The Herbert River Crushers continued their dominant start to the Townsville and District Rugby League season with a destructive victory over struggling University at Joe Baker Field.
The Crushers were too strong and powerful, dismantling the Saints 56‒10.
The opening exchanges saw a tight arm wrestle with both sides giving up cheap field position early through soft penalties.
However, it was the Crushers who struck the first blow in the ninth minute with some enterprising play and powerful running ripping through the Saints defence with Mitch Seri crossing under the posts.
The Crushers continued their dominance from that point on, never relinquishing their lead.
University were not without their chances however with numerous attacking opportunities inside Herbert River's own 20 metres. But fantastic goal line defence and poor ball control cost University dearly.
University finally managed to crack the Crushers’ line four minutes before the main break with centre Sean Evans bustling his way over out wide after some great ball movement from halfback Chris Law.
The Crushers took a 20‒4 lead into halftime and from there easily cruised to victory in the second half.
Poor discipline in the second half ruined any chance the Saints had of mounting a comeback with the penalty count blowing out late in the game.
Universities only real highlight of the match came early in the second half through a set play from a scrum win 40 metres out from their own line.
After winning the scrum, some fancy footwork saw centre Daniel Pickering beat his man and make a break down the right hand side of the field.
As the fullback was closing in to shut him down, Pickering skilfully kicked the ball over the fullback's head before chasing through and regathering to go over beside the posts.
It was a great individual long range try and an early contender for try of the year.
For the Crushers, former Intrust Super Cup player Anthony Perkins was outstanding and a constant threat to the University defence bagging a hat-trick as did Aaron Solari, while Troy Menegon crossed for a double.
CENTRALS 32 (Tries: Adam Rodd 1, Caleb Foster 1, Clifford Beetham 1, Justin Greenaway 1, Dylan Cummins 1, Goals: Addo Waianga 6) DEF CHARTERS TOWERS 24 (Tries: Kienan Kerr 2, Connor Carey 1, Adam Shaw 1, Goals: Adam Shaw 4)
HERBERT RIVER 54 (Tries: Troy Menegon 2, Matt Harvey 1, Anthony Perkins 3, Sam Pau 1, Aaron Solari 3, Mitchell Seri 1, Goals: Mitchell Seri 2, Aaron Solari 2, Sam Pau 1) DEF UNIVERSITY 10 (Tries: Scott Evans 1, Daniel Pickering 1, Goals: Chris Law 1)
BROTHERS 44 (Tries: Michael parker-Walsh 2, Calvin Waia 1, Joseph Veukiso 1, Jordan Tawhai 1, Michael Barclay 1, Dan Humphries 1, Nathan Norford 1, Goals: Nathaniel Bowman 6) DEF BURDEKIN 10 (Tries: Jerome Lacco 1, Sio Ataata 1, Goals: Chris Reid 1)
