Teachers the benchmark

BEATING Teachers Wests for the first time this year in today’s top- of- the- table Townsville District Rugby Union stoush is motivation enough for Brothers.

But they’ll have even more incentive to end their rivals’ unbeaten run this year at Ignatius Park College with the match part of the club’s 50th birthday celebrations.

Several former players will be on hand to watch the clash and Brothers coach Shane Laskey said toppling Teachers West on their third attempt this year would give them valuable belief before the finals. “It would definitely boost our confidence, so the guys know they are beatable and they can do it,” Laskey said.

“They ( Teachers) have got quite a few out with Queensland Country duties, but they’ll still have a very strong team.

“We’d rather play them at their best so we can get ready for the finals.”

Brothers have struggled for points in 16- 7 and 24- 7 defeats to Teachers this year.

“Their defence is very structured and they defend their different zones very well, they’re hard to break down,” Laskey said.

“The testing material are Teachers and we haven’t beaten them in games this year. You want to prove themselves against the best.”

The Burdekin- North Ward and Ross River- Charters Towers clashes were played overnight. Teachers coach Terry Shiells says the players un- available through representative commitments will give others an opportunity to press for first grade spots.

“It’s a great chance for the players. Both teams have games away,” Shiells said.

“The event won’t be missed for our guys. They all want to try and play A grade.”