Suburbs defend their way to victory in local derby

A STRONG first-half defensive display paved the way to victory for Southern Suburbs, as the Cockatoos were forced to hold on against a fast-finishing Edmonton at Jones Park.

A strong performance from teenager Kyle Riehl led Suburbs

to the 26-18 victory, the winger scoring two tries in a hard-fought derby clash moved from Alley Park due to rain earlier in the week.

While Riehl was tough, coach Paul Stevens put the win down to the way his team defended in that first 40 minutes, as they overcame the late loss of players to secure the two competition points and keep in reach of the top five.

“We made it hard for ourselves,” Stevens said.

“I thought we defended well in the first half. They had a bit of possession and we held them out, so to go up 16-6 at half time was pleasing.

“We fell away in the second half … but it was good.

“We lost a couple of guys late with Covid but they stood up. There’s not much between winning and losing, so if you can get wins in games like these it goes a long way.”

Will Kennedy was solid in his debut for Suburbs, while

Minjiluk McInnes, Ezra Tokahari and Cephas Chinfat were also their best.

Edmonton showed plenty of fight, but the Storm couldn’t quite produce enough in attack to close the margin.

Suburbs travel to Yarrabah on Sunday, while Edmonton faces the Roosters in Atherton.