Rays get the points

THE Sunshine Coast Stingrays returned to the winners' list yesterday, accounting for Premier Rugby cellar-dweller Wests 41-29.

THE Sunshine Coast Stingrays returned to the winners' list yesterday, accounting for Premier Rugby cellar-dweller Wests 41-29.

It took 40 minutes for the Rays to kick into gear, however, after they trailed the 2010 wooden spooner 18-13 at the break.

Stingrays captain Gareth Clouston said it was an improved performance after last weekend's 50-27 loss to Easts, but more work was needed before the 2010 grand finalist faced Norths at Stockland Park next Saturday.

“It was a pretty tough match and they dominated the first half,” he said. “We came out in the second half and played good. We started to play like we want to play.

“We played better footy, stuck to the game plan and finished off some plays.

“In the first half we made silly errors, 50-50 passes and didn't hang on to the ball. Our defence was broken a few times too.

“It's something we have to look at but it's only early (in the season). We're a lot happier (than last week) but still not there yet.

“We finished really strong in the second half and that's the main thing.”

Trent Anderson, Tom Beattie and Mitch King crossed the line for the Rays and former Queensland Red Shane Drahm was solid at fly-half.

Drahm scored a try and landed two penalties, one field goal and a conversion for a personal tally of 16 points.

Norths were smashed 66-5 by Sunnybank yesterday.

Originally published as Rays get the points