A hat-trick performance from Cameron Munster and some strong work from their forwards saw the Easts Tigers dismantle the Souths Logan Magpies with a 52-0 thrashing at Tapout Energy Stadium yesterday.
The Magpies were simply blown off the park in the second half, with the Tigers scoring at will against a side that had tried so hard in the first half to no avail.
It was a closely fought first forty and despite trailing 18-0 after 30 minutes, it seemed like the Magpies were unlucky to be that far behind in the scoreboard, with the Tigers’ superior strike power helping them to their healthy lead.
However, an easy try to Tigers winger Donald Malone just before half-time signalled the end for the Magpies, who went into the break with the Tigers taking a daunting 22-0.
While Easts were impressive throughout, with the showings of XXXX man of the match Munster and fellow Storm contracted player Shaun Nona catching the eye, the Magpies will be rueing their fifth tackle options earlier in the game.
Fair too often they were tackled with the ball on the last and while they threw plenty at the Tigers in the opening quarter, they lacked the finesse to make their field position count.
However, not many teams would have been able to shut down the Tigers yesterday, as Munster – who prefers to play at fullback – looked just as comfortable in the centre position, displaying impressive footwork and an even better fend on his way to scoring three tries. He also made two line breaks in an afternoon to remember for Easts fans.
This weekend, the Tigers will travel to Pizzey Park to face a rejuvenated Bears side, while the Magpies will need to bounce back quickly when they host the top-of-the-table Blackhawks this Sunday.
EASTS TIGERS 52 (Cameron Munster 3, Shaun Nona 2, Matt Duffie, Richie Kennar, Shane Neumann, Donald Malone, Tommy Butterfield tries; Shaun Nona 6 goals) def SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES 0 at Tapout Energy Stadium
Final teams:
Easts Tigers: 1. Matt Duffie 2. Richie Kennar 3. Shane Neumann 4. Cameron Munster 5. Donald Malone 6. Shaun Nona 7. Joel Romelo 8. Dean Britt 9. Tommy Butterfield 10. Liam McDonald 11. Dane Hogan 12. Foisa Peni 13. Troy Giess 14. Christian Welch 15. Francis Tualau 18. Matthew Zgrajewski 16. Jake Foster
Souths Logan Magpies: 1. Josh Damen 2. Samisoni Vaioleti 18. Aotealofa Tuimavave 4. Tim Brooks 5. Matt Trnka 6. Dylan Taikato-Simpson 7. Travis Waddell 8. Andrew Edwards 9. Herschel Gideon 10. Zac Lemberg 11. Scott Doyle 12. Kailem Perkins 13. Simanu Crichton 14. Phil Dennis 15. Sam Gardel 16. Graham Levu 17. David Faamita
