Dalby continues their perfect start
Nev Madsen
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RUGBY LEAGUE: Dalby has rolled through Southern Suburbs on their way to another victory, maintaining their perfect start to the season as they aim to defend their premiership. Southern Suburbs was faced with an almighty task as they played their first game at their new home ground of Glenholme Park on Saturday night. A strong start and finish to the game from the Diehards prevented a fairytale home debut for the Tigers, as the premiership contenders ran out 46-10 winners. Coach Leo Dynevor said he was proud of his side was able to respond after finding themselves trailing by three converted tries in the space of ten minutes. “We had a pretty flat start to the game, but when they got into the groove, I was very happy,” Dynevor said. “Despite the results of the first period and the end of the game, overall I was really happy with the guys. “Unfortunately we have been slow starters. We picked up a few injuries, and ran out of steam (towards the end of the game) with them.
“The character of the players and the club to turn up for each other is there. People know how much potential we have.”
Dynevor’s troops face a tough road trip to Kuhls Rd to meet Highfields next week, and he said there were a few key areas the side would look to improve upon heading into the fixture.
“We’re looking for some consistency with the team and we want to make the nucleus of the side that will be there consistently,” he said.
“Physically the guys are alright. Over the next couple of weeks we need to work on fitness.”
A hot start from the Diehards had Souths reeling early doors, as tries to Travis Babington, Xavier Manley and Kruse Turner gave Dalby a commanding 18-0 advantage after just nine minutes of play.
For the rest of the half however, the Tigers were able to claw their way back into the contest, with Robert Williams crossing after 17 minutes of play. Both sides exchanged tries in the back end of the half, as Dalby led 24-10 at the break.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first, as both teams continued to grind as they sought to attain ascendency.
It would be the Diehards that went on with it however, as Jason Wardrop broke the deadlock with a 15th minute try, as the lead extended to 30-10.
Shaun Wickham, captain Steve Franciscus and Babington’s second helped to put the icing on the cake, as the reigning premiers continued their unbeaten start to the season.
In a big blow for the Tigers, halfback Dwayne Duncan received a knock to his lower in a tackle, with the full extent of the injury to be known later in the week, with Dynevor hopeful he is able to recover in time for Highfields.
Dalby maintains top spot on the ladder, and returns home next weekend to host the Oakey Bears on Sunday afternoon, who will be out for revenge after a heavy defeat to Highfields.
Souths have the task of stopping the rampant Eagles on Saturday night.