Lalor Park Kookas beat Wenty Magpies 24-22 in Parramatta A-grade competition

LALOR PARK Kookas celebrated their reintroduction in an A-grade competition with a gritty 24-22 win against heavyweights Wenty Magpies on Sunday.

Lui Broomhall takes on the Wenty defence.

• LSS swimmer Alexander Clarence
• Lalor Park’s star baseballer

LALOR PARK Kookas celebrated their reintroduction in an A-grade competition with a gritty 24-22 win against heavyweights Wenty Magpies on Sunday.

“It was a very, very close encounter, like an arm wrestle,’’ co-coach Steve Overton said of the Parramatta District Junior Rugby League fixture at Cavanagh Reserve, Lalor Park.

Kookas player Bowen Ryan prepares to burst through the Wenty defence.

The Kookas were buoyed by beating the premiers and converting two tries from the sideline courtesy of Damien Bell’s boot.

The players’ player gong went to hooker Brendon Dargin and man of the match was front-rower Gavin McInnes.

Andrew Scarcella gets locked in a tackle.

“The boys lifted to a big crowd,’’ Overton said.

“We know we were up against the best but the boys had bravery and courage.

“We’ve got a long way to go but it’s a good start to the comp.’’

Kookas Fotuaika Havea is unstoppable.

Former Parramatta player Mick Delroy and ex-Penrith and Cronulla player Rob Jackson turned out to support their former club in front of a parochial crowd.

Seaun Stanley offloads the ball.

Lalor Park’s defence ensured a win against Wenty.

“It (rugby league) goes back a long way,’’ Overton said.

“The people bleed the game. They’re very passionate and they all turn up to watch the game. It’s a passionate little area.’’

The players’ ages range from 19 to 47.

“This is a brand new team,’’ Overton said.

“We’re trying to get a new culture. They had to learn to know each other’s names and all the boys know each other. We’re getting a brotherhood going on.’’

The Kookas will travel to The Hills to take on the Bulls on Sunday at 3pm.