The sheer disappointment on Aspley coach Bill Hana’s face said it all after his Devils outfit were thrashed 66-6 by a rampant Brighton Roosters in the Open 3 North competition at Kirby Park.
On an emotional hot Anzac Day, it could be said that the fighting spirit was there for Aspley, but it took some Roosters magic that taught the young Devils a thorough lesson in Rugby League as they ran in an incredible 12 tries against an outclassed Devils side.
The Devils now have slumped to their sixth consecutive loss which is a worrying sign for coach Hana and on the other side of the coin sees Brighton go outright leaders on the ladder.
The Roosters have only dropped one game this season to third placed Banyo, but from this game it can be safe to say that they are a class if not a division above. The well drilled youthful side are full of surprises and the younger generation coming through the ranks for the Bayside club is in good hands if this performance is anything to go by.
Man of the match could have gone to any of the Brighton side as all players turned up with their heads on and played some unbelievable football in the sweltering conditions.
Brilliantly led by lock Jake Renehan who scored a double and kicked an impressive eight goals, the Roosters were also well served by hooker Harrison Banich who was superb out of dummy half and the superb centre Kane Sharrock who made a mockery of the Aspley defence outwide.
The crowd support at Aspley is always impressive for these players. Anzac Day was no different as the faithful again had come out in force to cheer on the local talent.
Brighton however would be first on the board with flying winger Ben Taylor scoring his first of two tries for the afternoon as he scrambled his way into the corner after only 2 mins on the clock.
An impressive afternoon with the boot by lock Renehan would see him slot 8 of his goals all virtually from the sideline.
At 6-0 after only a few minutes already the warning sides were ominous for the Devils as this would be the start of an avalanche of tries in the first half.
It was then Brighton’s Powerful and elusive centre Sharrock next to score for the Roosters as he raced in the first of his three tries with a barnstorming run that made the Aspley defence look brittle if not embarrassed as he planted the ball over to score a wonderful try.
It got even better for the visitors as tries a plenty came thick and fast with Sharrock again in the mix, second rower Regitz touching down and five eighth Tommasi getting in on the action.
Aspley did try hard to match it with the dazzling Roosters side.
Halfback Shannon Goodwin stood out for the home side as did second rower Regan Walters whose indestructible frame caused a few headaches for the Roosters throughout the match.
With a minute left on the clock in the first half, Renehan would again go over and with his kicking still impressing the large contingent of supporters, the Roosters would go into the break leading by an astonishing 40-0.
A half time revving up by coach Hana had the Devils showing a little more pride in the jersey as the Devils were like a completely new side in the second half. Tactical kicking by Dryden and Goodwin was more accurate and Aspley’s forward back had a little more backbone.
The Roosters although becoming a little more frustrated by the new look Aspley resurgence, would only take six minutes before they went in again. Sharrock ever the impressive centre was too strong for the defence and he powered his way over once more to score.
Elsewhere another great wingers try for the Roosters courtesy of Taylor, would see Brighton start the second half where they left off. But it didn’t stop there.
The Devils would concede more points and with Brighton’s coach Jeff Sanders introducing replacement player Daemon Hancock, the impressive fullback scored a spectacular long range try that was simply awe inspiring.
The home side finally got on the scoreboard and pulled back in what would be a consolation try to Josh Pilkington who had no trouble going in on the blindside to score a great solo try.
Final Score: Brighton 66 Aspley 6.
