Scrappy Toads in playoffs mindset
THE Burdekin Canetoads insist they will not rest easy knowing they will play another finals campaign after sealing third spot on the Townsville and Districts Rugby Union ladder with a 31- 10 win over Ross River.
Rhian Aguirre scored twice for the Canetoads in Saturday’s game at Bindal Sports Ground, which saw Ross River well in the hunt trailing 12- 10 at halftime, but grim defence combined with a strong running game handed Burdekin the all- important bonus point win.
Burdekin coach Brendan Bunyan said attention would now turn to reaching full service before next month’s knockout semifinal, which the Canetoads will play against either Ross River or North Ward.
“The boys are pretty happy with the win, and the boys who hadn’t played in recent weeks because of injury and work commitments showed a lot of effort,” Bunyan said.
“Ross River played well, but credit has to go to our defensive.
“Ross River had a lot of ball at the start, we had a lot of defending to do, but in the second half we started playing running rugby, put on a few tries and as a result we got the bonus point.
“I think we’re still pretty critical of ourselves because we realise we haven’t played our best footy at all.
“Each game we played good football in different parts, so we’ve played ordinary footy and we’re third, but when it comes to finals we have to put it together for 80 minutes not just 20- 30 minutes.”
Brothers beat North Ward 36- 19 in another hard- hitting game of local rugby, with the Brethren scoring six tries to North Ward’s three.
North Ward were pushing for top three after entering the game on the back of a close win over Ross River, but were outclassed by a Brothers’ team that continues to fire after thrashing Teachers Wests the previous round.
The minor premiership remains neck and neck as a result, with Teachers still holding a onewin lead over Brothers after beating Charters Towers 45- 12 in the weekend’s other game.