Mariners must keep roll going

A JOVIAL locker room is fuelling a strong finish to the FNQ Rugby season for the youthful JCU Mariners.

Faced with the daunting prospect of taking on ladderleading Barron Trinity Bulls at home, the Mariners’ small, mobile forward pack showed poise early before cruising to a surprise 35-19 win.

The Mariners ran in four unanswered tries through the middle of the game as injuries and ill discipline took its toll for the home team.

Coach Alan McMahon said the strong sense of camaraderie within the group had spurred his side to another memorable victory.

“A collision sport is one where you have to want get out there and play for each other,” McMahon said.

“I think you’ve got to have that.

“That’s the key ingredient. I think our drills would be a lot quicker if we didn’t joke and have a muck around but when it’s the boys turn to go (in a game) they do.”

Bulls coach David Brooks said he hoped the club’s second loss of the season would lift his team ahead of finals.

“We definitely squandered a few opportunities but they deserved the win,” Brooks said.

“Their backrow went well and their outer flankers played pretty well.

“Our captain Cam Thompson led from the front and Henry Sigley really stood up but they just played better than us.”

McMahon said the Mariners would aim to carry the momentum into their clash against third-placed Southside next weekend.

“We’ve got a long way to go,” he said.

“The boys understand that. We’ve still got a lot of improvement in us. But all that matters is your next game.”

In the league’s other matches, Southside defeated Brothers 31-20 and Wanderers forfeited to the Northern Beaches Mudcrabs.