Rustlers wrangle a win

IN a tight game right to the full-time siren, the Rustlers have firmly cemented themselves at the top of the Central Western rugby union table.

Trailing by one point and in the dying minutes, Rustler interchange Ross Tindall latched onto the ball after a quick pass from second-rower John Tully, to cross over the line and claim the win from a much improved Jumbucks team, 17-13.

"The Rustlers showed a lot of fortitude and didn’t give up," coach Rod Ross said.

"After a Jumbuck penalty, they spun the ball out wide, put it through a few quick hands to Tindall to make the try. It was a risky thing to do, but they saw the gap and took it.
"I am disappointed for the Jumbucks, they were a hell of a lot better last weekend, but I’m really impressed with the Rustlers. They played the full 70 minutes of the game and they were rewarded for their efforts."

While Ross was impressed with the Rustler’s game plan, he admitted the team needed to work on their discipline.

It was a heated game and plenty of obscenities were directed at referee Stirling MacDonald from the frustrated Rustlers pack.

"I think Stirling had a great game and in some respects we were lucky to walk away with the win.
"The team’s discipline was poor and on occasion they just didn’t accept the ref’s decision, which doesn’t help the team in any situation.
"We will be working on it at training."

With only five weeks of competition remaining in the season, the Rustlers lead the points table on 12, followed by Ilfracombe on nine, Barcaldine on six and Jumbucks on one.

"The competition is alive and well.

"Plenty of tight games are being played; it is not like sides are winning by 20 points.
"With only a handful of games to go, anyone can challenge for the premiership."

In the other game of the round, the Ilfracombe Titans managed a convincing win over the Barcaldine Boars, 19-5.

"It was a good game," Titans coach Andrew King said.

"I was impressed with players like half-back Wally Cooper, who led from the front and produced some darting runs, breakaway Louie Dodgson who performed well in the rucks and mauls, and Matt Nunn who took the ball up in both the lock and prop positions.
"In this round the Titans seemed to have more control of the ball and more go-forward, however their defence is still a bit scratchy."

Ahead of tomorrow’s clash with the Jumbucks, Mr King will look at the team’s commitment and focus on the field.

"Tomorrow’s game against the Jumbucks will be tight. Out of all the teams, the Jumbucks are the most improved. They are playing the full 70 minutes of rugby, which is something we will have to be careful of."