Unrelenting Crushers go to the top of TDRL ladder
HERBERT River have claimed top spot on the Townsville and Districts Rugby League ladder with a strong 36- 10 win over Centrals at Townsville Sports Reserve yesterday afternoon.
Crushers winger Samsen O’Neill scored a double on his return from a serious shoulder injury while Brendan Spina also claimed two tries, but it was their defence which won the game for the visitors.
“I thought we were a little bit scrappy with the ball, but our defence definitely got us the win,” Crushers coach Mitchell Seri said.
“I thought it was a pretty tight tussle. The momentum swayed towards both teams at certain times.
“There was a period there before halftime when we just defended our line time and time again and looking back that probably got us over the line.
“There’s no secret at any level that defence wins games and premierships, so it’s something we do work hard on at training.”
O’Neill was forced from the field with an ankle injury after his early double, but his shoulder withstood the tough contest and Seri believed the former Towns- ville Blackhawk would be an asset this season.
Brothers yesterday claimed the Donna Stephenson Memorial Shield with a resounding 64- 18 win over Charters Towers at Jack Manski Oval.
Former Cowboys under- 20s winger Marcus Jensen scored a hat- trick on his club debut while 17- year- old Dylan White also crossed for three tries as he made the step up to A- grade.
In Saturday night’s game, Western Lions proved too strong for Norths 42- 12.
Western Lions half Logan Spaander scored a try and kicked seven goals as the Queensland Rangers claimed a clinical 46- 16 win over the NSWRL Pioneers on the Gold Coast.
Spaander was joined in the Rangers side by Lions teammates Chippie Korostchuk and Davin Crampton, along with Brothers forward Jordan Kenworthy.