Monaro Colts: Week Three Wrap
The Monaro Colts went one from four against the Western Rams over the weekend, with the Andrew Johns Cup side securing their first win.
Both boys’ squads traveled to Mudgee for Saturday’s fixtures, where the Andrew Johns Cup team set the tone with a hard-fought 28-24 victory, their first of the season.
In another close contest, the Laurie Daley Cup side fell just four points short and remain in search of their first win.
On Sunday, the Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup and Women’s Country Championships squads played in Canowindra, both suffering defeats.
The U17 girls endured a tough outing, conceding 46 points while being held scoreless. Meanwhile, the Women’s side pushed the defending premiers in their opening match but ultimately fell short.
All four teams will host the Riverina Bulls this Sunday at NSWRL HQ Bruce.
Andrew Johns Cup
Monaro Colts 28 defeated Western Rams 24
In a game full of momentum swings, the Monaro Colts claimed their first win with a strong late surge, edging out the Western Rams.
The Colts started fast on a scorching day in Mudgee, crossing twice in the opening 10 minutes.
Drew Marshall powered through multiple defenders like a bowling ball through pins to open the scoring, before a slick right-side shift put Nate Stokes over to extend the lead to 12-0.
Momentum swung the Rams’ way for the rest of the half, as they hit back with tries to Nate Vincent and Nate Martin, trimming the deficit to 12-10 at the break.
The Rams picked up where they left off, scoring three quick tries in the opening 10 minutes of the second half.
Eamon Miskell muscled over for two, while Samuel Hill raced the length of the field off the kickoff, giving the Rams a healthy 24-12 lead.
But the Colts weren't finished as Kayden Adams scored, providing his side a spark.
Monaro added two more in the final 10 minutes, with Marlowe Young crashing over to cut the deficit to two points, before Drew Kemp crossed in the dying seconds to snatch the victory.
Laurie Daley Cup
Western Rams 22 defeated Monaro Colts 18
The Monaro Colts mounted a near second-half comeback, but the Rams, equally desperate for their first win, held firm.
The Rams started strong with two quick tries to Noah Sutcliffe and Brayden McGarry within the opening 10 minutes.
Monaro hit back in the 20th minute, with Patrick Koen crashing over from close range.
But the Rams had the final say in the first half, adding two more tries, both through McGarry to complete a first-half hat-trick, including a length-of-the-field effort in support of an impressive Logan Coombes break.
The Rams went into the sheds with a 22-6 lead.
Monaro struck early in the second half, as Kruger Roache scored off a scrum play, giving his side hope.
Blake Slater added another shortly after, planting his own grubber over the line to reduce the deficit to 22-18.
With 20 minutes remaining, the Rams held out the Colts and managed to hold on for the win.
Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup
Western Rams 46 defeated Monaro Colts 0
The Rams proved too fast and strong for the Colts, securing a dominant 46-point victory.
The Rams raced out to a 16-0 lead within the opening 20 minutes, before the scoring stalled for the remainder of the half, keeping the game within reach for Monaro.
However, Monaro’s defensive struggles continued in the second half, as the Rams turned up the intensity, adding another five tries to seal their dominant win.
Rams centre Sienna Sullivan played a pivotal role, converting seven of eight tries and scoring one herself in the 46-point victory.
The Rams remain undefeated, while the Colts continue their search for their first win.
Women's Country Championships
Western Rams 20 defeated Monaro Colts 8
In their first game of the season, the Monaro Colts showed grit to stay in the contest but were ultimately bested by the Western Rams.
Alahna Ryan got the Rams off to a flying start, scoring a quick double within the first 15 minutes to give her side an early 12-0 lead.
A scrambling play just before halftime saw the Rams extend their lead further through Sophie Tilburg, pushing their advantage to 16-0 at the break.
Monaro fullback Georgia Willey showed tremendous strength from close range, shaking off multiple defenders to score their first try.
Shortly after, a shift to the right saw Jade Harding take advantage of an overlap to score in the corner, narrowing the deficit to 16-8.
But the Rams had the final say, with Sophie Tilburg scoring her second try just before full-time to seal the win.
