July 27, 2014

The Nanango Stags cut through the Mustangs’ defence to walk away with the win in the main A Grade match played at Murgon on Saturday.

Murgon coach Mark McDonald admitted defence let his team down in the 52-34 loss but said the Mustangs also crossed the Stags’ line on about five occasions, only to be pulled up.

“But that’s taking nothing away from Nanango, they played well,” Mark said.

“Our defence just couldn’t keep up with Ashley and Joel Smallwood, and Blake Harvey.”

Nanango’s tries were scored by: Joel Smallwood (3), Blake Harvey (3), Brendon Lacey, Ashley Smallwood and Drew Jackson. Andrew Hewitt kicked six goals and Ashley Smallwood two.

* * *

The U18s match between the Mustangs and Stags was played as a nine-a-side match as Nanango was short of players.

The Mustangs galloped away for an easy win 68-12.

The home side’s 13 tries were scored by Coby Sullivan (3), Jarribah Davidson (3), Trevor Davidson (2), Barwoo Fisher (2), Lehman Brunjes (1), Anthony Gray (1) and Mitchell Bleys (1). Stuart Robinson kicked three conversions and Jordan Lynas, two. Other goals were kicked by Jarribah Davidson and Mitchell Bleys.

Nanango’s tries were scored by Rhyse Simpson, Jarrod Bailey and Shane Tilley.

* * *

The Hornets kept their unbeaten record intact in the other A Grade match played at Murgon on Saturday afternoon.

Cherbourg defeated Wondai 40-20 in a spirited battle.

Hornets’ tries were scored by Fred Aubrey (2) (who also kicked four conversions) and Arthur Saltner, Alex Speedy, Nathan Gadd, Cecil Sullivan, Nigel Williams and Fred Cobbo.

Wolves’ tries were scored by Cody Beggs, Rory Mackenzie (2) and Shane Cliff. Rhys Weber kicked two goals.

* * *

The Murgon Mustangs club has a big weekend of football planned next Saturday at Murgon Sportsground.

It’s the first time this year that all grades will be action at home, from the juniors right through to the seniors.

It will also be a cancer-awareness day, with players wearing pink socks and money being collected on the day for the Cancer Council.

Senior coach Mark McDonald will also be “shaving for a cure”.

“My sister-in-law was diagnosed with cancer in February and I haven’t had a shave since then,” he said.

“I am trying to get the message out about cancer awareness. Get yourself checked.

“Young people think they’re bullet-proof, but I also want to get the message to their mums and dads.

“If we can reach just one person who decides to get a check up, it will be worth it.”

The “Pink Ants” defeated Nanango 30-12 in U14s during their special fundraising day for the Geiger family on Saturday at TJ O’Neill Oval in Kingaroy