The crowd eagerly watched as a new-look South Kolan, with eight more signings, took to the field in the first game of the day against Avondale.
Early in the game winger David Jones caught the ball but was quickly driven back over the line in goal by some big units. Avondale turned over the ball on their line with Sharks centre Sekope Tua bursting through to score under the post only to be called back for a forward pass.
The Tigers seem stunned by the size and strength of the new Sharks players but regathered to play their only game plan and were on track after a great ball by Chapman to Leather to tie the game at 18 all.
Kolan scored next but Tigers clawed back again, levelling 22-all with the crowd on the edge of their seats. Sharks Tua scored three tries on debut helping South Kolan to their first win of the season closing out Avondale 32-26.
In the main game, Gin Gin took on Miriam Vale and the Hawks came up against some tough defence in the early stages of the match before they scored against the new look Pies. Gin Gin settled into their game plan and was superb in defence all across the field and capitalised on mistakes made by Miriam Vale.
The Pies were heading for a great long distance try down the sideline only for Gin Gin to pressure the player who then passed the ball to the opposition metres out turning the ball over again. Five-eight Luke Morrison paired with Benjamin Kuskey in the halves to lead the Hawks in attack with plenty of options with great support by forwards Todd Blair, Jesse Jenkins, and Michael Murphy.
Miriam Vale work horse Glenn Cox worked tirelessly for the Magpies but Gin Gin’s solid defensive line was impossible to break with the Hawks keeping the Magpies scoreless for the game running out winners 28–0 at full time.
NDRL has two weeks off now with the rep carnival next week at Miram Vale versus South and Central Burnett and Easter. Next round is on April, 27 at Avondale.
All the best to the Bulldogs under new coach Michael O’Sullivan.
Date Claimer: May 18, Women in League Round at Gin Gin.
