Best and worst on show in Port’s slow-starting title defence
PORT Douglas is yet to win a game three rounds into its FNQ Rugby title defence, but coach Travis Gooch isn’t hitting the panic button any time soon.
The 2020 Rainforestation Cup premiers earned their first point of the new campaign in a dramatic 27-27 draw with the unbeaten Barron Trinity Bulls at Machans Beach.
Barron Trinity stormed to a 24-3 lead just before halftime, when Port Douglas crossed for its first fivepointer of the game, before the Reef Raiders showed the kind of fight which took them to the title in last year’s shortened campaign.
It is that second-half display which pleased Gooch most about not only his side’s performance, but its ability to defend the title in this longer season.
“We’re not too concerned,” Gooch said.
“It’s back to 15 games so we made a point of saying that we have to get through these first few games. We don’t necessarily need to win the first five games, but if we find form then win the last five we’re a good chance of winning that premiership.”
Against the Bulls, Gooch saw the best and worst of his group.
“We started poorly, we were a bit disappointed with the first half so we spoke about that at halftime,” he said.
After the discussion, and a fairsized rocket from the coach, Port Douglas got back to it.
Gooch said the toughest challenge so far had been managing player numbers.
While there are plenty of men on the books, Gooch has had to contend with player unavailability throughout the first three rounds, despite an arrangement with the Northern Beaches Mudcrabs.
“Putting out 16 players makes it a bit difficult,” Gooch said.
“Our numbers are great, we’ve just missed them due to work and other commitments.”