Many Brisbane Second Division Rugby League enthusiasts would have had one eye cast on Usher Park in Slacks Creek for what was a history making debut for new club Flagstone in the Open 3 Southside competition.
Affectionately known as “The Phoenix”, the newly admitted club finally took to the field against Capalaba Warriors – but went down in a 60-6 result.
In sweltering autumn heat, both sides took to the opening stanza with ferocity in the “softening up” period with both sides looking to stamp their mark early on.
However, Capalaba hooker Aaron Martin was the standout for the Warriors.
The workaholic hooker never took a backward step and rallied his troops around the park in a quality showing amassing 20 points for his side in the mauling.
The Warrior’s wasted no time in catching out the already tired Phoenix with Capalaba’s little men running rampant out wide in the searing heat.
Centre Cody Miller and Josh Rowan were outstanding for the Warriors, exploiting the bigger men on the Flagstone side which would result in a flurry of tries down the flanks all afternoon.
In saying that, the Phoenix have some obvious talent in their ranks.
Tough as teak back rower Waikato Falefehi was his sides best.
A powerful player, he was the shining light in a losing side. His juggernaut runs into the Warriors pack did pay off with the Phoenix recording their first try in the BSDRL courtesy.
Thomos Moke’s next try for Capalaba was a ripper. The long-striding backrower collected a beautiful pass to go in unopposed outwide to score.
Further tries to their winger and a gutsy effort by the hooker would see the Warriors go into the break at 24-6.
Phoenix president John Lilley was adamant that the Phoenix were here to stay.
“This side is a family club. We are not here to make up the numbers, we are here to compete and although we are lacking a little match fitness, it’s only early days in the comp,” he enthused.
A further avalanche of 36 points by Capalaba would seal the Phoenix‘s fate in the second half and cap off a dominant display by the Bayside club in what was a thrilling display of attacking football.
Final score: Capalaba Warriors 60 def Flagstone Phoenix 6.
