2003_Trial

The Panthers opened the 2003 season with a solid, if not spectacular, 22-10 win over the Magpies at Dawson Pde, in the first trial for both sides.

Souths started well, making a clean break in their first set, which was well covered by fullback Alex F, but an ensuing mistake saw Arana get their hands on the ball for the first time, and by the time the Maggies had the ball again the home team, courtesy of a couple of tackle count restarts and a penalty, had completed 6 sets in succession and racked up a 10-0 lead. Zac opened the scoring in the 4th minute following some sustained pressure and feature in the 2nd try as wel 5 mins later, with a good offload putting Matt Handcock over. Arana could have gone further ahead 3 minutes later, but unfortunately Jozey spilled the ball over the line in a big hit after a smart break from a scrum.

The steamy and damp conditions really started taking their toll with both sides having difficulty retaining possession, with the only other score of the first 25 minute stanza being scored by Brendan after a typical weaving burst from dummy half. Luke added his second conversion to see the Panthers lead 16-0 at the break.

The Panthers started the better in the second half and opened the scoring when Alex T struggled over after regathering a grubber from "novice" five-eight Luke. Luke again converted from wide out and the home side looked to be coasting at 22-0. To Souths credit however they fought back, and with improved ball retention were eventually rewarded with 12 minutes remaining when Mase regathered his own chip kick and scored beside the posts . The conversion of this try, plus a further 4 pointer 4 minutes later saw the visitors draw back within 10 points but that would finish the scoring for the evening.

Arana could have scored another try right on fulltime after a great break and chip through by Alex F, but unfortunately Mitchell C lost control of the slippery ball as he tried to regather just short of the line.

Both teams were understandably rusty in this the first game, but it was certainly well contested and played in a fine spirit. Souths have apparently lost a couple of their better players from last year to Logan Bros, but a couple of their new boys performed well and Mase was his usual dangerous self.

Arana would have been pleased with the first half, particularly the first 15 minutes, but only completed 8 of 20 sets for the remainder of the match, which let Souths back into the game. Alex F had an eye-catching game at fullback, whilst Brendan at hooker had a great game in both attack and defence, including topping the tackle count. A number of the team trialled in different positions from normal including Jozey, Luke , Josh and Rohan and seemed to enjoy the experience. Also new recruit Geoff made a promising debut.

Overall a good first-up hitout for both teams which augers well for a good season.

Brad T

21/2/2003