Rugby News Premier Rd 10 – Sat 25 June 2016

NSW Country Match Report

The NSW Country Cockatoos have notched up an impressive 48–5 win over Brumbies Provincial XV in their annual clash at Anne Ashwood Oval, Bathurst on Saturday.

In wet and slippery conditions the Cockatoos had the visitors on the back foot from the start when they raced out to a 15 point lead in the first 16 minutes of play

After weathering the initial onslaught, Brumbies Provincial tightened up their play and tried to work their way into the match. However the Cockatoos defence was up to the task and continually closed down the visitors attacking raids.

The Cockatoos were dominating the set pieces which was providing the backs with a steady stream of quality ball and they were reposing with hard and straight running, which continually had them getting over the gain line and keeping the attack going forward.

A fourth try in the 29th minute extended the Cockatoos lead to 20-0 and it looked like the floodgates were going to open, however Brumbies Provincial held their line until the half time break.

The opening five minutes of the second stanza saw the Cockatoos come out with the tails up and they again went on the attack. Concerted pressure on the opposition line provided the opening, with the Cockatoos driving over for the points to extend their lead to 29-0.

Brumbies Provincial finally gained some success ten minutes later when their winger crossed for an unconverted try in the corner, following a series of scrum engagements on the Cockatoos line.

This success was short lived, with the Cockatoos responding with increased tempo in both defence and attack and in the final 25 minutes of the match the Cockatoos added another nineteen points unopposed to wrap up the match.

Despite a week of wet weather and heavy rain on the eve of the match, the Cockatoos crossed for eight tries, which was an impressive performance given the conditions under foot.

Players to stand out in an all-round team performance were Centre Simon Newton, Lock Chris Miller, Prop Alain Miriallakis, Flanker Michael Howell, Hooker Steve Lamont and Half Hack Adam McCormack.

The match was a good hit out for the Cockatoos in their build up for the next legs in their representative campaign in the coming weeks, which will see them play New South Wales Suburban in Sydney on 25 June, and Queensland Country in Toowoomba on 2 July.

NSW Country Cockatoos 48 def Brumbies Provincial 5

NSW Country Cockatoos 48
(Tries: Simon Newton 2, Paul Tuala 2, Steve Lamont, Aaron Loudon, Adam McCormack, Filisione Pauta. Conv: Ben Damen 3, Rapine Mason) def Brumbies Provincial 5 (Tries: Riley Brennan)

For all championship results and NSW Country Rugby Union news go to the NSWCRU webpage www.nswcountryrugby.com.au