THE Australian Stockman Rugby side notched up a win in their opening game of the April International Series at the Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby on Saturday.
In front of a massive crowd at the Grafton Hay Street Rugby Fields, the visitors produced a second half scoring blitz to run out winners 50-7.
Drawing players from country areas across Australia, the Stockman dominated possession and territory for most of the first half, however, to Grafton’s credit, they refused to buckle under pressure scoring a superb 50-metre try to reawaken the contest in the shadows of half-time.
Leading 12-7 at the break, the Stockman found another gear in the second stanza unleashing their attacking brilliance to entertain the vocal crowd.
Stockman head coach Dan Hawke was delighted with his side’s performance considering their limited preparation.
“It was a fantastic hit out for the playing group,” Hawke said.
“We only got together yesterday and had our first training session. There is plenty of talent in the side.
“I thought the scoreboard was a little bit misleading. We had some more experienced players come on in the last twenty minutes and they (Grafton), probably had some of the younger players take the field.
“I thought the first half was pretty even. We are very grateful for the opportunity to play against the Redmen in front of a big crowd.”
Although they didn’t claim the ultimate spoils, Redmen first grade coach Gary Powell was proud of his side’s efforts.
“I thought our first half performance was excellent, especially in defence,” Powell said after the game.
“We had a few ring-ins which helped and the overall experience playing a representative side of that calibre will only give the players more confidence when the Mid North Zone competition starts in a few weeks.”
