May 2, 2016
The Cherbourg Hornets proved too strong for an undermanned Nanango in their delayed Round 1 A Grade game played at Cherbourg on Saturday.
The match was the only senior rugby league game played in the region over the long weekend as players had rep duties in Roma for the 47th Battalion carnival.
Nanango was missing Ash Smallwood who has been a key tryscorer for the Stags this year, and it showed in the final scoreline of 56-26.
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Saturday’s match was played at Jack O’Chin Oval in Cherbourg before a large home crowd.
The Hornets took the lead early, with Norman Wragge scoring barely two minutes into the game. Ralph Gyemore’s conversion was on target, the first of seven conversions he landed.
Just a few minutes later, Errol Simpson crossed the line to take the Hornets to a 12-nil lead.
The Stags were clearly frustrated by their fleet-footed opponents, but refused to put their heads down.
Instead, they threw everything at the Hornets and landed a try of their own just a few minutes later.
But three minutes after this, Cecil Sullivan ran down sideline to the Stags’ try line with the ball safely under his arm. Errol Simpson converted it, and the Hornets were ahead 18-4.
A few minutes later Bernard Hopkins increased the pressure on Nanango. His a try brought the scoreline to 22-4.
Nanango were clearly feeling the pressure at this point, but refused to buckle.
After a furious battle near the Hornets’ try line, Nanango clawed back the difference to 22-10.
Cherbourg his back with another try to Hopkins. Gyemore’s kick took the scoreline to 28-10.
With less than two minutes to the break, the Stags made one more supreme effort. Josh Barkle scored, Rhyse Simpson converted it.
At half-time, Cherbourg led 28-16 but Nanango were still in the game.
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The second half opened with Cherbourg back on the attack.
Cecil Sullivan quickly scored his second try of the match.
Cherbourg then cut loose, with tries to Gyemore, Simpson and Sullivan.
With 20 minutes left, the Hornets had a commanding 50-16 lead.
It was clearly all over for the Stags by then but, to their credit, Nanango’s resolve never wavered.
With 13 minutes left on the clock, Rhyse Simpson scored a try to bring the Stags back to 50-20.
But sadly for Stags’ fans, the Hornets weren’t finished, either.
In what was probably the play of the day, Gyemore took possession halfway down the field and took off, kicking ahead as Nanango’s defenders neared.
Gyemore won the furious footrace that followed, regaining possession to score.
His conversion took the Hornets to 56.
But Nanango still weren’t ready to quit, and with barely a few minutes left scored a consolation try to make the final scoreboard: 56-26.
Cherbourg tryscorers were Cecil Sullivan (3), Ralph Gyemore (2), Bernard Hopkins (2), Norman Wragge (2) and Errol Simpson (1). Gyemore kicked seven goals and Simpson kicked one.
For Nanango, Rhyse Simpson, Pat McCallum, Jared Mountney, Drew Jackson and Josh Barkle each scored a try; Simpson kicked three conversions.
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Next Saturday, May 7, South Burnett league fans will have two local A Grade games to choose from in Round 3 of this year’s competition:
- Nanango v Wondai at Fred Kassulke Oval, Nanango
- Kingaroy v Cherbourg at T.J. O’Neill Oval, Kingaroy
A canteen and bar will be operating at both venues. Murgon’s Mustangs will have a bye.
