Rhinos stun Brethren

www.sportingpulse.com

THE Grafton Rhinos have answered their Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League critics in stunning fashion after a second- half 40-0 blitz blew away an injury-riddled Marist Brothers Rams at Crozier Field, Lismore on Wednesday night.

Having conceded more than 100 points in their last two games against Cudgen and Mullumbimby, the Rhinos were facing a make-or-break test away to the improving Rams.

But in a second-half try-fest, the Rhinos more than delivered on their promise to close a disappointing chapter in their season.

“Right through from number one to 17, I couldn't find fault with any of our players,” Rhinos captain/coach Xavier Sullivan said.

“Everyone was enthusiastic, committed and tackling in numbers.

“It is a big relief ... I knew we had it in us to turn it around.”

All season Sullivan has called for a committed team effort with his demands finally answered in a devastating combination of attack and defence.

While the Rhinos forwards were hunting in packs and making life difficult for the Rams, the Rhinos creative men were scoring tries at will.

Led by hooker Todd Cameron (2), eight different Rhinos players crossed for four pointers as the Rams continually coughed up possession early in the tackle count.

“I think they scored at least six times from first-tackle mistakes,” Rams coach David Krause said.

“They have some good, young footballers and you just can't give a team like that those sorts of chances.”

However, if the second half was a display of attacking intent, then the first was a defensive arm wrestle with the Rhinos tipping the ledger 10-4 at the half time break.

“They played well in the first half but we got over the top of them in the second and they just couldn't keep up with us,” Sullivan said.

Indeed, a frustrated Krause is counting the cost of the bruising encounter, with the injury depleted Rams having to finish the game with only 12 players.

“Full credit goes to them but in the end it was just impossible,” Krause said.

“We now have to count the wounded and bury the dead.”

A jubilant Sullivan said the big win proved the club was on the right track with its policy of giving young talent a chance at the highest level.

“Everybody was helping each other out and covering in defence,” he said.

“It is only a young side but they didn't let the last couple of games get to them.

“I've played in a couple of teams where a few bad results killed the season.”