Gunnedah Red Devils First XV secured a third win of the Central North Rugby competition toppling fellow premiership aspirants Quirindi Lions at Quirindi.
A slick Devils outfit led by captain James Perrett, who amassed a 16-point haul, tamed the Lions last Saturday.
Perrett scored two tries on the day whilst player’s player Darrell Morrison continued his try scoring streak on the wing. The Devils’ pack set the platform for the backline to shine as Sean Latham and Will Burke remunerated their efforts from previous weeks.
Ably supported by Tim McDermott in the tight eight, the foundation was laid for free flowing rugby for the backline to showcase their class and ability in the likes of Perrett and Morrison.
An impressive all round performance from the First XV has them second on the ladder after four rounds.
Reserve grade went down in a nailbiter by two points as the final score read 33-31.
Best afield was inside centre Epeli Vulaserau – who dominated the midfield scrimmages consistently – his charges in midfield ensured the Devils consistently cracked the advantage line.
Hamish Hockings and Josh Dowse were also impressive, but goal kicking proved the Achilles heel for the side having missed two chances to convert five pointers that proved the difference in the end.
After an impressive win against the Scone, Brumbies last round, the Ladies side toppled the Lions side – going down 43-27.
Newcomer Cassidy Harris was judged the side’s best player on the day and was ably supported by Kate O’Donnell, Sam Webster and Bec Smyth.
Smyth and O’Donnell were among the tries, O’Donnell scoring two on the day but despite their best efforts weren’t able to haul in the Lions side late in the game.
First XV and Reserve grade, despite the latter’s loss last weekend, remain competitive in their respective competitions – the Ladies 10’s side is currently in second spot.
