Roos leading 38–16.

Brothers never gave up and scored three unanswered tries in 11 minutes with halfback Matt Hall scoring two and Lewis Williams crossing for his second after great teamwork.

Wallaroos were awarded a penalty in front of the posts and the goal was kicked for a 40–32 lead.

Brothers hit back with a converted try but it was all too late.

- Dave Pearce

September 8 - 2009