The Gloucester Cockatoos ignited their 2016 season with a blockbusting 73-7 over Myall Coast on Saturday afternoon in front of a small but enthusiastic home crowd.
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Ably led by captain Andy Paynter, the Cockies got off to a flying start with a well worked move from fullback Ryan Yates and flying winger Luke Boorer, who swooped onto a well placed kick into the 22, regathered the ball and swept in under the posts to register the first try of the day.
The Cockies drove the ball up the field well, with good forward charges from Peter Lewis, Mitch Meredith and Lukas Dellsperger, which laid a good platform for the backs to attack from, with seven of the eleven tries being scored by the outside backs.
Chris Marchant was prominent with his direct running, which also helped create space out wide for the speedsters. The try of the day was a 50 metre effort in the second half involving cut outs and reverse passes from the outside backs, with the final pass going from Ryan Yates to a rampaging Ethan Hamilton who scored his second try of the day. Goalkicking prop Mick Wooster was in fine form, converting eight of his 10 attempts at goal.
Coach Steve Parkin was very happy with the win, being especially pleased by the efforts of the younger players who are in their first season with the club.
Best and fairest : 3: C.Marchant; 2: L.Dellsperger ; 1: R.Yates. Players’ player: P.Lewis.Gloucester Cockies: 73 (Tries: 2 : L.Dellsperger, P.Lewis, E.Hamilton; 1: C.Marchant, C.Jory, R.Yates, L.Boorer,M.Hardy; Conversions: 8 : M.Wooster; 1: M.Hardy) v Myall Coast 7 (1 try , 1 conv) Next home game against Manning May 28. The Beast.