Brothers romp in on half- game play
BROTHERS are counting on more competitive rugby in coming weeks after playing just a half game against Ross River.
The A- grade game at Mike Carney Toyota Park was called off early on Saturday, with Ross River grasping at straws to field a team of 13.
Brothers’ stand- in coach Col Kenna said Ross River relied on reserve grade players backing up after a highly competitive game before.
“We only won by three points in reserve grade,” Kenna said.
“We soon discovered what had happened and approached the refs to shorten the halves ( in A- grade).”
Brothers piled on the points and led 44- 6 by the end of the first half. This would become the final score.
“At the end of the first half they ( Ross River) decided they didn’t want to play any more football,” Kenna said. “It was difficult for us; we went out there and played what was in front of us.
“It makes it difficult to prepare for finals.”
Kenna said Brothers, placed second on the ladder, had played little more than 1.5 hours of competitive rugby in three weeks after University forfeited on July 7. The game against North Ward on July 15 was the only game played in its entirety in that time.
In Saturday’s other games, Burdekin firmed up third spot on the ladder with an 18- 12 win against Charters Towers in what was the round’s only competitive game.
Charters Towers now have a fight on their hands in the coming rounds to seal fourth spot, with North Ward still a chance of sneaking into the top four.
Ladder leaders Teachers Wests thumped University 80- 0 at Warrina Park in the round’s other game.