A 12-try demolition act against a brave but wounded Brisbane Veterans ensured the Aspley Devils stayed within the top four of the Intech Men’s Open 3 North match Saturday afternoon at Les Hughes Sporting Complex.
The Devils were on song from the get-go, running riot to win 66-6, with centre Rhikki Hall his side's hero with a hat-trick of tries.
It all got off to a bad start for the Veterans when the Devils crossed with only two minutes of play on the clock, signalling what looked to be a long afternoon for the home side.
They would again be standing in the in-goal area when, three minutes later, Hall used his strength to power over the line.
Straight from the kick-off, it became increasingly evident the Veterans were outclassed when Hall again burst through some flimsy defence to cross the white chalk.
A lovely show-and-go dummy from fullback Ah Chee Wilson delivered the perfect pass for Adam Cauchi, who made no mistake to race away and score under the sticks.
The Veterans were barely hanging on when Devils replacement Clifford Tofilau punched a hole through the tiring home side's defence, to score a four-pointer beside the sticks.
However, it must be said the Veterans never gave up in this game and refused to put up the white flag, which eventually saw them get on the scoreboard.
A fantastic set of six saw halfback Hayden Cook make some easy metres and threw a lovely ball to his outside men who crashed in amongst a pile of Devils defenders, to score right on the half-time hooter.
Unfortunately for the Veterans though, the second half belonged to Aspley.
Keeping the Veteran’s scoreless showed why the Devils are going to be a threat to other teams in the competition.
The visitors juggernaut continued straight from the kick-off in the second stanza of play with the Devils scoring under the posts.
Then on the back of a penalty from the restart, elusive Aspley fullback Wilson scored back-to-back tries to see the scoreline blowout to a commanding 42-6.
Aspley’s big men in Raniera Tito, Sam Liai and Sam Watkins were outstanding for the Devils, punching holes in the Veterans defence the entire game.
Isaac Schwenke continued the onslaught, barging over beside the sticks in front of the can bar, after skittling two defenders.
There were, at times, plenty of stoppages in the game as the wounded Veterans were littered right across the park, however if there was ever an award for bravery, then this side would win it hands down.
Veterans players Rowan Bilsen, halfback Cook and Lukas Dean were shining lights in a losing side.
In the 62nd minute however, Watkins brought up the half century when he strolled over under the sticks, whilst Hall was having a field day, scoring his third try right on the buzzer to see the Devils complete what was a superb rugby league masterclass.
