Mustangs end year on a high
RUGBY LEAGUE: A strong effort from the U16s has provided the highlight on a mixed weekend for the Western Mustangs.
The Cyril Connell Challenge team was the only of the trio to return to Toowoomba with a win, downing the Central Queensland Capras 32-28 in a high-scoring encounter in Theodore.
Starting strong, the Mustangs were able to maintain the lead for the duration of the contest, leading 20-10 at halftime.
It caps off a strong season with two wins and a narrow loss to the Sunshine Coast from their three games, and coach Matt Jahnke said he was proud of their efforts.
“I’m very proud of the young men,” Jahnke said.
“We’re covered well over the Downs, and everyone has worked really hard together on structures, and they’ve been able to get some rewards for their hard work.
“I hope they are able to take some of what they’ve learnt back to clubland to help themselves and those around them to be better for it.
“We were a little bit clunky at times, and there was a bit too much dropped ball for our standards.
“We were sound defensively in the first half and in control for the entire game.”
Needing a win to keep their hopes of a finals berth in the Mal Meninga Cup alive, the U18s were unable to contain a dominant Central Queensland outfit.
The unbeaten Capras maintained top position with a 54-10 victory.
Declan Ryan and William Johnston crossed for the Mustangs as they found themselves down 34-4 at the break.
In the Hastings Deering Colts, the U21s started well against the Mackay Cutters, with scores level at 10-all after 24 minutes with tries to Alex Brighton and Brenton Clement.
The Cutters scored the next six tries however, going on to win 44-10.