BROTHERS OPEN WITH BIG WIN
A SUPERIOR forward pack proved the difference in the FNQ Rugby season opener but Brothers Cairns coach Sven Schafer was far from happy with his side’s execution.
Brothers’ 17-5 win against Northern Beaches Mudcrabs earned Schafer’s side the competition points, but the margin could have been so much more if not for his team’s desire to push a “dry weather footy” approach at what was a slippery Machans Beach field.
The team’s huge forward pack dominated the Mudcrabs in the scrum, but Schafer lamented his side’s inability to make Northern Beaches pay.
“We hoped to get a lot more out of it actually,” Schafer said of his side’s domination of the scrum. “It’s no secret we play off our forwards and I like how they looked.
“There were some positive signs, plenty of building blocks.
“I was pleased with how they started playing together straight away but we have plenty to work on.
“The lineouts, our hands and our decision making. We need to improve those things. The standard was not at a high level but it’s only round one.”
Schafer’s men will have to be at their best for Saturday’s Stan Williams Park triple header, when they face a Penrhyn Sharks, embarrassed in their opening game.
Beaten grand finalists JCU Mariners put Penrhyn to the sword, winning 68-10.
“(Penrhyn) are going to be angry,” Schafer said. “We’ll have to be ready.”
Barron Trinity Bulls prevailed against Port Douglas despite an opening round scare. The Reef Raiders came to play, but the Bulls escaped with a 22-19 win at home.