After a week off, the Ipswich Rugby League season recommenced with Swifts Bluebirds defeating West End Bulldogs 28-12 in the Ipswich Rugby League Second Division Opens Challenge.
The Bluebirds were first to score when Daniel Horton scored near the sideline only four minutes into the game.
The first quarter of the match was full of tough running and big hits as both teams aimed to assert their dominance.
The Bluebirds began to control the match with their kicking game when the Bulldogs defence tried to defuse a 40/20 attempt, but instead of knocking the ball back into the field of play the ball was knocked into touch by West End and Swifts regained possession anyway.
From the resulting scrum the Bluebirds were able to force a repeat-set by forcing the Bulldogs into a goal-line dropout.
The Bulldogs staunch defence held strong and they were able to keep the Bluebirds out after the dropout.
It didn’t take long for the Bluebirds to get back into attacking position, this time though, they were able to take advantage and scored a try near the posts.
Stewart Webb converted the try to give the Bluebirds a 12-0 lead at half time.
James Curran scored a long-range try only three minutes into the second half to extend the Bluebirds’ lead to 18-0 after a successful conversion.
The Bulldogs finally scored their first try 10 minutes into the second half when Iosefa Tepa scored on the left edge from a strong short-range run.
The Bluebirds hit back almost immediately scoring a try to take the score to 24-6 only two minutes after Tepa’s try for the Bulldogs.
West End fullback Eric Masters scored a try with 11 minutes remaining, the try was scored in circumstances that confused players, spectators and match officials alike, but it was confirmed when the referee and touch judges agreed it should be awarded.
Leading 24-12 the Bluebirds scored through halfback James Curran with only minutes remaining to confirm a Bluebirds’ win over the Bulldogs 28-12.
In the Ipswich Rugby League Mayor Paul Pisasale A-Grade Cup, after a last-start loss against Goodna, Brothers regained winning form maintaining their position at the top of the ladder with a 28-18 win over Fassifern.
Goodna maintained their position in second spot in A-Grade with a 32-14 win over Norths while Swifts A-Grade defeated West End 30-24.
