April 20, 2018
Nanango Stags look to be the team to be reckoned with in the 2018 South Burnett rugby league competition after a convincing 30-12 win over Cherbourg last Saturday night.
The game, played under lights at Murgon, began slowly with most of the action in Cherbourg’s half for the first 10 minutes.
The Stags were playing their first game of the season after last week’s bye, but they looked well-drilled and professional as they pressured the Hornets’ line.
Drew Jackson put the first points on the board, scoring for Nanango after a scrum metres out from Cherbourg’s line.
Cherbourg hit back 15 minutes later with a try to Cyril Georgetown, converted by Alex Speedy.
At half-time, the Hornets led 6-4.
Nanango dominated possession in the second half and their defence was equally strong.
The Stags put on a string of tries – two each by the former Blackbutt Timbertowners’ pair Blake Harvey and Kieran Harvey, and one by fullback Lachlin Smith.
With less than a minute left on the clock, Nanango led Cherbourg 30-6 before the Hornets’ Daniel Cobbo sneaked in a consolation try right on full-time.
The final score was Nanango 30, Cherbourg 12.
Nanango tries were scored by Blake Harvey (2), Kieran Harvey (2), Drew Jackson and Lachlin Smith. Smith kicked three conversions.
Cherbourg tries were scored by Cyril Georgetown and Daniel Cobbo. Alex Speedy and Bernard Hopkins each kicked one goal.
* * *
Murgon v Wondai
The earlier game, between Murgon and Wondai, was called off at half-time with the Mustangs ahead 32-4.
Wolves coach Michael Greenwood said the side only started the game with 12 men, but decided to soldier on until a string of injuries meant they could no longer continue.
“There’s a lot of games left and there was no point sending them back out with injuries,” he said.
He said the Wolves basically played the last 10 minutes of the first half with just 10 men.
Michael was pleased, however, with the performance of the players who showed up for the game.
“It’s amazing what a bit of training will do,” he joked.
He said the way the competition was structured, Wondai only needed to win a few games to make it into the semi-finals, and he was feeling positive this could happen.
“The guys that are turning up are putting in a helluva lot of effort,” he said.
“They played exceptionally well even though they were undermanned.”
Wondai also had no shortage of supporters, who were cheering them on from the stand.
Murgon tries were scored by Lehman Brunjes, Christopher Bond, Elwyn Fewquandie, Barwoo Fisher, Ezekiel Stanley and Cecil Sullivan.
Bond kicked three goals and Peter Bligh kicked one.
Jared Porter scored the Wolves’ try.
* * *
Pink Day
Kingaroy Red Ants are holding their annual “Playing For A Cure” pink fundraising day at T.J. O’Neill Oval in Kingaroy on Saturday.
Junior games will get under way at 8:00am.
There’ll also be a girls’ exhibition game at 11:30am and the A Grade will kick off at 4:00pm.
There’ll be a jumping castle, fairy floss and face-painting for the youngsters.
* * *
This Weekend
At Murgon:
- 9:30am – U6s – Murgon v Wondai
- 10:15am – U8s – Murgon v Wondai
- 11:00am – U10s – Murgon v Wondai, Murgon v Murgon
- 12:10pm – U12s – Murgon v Wondai
- 1:00pm – U14s – Wondai v Chinchilla
- 2:00pm – A Grade – Wondai v Cherbourg
At Kingaroy:
- 8:00am – U6s / U8s – Kingaroy v Nanango
- 9:00am – U10s – Kingaroy v Nanango
- 10:15am – U12s – Kingaroy v Nanango
- 11:30am – South Burnett Girls
- 12:30pm – U14s – Kingaroy v Nanango
- 1:30pm – U16s – Kingaroy v Nanango
- 2:45pm – U18s – South Burnett Eagles v Highfields
- 4:00pm – A Grade – Kingaroy v Nanango
At Cherbourg:
- 10:00am – U6s / U8s – Cherbourg v Central Burnett
- 11:00am – U10s – Cherbourg v Central Burnett
- Noon – U12s – Cherbourg v Central Burnett
- 1:00pm – U14s – Cherbourg v Central Burnett
- 2:00pm – U16s – Central Burnett v Chinchilla
The South Burnett Eagles U16s women’s team will be in action against Nambour / Noosa on Friday night at Nambour.
