Souths kick off season with win over Crocs
REIGNING premiers South Darwin got their 2017 campaign off to the prefect start last night at Rugby Park, defeating Palmerston in the grand final rematch 29-17.
The Crocs came into the clash a vastly different outfit to the one that played in last year’s decider. Only four players took the field that played in that match, while 2016 coach Ravin du Plessis had stepped down from his role in the off-season.
Souths went in early through a Craig Baky try. The Rabbitohs propelled their way to Palmerston’s line after a terrific backline shift to the left.
The play included numerous offloads with the speed of Fijian flyers Setefano Cakau and Abele Atunaisa leaving the Crocs defence at sixes and sevens.
A Vinny Mehn bust through the centre of the field led to Souths’ second. The scrumhalf caught Palmerston’s defence napping around the ruck and sprinted away. He handed the ball off to Michael Tsolakis who went in under the posts.
The Crocs finally found quality field position on the back of a penalty and prop Tim Asioli crashed over to get his team on the board.
That was quickly followed by a Billy Burns try for Souths.
On the stroke of half-time, Brendan Cathcart barged over from short range. He planted the ball down in the exact same spot that Asioli did to cut Souths’ lead to 11 points at the break.
The Crocs made it three tries apiece shortly after the resumption. Again it was Cathaart and again it was from a pick and go from short range.
Cakau gave Souths some breathing space when he darted over in the corner with 10 minutes remaining, with a late penalty goal sealing the match.