Crushers Take The Loss

Crushers mid game. Photo supplied

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The Herbert River Crushers travelled to Townsville on Sunday and came up against Centrals who were too strong in all 3 grades.

The Centrals Tigers side were up 34 - nil with 20 minutes to go in the match before Herbert River got on the board.

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Utility player Kynan Purdy, winger Bailey Skipper and backrower William Trethaway scored tries while captain & five eighth Dylan Gaggiano kicked 2 goals to give the Crushers a glimmer of hope, but the Tigers scored 2 more tries, one of which was converted to hand the Crushers their first A-Grade loss of the season.

In Reserve Grade Centrals had gotten out to lead 12 nil before the Crushers scored either side of halftime with front rower Matty Chiesa pushed 2 defenders off to score first. With winger Riley Dickson's conversion, the Crushers went into the break 12 - 6 down.

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Soon after halftime halfback Keith Kyle stepped through the defence and the Crushers had a glimmer of hope to be down 12 - 10. Unfortunately for the Crushers Centrals scored 3 more tries to runaway with the game 28 - 10.

Under 19s coach Annan Whittington advised the team started well and were in the grind for the opening 10 minutes but could not keep the intensity up for the entire half, centre Evandah Bann crossed just before half time and after halfback Hezekiah Nona converted it left them 18-6 down.

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Injury and an inability to stay engaged mentally for the 2nd half, meant Centrals ran away with the result 32 - 6. Whittington challenged the team in the dressing sheds at full time to get their preparation right and quickly adjust to the intensity of senior rugby league before playing competition leaders, Brothers in a fortnight. Multiple St Teresa’s College boys should be available for selection for that match, which should be some very welcome players to bolster their backline.

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Nona was named Players Player while hooker Aiden Stedman, centre Marsat Newman, five eighth Riley Morris and fullback Mitch Maher were all outstanding in defeat.

There are no games next weekend. The Crushers next play Brothers in Townsville on Sunday, 10th May.

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Contributed with thanks by Peter Reitano.

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