Isis Devils defeat Miriam Vale Magpies, 26-12, in second match of season

The Isis Devils started the season off strong, winning the first two games after a four year absence from the Local Rugby League Competition.

01/04/2023 - The Isis Devils have returned to senior rugby league competition after a four-year absence. Picture: Facebook

A HUGE crowd welcomed home the Isis Devils to Childers Showgrounds after a four-year absence from local rugby league competition and the team didn’t let them down, with a 26-12 win over the Miriam Vale Magpies.

The Devils were unable to field a senior side for the Bundaberg Rugby League season in 2019, forcing the Childers-based club to drop out of the competition.

Last week they returned to action with a first-round win in the Northern Districts Rugby League and backed up their 22-20 success over the South Kolan Sharks with the victory over the Magpies.

Leading 26-0 at halftime, the Devils withstood a second-half comeback from the visitors to complete the win.

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Coach Ian Kearton was impressed with the performance and was delighted to see such a big crowd at the “Furnace”.

“It was a real good win,” he said.

“We shot out of the blocks and got off to a great start.

“But they never gave up and gave it a good crack second half in what was a tough, physical game.

“It was fantastic to see such a great crowd for the return of senior football to Childers and we were happy to give them something to cheer about.”

Kearton picked out some key performers who helped the Devils keep up their unbeaten start to the BRL campaign.

01/04/2023 - Tom Jameson scored two tries for the Isis Devils. Picture: robertredfern.fotomerchant.com

Fullback Tom Jameson scored a try double and won the players’ player award for best on ground in the game.

“Tom was very safe at the back,” Kearton said.

“He was good vocally and was telling players where to go and what to do, which is what I like to see.

“He also took a towering bomb and ran about 80m to score a try and was roared on by the huge home support, which was great to see.”

01/04/2023 - Royce Blair scored his third try of the season against the Magpies. Picture: robertredfern.fotomerchant.com

Stalwart Royce Blair carried on his try-scoring form from last week with another touchdown.

“It was another solid performance from Royce,” Kearton said.

“He made plenty of line breaks and led from the front as usual.

“He leads by example and the rest of the boys just follow.”

Lock Jake Thompson was also among the try scorers for the Devils on his return to the club after playing for Past Brothers in the BRL.

“It’s good to have Jake back home,” Kearton said.

“He’s one of the crowd favourites and he put in a solid performance.”

Halfback Zac Zerafa was also singled out by coach Kearton.

“He directed our attack around magnificently,” he said.

“Zac was outstanding and it was a great performance.”

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Saturday’s other game in the NDRL between Gin Gin Hawks and South Kolan Sharks was not played due to an injury in the NDRL Women’s Tag League clash between the Devils and the Gin Gin Hawkettes.

NRDL chairperson Neil Redfern said although the injury turned out not to be serious, the safety of the player was paramount.

“There was a long wait as we made sure the player was OK,” he said.

“Both teams agreed to take a point each as the other game would not have started until too late.

“We thank both teams for doing that.”

In the women’s NDRL Tag League, the Marlins defeated the Avondale Tigresses 42-4 and the Gin Gin Hawkettes beat the Devils 34-4.

01/04/2023 - Jessica Galea from the Gin Gin WLT. Her blistering pace again rewarded her with three tries. Picture: robertredfern.fotomerchant.com

The NDRL will take a break for Easter, with round three resuming on April 15 when Avondale Tigers take on the Sharks, while the Hawks will play their first game of the season against the Devils.

Both games will be played at Gin Gin Sports Club.