By SARAH STEWART

The Gunnedah Red Devils continued their undefeated record, beating Tamworth Pirates 46-27 at Gunnedah Rugby Park on Saturday.

In front of a packed Ladies Day crowd, the first four minutes had Gunnedah down to 14 men after a yellow card for an alleged shoulder charge.

Pirates scored first in a push-over try before Gunnedah’s Elija Sufia broke through the defensive line to score.

Both teams were evenly matched, in intensity, physicality and penalty count.

James Perret converted a penalty kick for Gunnedah and soon after a try in the corner by Cameron Mitchell put the Devils in the lead.

Pirates took advantage of the final play in the half and evened up the scoreboard to 15-all.

The second half may have started slow for the Devils but that didn’t last long.

The Devils took possession and remained patient, allowing their forward pack to work their way down the field.

A lineout to Ray Spradbrow, followed by a forceful rolling maul, put Dylan Lindsay over with another successful conversion from Perret.

Emori Waqavulagi was given space on the wing and made a 50-metre dash before passing to Perret who scored and converted his own try.

The momentum continued for Gunnedah and Waqavulagi proved he was a class above his opposition, scoring in the corner. Sufia quickly followed with a diving try in the corner, in front of the Ladies Day marquee. Waqavulagi finished off his outstanding performance with another try to lock up the game at 46-27.

In reserve grade, young gun Lachie Adamson scored and converted his own try, however, the team suffered a few injuries and a yellow card, which all contributed to their 33-7 loss.

Club points: reserves, Callum Hayne 3 and Players’ Player, Richard Budd 2, Charlie Oates and Roland Stinson 1. First grade – Emori Waqavulagi 3, Elija Sufia 2 and Matt Hannay and DJ Morrison 1 and Players’ Player Josh Leys, 3 referee points Lincoln Stewart.

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