Emus impress Highfields coach
RUGBY UNION: Highfields’ coach Cameron Donaldson was left in awe of the power of Goondiwindi after the Emus continued their undefeated 2018 Wagners Risdon Cup march at Highfields Sport and Recreation Park on Saturday.
Donaldson was speaking after watching the warm premiership favourites run in 14 tries against his fledging lineup on their way to an 88-7 round-15 victory
“They are the quickest team we have faced — they are like a juggernaut,” Donaldson said.
“Their ball movement from one side of the field to other is so impressive — great teamwork.
“All we could do is just try and hang in there.”
Sam Jobling led the Emus’ try feast with three five-pointers while his block-busting centre partner Harry Hawker helped himself to a double along with wingers Tom Jobling and Sean Cairns.
Forwards Sam Tweedy and Jay Schulte helped round out the try-scoring list with fiveeighth Michael Jamieson.
Winger Mac Murphy crossed late for Highfields after pouncing on a loose ball and sprinting 60m to score.
Goondiwindi led 31-0 at the break before pleasing coach Luke Fritz with a more polished second-half effort.
“To be honest, the first half we weren’t overly impressed with,” Fritz said.
“We were just a bit excited and tried to score every time we got the ball.
“But we had a good yarn at half-time and the second half was all about holding onto the ball and opportunities will come off that and that’s just what happened.
“That’s what we sort of say every game as well.”