Outbacks Dry Up the Reefs in YWAM RTO's First Origin Match

[Reef to Outback News]

The Outbacks Dry Up Reefs in a 16 – 6 Opener

Strand Park was the birth place of a rugby league rivalry that will last the ages as the first annual YWAM Reef to Outback Origin kicked off with the Reefs going to battle against the Outbacks.

A scare shot through the Reefs’ camp as captain Mike “Muz–ratu” Murray tweaked a hamstring* in the pre-game warm ups and was late to the coin toss. “It is going to take a little bit more than that to keep me off the field,” Murray said.

As the two teams lined up for the National Anthem* it was obvious that nothing was going to be left in the tanks of either side as the passion of both teams was contagious to the 22 spectators.

Defense was the backbone behind the Outbacks’ win with front rower Michael Cusack (42 tackles) and second rower JP (39 Tackles) starting for the team’s defensive domination.

Captain Keevy Harris said it was one of the tougher games she has played.

“They (Reefs) came out firing from the first kick off, and it was difficult to gain any momentum in the first exchanges,” Keevy said.“I was really happy with our defensive commitment through out the whole game, and it was something that we worked hard on during camp.”*

The Outbacks got on the board early with Aaron Wright scoring off the end of a millimeter perfect kick from halfback Iliesa and they continued to put on the points through Michael Cusack which saw the Outbacks head into half time with a 8 – 0 lead.

After and inspirational half time rev-up from captain Murray the Reefs came back into the second half with the wind in their sails, but were put to the sword with tries coming from Mitch Russell and Aaron Wright, crossing the white stripe for the second time in the evening.

“We just couldn’t get a roll on, just too many mistakes and when you give an opposition with that much talent those opportunities you are going to pay for it,” Jen Murphy said after the match.*

The Reefs’ only try came mid way through the second half to Mena Tuibua, who managed to capitalize on some quick play to scamper over the line. He was able to convert his own try, closing the gap to make it 16 – 6.

“We will have to regroup and learn from our mistakes if we want to compete with the Outbacks in game 2,” Justin Claypool said.*

The teams are not expected to change too much for the second game of the series, but Jared Hoover faces a nervous wait after being placed on report for a high tackle on Meesi Lopetti* while Kiti Saukuru wasn’t seen in the second half after pulling out with a corked calf.*

Man of the Match was awarded to Aaron Wright after his 2 try heroics and a solid defensive effort which saw him with the following stats; 2 Tries, 17 Hit-ups, 22 tackles, 1 Lnbrk.

* Not all stats are fully factual



Outbacks:
Tries; Aaron Wright 2, Michael Cusack 1, Mitch Russell 1.
Conversions; Kiti Saukuru 0/1, Keevy Harris 0/1, Michael Cusack 0/1.

Reefs:
Tries; Mena Tuibua 1
Conversions; Mena Tuibua 1/1

Referee; Brad Davies.

[Brian Kraatz]

Thats amazing BJ, well put. Wish i could have been there!

[MommaHammah]

Brilliant play by play! I felt as if I were right there.

[Jeff Allen]

lol "not all stats are fully factual" what the...