GROUP 16 Rugby League on Saturday provided strong results for the Bega Roosters, but an upset loss in the first grade.
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A scheduled under 18s game didn’t go ahead as the Bay Tigers were unable to field a side, leaving the Bega Chicks league-tag roster to play two games back-to-back.
However, the Chicks showed resolve and determination to win both their games in a clinical fashion.
First the squad took on the improving Merimbula Pambula Hot Doggies, but scored early tries to dominate the match 44-0.
Bronte Burhop and Jacinta Dummett made some incisive runs for the Chicks and it was Alli Ringland posting the first points.
Olivia Dummett backed up the effort, stepping past three defenders to put Bega well in front.
Madison Parbery’s speed was hard to match as she raced through for the third try.
Olivia notched up her double and Bega was on top.
The second match pitted the Chicks against the newly-formed Candelo-Bemboka Pink Panthers.
Again it was incisive running and pace helping the Chicks claim a 38-0 win.
It was a slower start from the Chicks as the Panthers’ defensive line worked hard.
Chloe Lucas was again solid for the visiting Panthers outfit, but a lack of support saw her efforts go un-rewarded.
As play advanced, sweeping runs out wide had the Chicks find gaps to take advantage.
The pace players scored a flurry of tries as Joccoaa Rogers provided a standout performance with exceptional kicking.
The reserve grade match was described as a “bruising” encounter in the first half as play broke down to scrappy engagements.
Wayne Northey and David Inskip found themselves in the sin bin after the two came to blows.
A number of players were also pulled up, and occasionally penalised, for shoulder charging in a series of heavy hit-ups.
It wasn’t until just before the half-time break that play settled to a good rhythm.
Josh Cochrane crashed over the line in the first half for the Panthers and the conversion had them in front 6-0.
However, the second half saw the Roosters lay on 36 unanswered points in a tremendous showing to win decisively.
Sean Bateman and Michael Barnden made some strong runs in the centre in the second half.
However, it was Robbie Ringland who came into his own, running in three tries.
Steven Luff was also a standout and was rewarded for his efforts with a try, as was the returning Craig Matthews.
Luke McPaul, Grant Moon and Haywood Fraser provided some impact for the Panthers, but the team looked out of the contest as the Roosters ran over the top on the board.
The only dampener on the night for the Roosters was a shock upset in the first grade match.
The defending premier Roosters took a 10-point loss to the revitalised Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs in a classy display.
It was the forward pack working hard for the Roosters as captain-coach Ryan Apps and Billy Hudson crossed for tries.
Returning player Adam Blacka provided some danger on the left, posting a double on the night.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs spread play well and their tries were picked up by a number of players.
The ever-dangerous Zac and James Mikula both scored tries, while Vic Halfpenny continued his good form to post a try.
James McMillan and Bayley Royle were also in the thick of things, while Trent Skeers and Sami Fusi worked hard up front.
The Bulldogs won 34-24.