By Joshua Harman
SATURDAY WAS a big day for the Murwillumbah Bananas who hosted the Yamba Buccaneers to kick-off the 2017 rugby season.
The Bananas were wearing a black arm band in honour of long time supporter and former committee member Nicky Moore who passed away from cancer recently during the floods.
Playing without numbers on the bench, a weakened Yamba side came out with guns blazing from the start, placing plenty of pressure on the back three for the Bananas who managed to absorb it with ease.
Winger Isaac Pollack scored an early try, which was followed by two strong tries from forward Michael Rossall, putting pressure on Yamba early in the first half.
Winger Joshua Harman romped in for the Bananas fourth unanswered try just before half-time.
The story after half time was a much different one. Yamba came back into the game with a point to prove scoring three times in the second half to put themselves within range of snatching the win away from the Bananas.
Leading 20-19 the Bananas managed one last miracle play to put the game to bed.
Isaac Pollack returned a kick bumping off two defenders before going to ground and popping a perfect pass from the ground to centre Morgan Buchanan. Buchanan then drew several players before flicking the ball under arm, back to Pollack, who had regained his feet and was waiting to back up play. Pollack then out ran Yamba to score wide, securing a 25-19 victory for the Bananas.
The Gentlemen of Murwillumbah ‘Bananas’ will play host to Iluka at home in two weeks, May 13 at 2pm.
Rugby is back in Murwillumbah – so come down and support your local team.