THE CASUARINA Rugby Club hosted a special ladies event on Friday, June 24, prior to game day on Saturday for Far North Coast Girls 7s competition and once again the Casuarina girls were stand out performers.
On the night, the Under 13s had a comprehensive 41 to 0 win over Bangalow which puts them at the top of the table.
Additionally our Under 15s team rattled up a 55 to 0 win over Evans Head which firms up their top four position.
On Saturday, off the field, a fundraiser was held to support the Wedgetail Retreat – Northern Rivers Community Pallative Care Hospice.
In conjunction with the fundraiser the club had its inaugural “ladies day” which was extremely well supported. Consequently, a big crowd was on hand to watch a great afternoon of Rugby.
The day started with the Casuarina Under 12s team marching onto their sixth consecutive win and clearly displaying the skills and talents that is making them a dominant team in their age group.
As a curtain raiser to the main game the Under 6s and Under 7s played a demonstration match and they put on a great display for the big crowd which saw plenty of tries and lots of enthusiastic and proud players ( and parents!)
There was great anticipation as the Casuarina first grade took the field to take on Lismore.
The Casuarina team were well focused and prepared for a bruising encounter. In the the early exchanges Casuarina came out with all guns firing and were prepared to take on the large Lismore pack, who had completely dominated them in their first round encounter.
The Casuarina forwards rallied early and showed plenty of go forward which enabled half back Webb Lillis to cross over in the 7th minute to have Lismore reeling 7 – 0. The Casuarina forwards grew in confidence and provided the platform for the backs to spread the ball wide and make numerous inroads into the Lismore defence.
This combined with some very astute kicking allowed the Casuarina team to totally dominate field position in the first half.
Casuarina capitalised on this dominance to rattle up three more first half tries to Vitori Buatava, Adam Parlby and Chris Luxton. This resulted in the Casuarina team going into half time with a commanding 28 – 3 lead.
The Casuarina team, in particular the forwards, put on their best performance of the season to run out very deserving winners 35 – 15. The result reflects the tenacity and growing confidence of the team. Best for Casuarina was the hard-working lock, Jack Pick closely followed by number 8 Chris Luxton and Hooker Dan Heritage.
Next week the Casuarina team travel to Ballina. Casuarina will then play Bangalow at home on July 8, kick off at 3.15pm.
Come along and support your local rugby team.