The Central Tigers continued their unbeaten start to the Townsville and District Rugby League season with a commanding victory over the University Saints 36‒20 at Neill Stewart Park, Kern Brothers Drive on Saturday night.
It was a sense of deja vu for the young University side with sloppy ball control on a greasy playing surface a major contributor to their lacklustre performance.
The Tigers opened the scoring in the fifth minute through winger Clifford Beetham, the first of his three try haul for the night.
However, Centrals seemed to lose their way following Beetham's great effort continually turning cheap ball over to the Saints.
University showed a lot more composure in attack than they have in recent weeks with halfback Chris Law posing a threat to the Tigers defence every time he took the line on.
It was through one of these probing runs that he was able to find support out the back with a brilliant flat pass which ultimately led to the Saints crossing for their first try of the night.
Although University currently remain winless in 2014, they showed plenty of flair and commitment and the signs are good for the future. Coming out for the second half it was still anyone's game with the Tigers holding a slender lead.
However, some brilliant hard running by the Tigers forwards around the ruck allowed for quick play the balls and the Tigers outside backs took full advantage of this with the Saints struggling to control the Tigers left hand attack all night.
Beetham was superb with his speed and footwork late in the game tearing through the University defence on his way to man of the match honours.
However, it wasn't all smiles for Beetham who was placed on report for a high tackle and could face the TDRL judiciary later this week.
For University halfback Chris Law showed leadership to direct his players around the park, while fullback Scott Evans and hooker Shane Hackett both bagged doubles for the ever improving Saints.
CENTRALS 36 (Tries: Kaydon Phillips 1, Clinton Elliott 1, Clifford Beetham 3, Eli Thaiday 3, David Nawia 1, Goals: Kaydon Phillips 4) DEF UNIVERSITY 20 (Tries: Scott Evans 2, Shane Hackett 2, Goals: Chris Law 2)
BURDEKIN vs NORTHS – Postponed due to rain
HERBERT RIVER vs CHARTERS TOWERS – Postponed due to rain
RESERVE GRADE
UNIVERSITY 26 (Tries: David McDonald 1, Sean Evans 3, Isiah Daniels 1, Daniel Morgan 1, Goals: Sonny Teawa 1) DEF CENTRALS 24 (Tries: Adam Rodd 2, Grant Kennedy 1, James Lennox 1, Billo Mosby 1, Jevon Power 1)
BURDEKIN vs NORTHS – Postponed due to rain
HERBERT RIVER vs CHARTERS TOWERS – Postponed due to rain
UNDER 18
UNIVERISTY 26 (Tries: Andrew Willis 1, Des Anderson 1, Brad Cross 1, Sam Maye 1, Chauncy Heron 1, Goals: Brad Dudeworth 3) DEF CENTRALS 24 (Tries: Jai Wisley 2, Theo Royal 1, Brayden Dee 1, Goals: Jai Wisley 4)
BURDEKIN vs NORTHS – Postponed due to rain
HERBERT RIVER vs CHARTERS TOWERS – Postponed due to rain
