Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
By Peter Reitano
The Herbert River Crushers travelled to Townsville on Saturday to take on Western Lions in the top two grades.
The Crushers opened the scoring in the A-Grade clash when hooker Lachlan Erba crossed in the ninth minute. Halfback and captain Dylan Gaggiano converted to give Herbert River an early 6–0 lead. Western Lions responded with four converted tries to take a commanding 24–6 advantage into the halftime break.
The Lions extended their lead to 30–6 before five-eighth Benn Campagnolo crossed for a try, with Gaggiano adding the extras. A frenetic final 15 minutes then unfolded, with Western Lions pushing their lead out to 30 points before the Crushers mounted a spirited comeback. Second tries to Erba and Campagnolo, along with a try to winger Junior Dau, all converted by Gaggiano, reduced the margin to just six points with two minutes remaining. Unfortunately, the Crushers were unable to bridge the gap, eventually going down 36–30.
An undermanned Reserve Grade side was unable to match a full-strength Western Lions outfit, with the home side claiming a 50–6 victory. The Crushers' sole try was scored by winger Ryan Wyles, with fullback Hezekiah Nona adding the conversion.
The Crushers' final home game of the season will be played on Saturday, August 15, against Norths Devils, before they wrap up the regular season against Souths the following weekend.
The Under 19s can secure a top-four finish and a place in the finals with a win over Norths. Supporters are encouraged to get to the grounds early to cheer on the young Crushers as they chase a finals berth.
The day will also feature the club's annual Sponsors Day, with each sponsor invited to have two representatives attend the official function.
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