July 13, 2023
The South Burnett Thrashers have notched up another win before an appreciative home crowd at T.J. O’Neill Oval in Kingaroy.
The Thrashers were leading the Warwick Water Rats 17-7 at half-time last Saturday before stretching the lead out to 43-17 at full-time.
The win has locked them into second spot on the Darling Downs Rugby Union ladder, but a loss this weekend could see them slip to third which would complicate their finals’ strategies.
“We let in an early try but were able to regroup and strike back with three tries going into halftime,” club president Jamie Shirlaw said.
“Before the game Mike Bishop spoke to the team about our discipline.
“In some of our earlier matches we have given away silly penalties. This weekend we were able to learn from those mistakes and the discipline of our team was fantastic.
“The second half saw both teams go on the attack.
“The Thrashers scored another four tries in the second.”
Thrashers’ try scorers were Tiai Tuiloma (2), Mowen Boino (2), Mesulame Verenasau, Biss Waqatabu and Epa Turaganivalu. Ted Sikovi and Nikolao Petueli each kicked two conversions.
This weekend, the Thrashers will be travelling to Goondiwindi.
“This is a must-win game,” Jamie said.
“If Gundy win, they could leapfrog us into second spot on the ladder.
“This close to the end of the session, dropping out of the top two could make the finals a lot more challenging.”
The last game of the season is on July 22, when the Thrashers will be taking on ladder leaders, St George Frillnecks, at home in Kingaroy.
The Frillnecks are unbeaten in 2023.
Their only scare came in Round 7, when Goondiwindi held them to a draw.
