Backs click into gear in Charters Towers triumph
CHARTERS Towers crossed the line to score a historic win against Burdekin.
The momentous 36- 26 A- grade win marked the first time it beat Burdekin since returning to the competition last season.
Charters Towers’ coach Len Knuth was thrilled with the result as his team made steady progress to achieving his aim of doubling last season’s winning tally of three games.
To date, Charters Towers has won two out of its four games.
Knuth said his side took charge in the first half to build a 22- 5 lead, using width to spread the defence.
“We’re using our edges. That’s something we haven’t really done before,” Knuth said.
He credited 17- year- old left winger Jack Mitchell for his efforts after scoring a double. Mitchell was joined by opposite winger Casey Henry, fly- half Samson Mackie, who also bagged a double, and No. 8 Josh Robins on the score sheet.
Scrum- half Sam Knuth converted three of six tries, missing two from out wide.
“Something we have to improve is our goal kicking,” Knuth said.
Knuth said Charters Towers was strengthened by a number of returning players.
“We got them back and bolstered the numbers and experience,” he said.
Charters Towers’ A- grade win was complemented by a thrilling 22- 19 reserve grade win.
“Reserve grade was very close,” Knuth said.
“We won that in the final seconds of the game with a cross- field chip.”
Hoping to bounce off this success, Charters Towers will prepare to take on North Ward at the weekend in the first of three home games.
Knuth anticipated the game against North Ward to be far more physical.
“North Ward play a very physical kick- and- drive game for their forwards,” he said, “whereas Charters Towers play a more expansive game, driven by its backs.”
Meanwhile, Teachers West continued its dominant form, thumping University 102- 0 at the weekend while Brothers thrashed Ross River 74- 0.