Mounties get edge over Cabramatta in Ron Massey Cup first round clash
AN EXTENSIVE and gruelling pre-season focus on fitness gave Mounties the edge over Cabramatta in the rugby league season opener.
Fairfield
Don't miss out on the headlines from Fairfield. Followed categories will be added to My News.
MOUNTIES battled cross-town league rivals Cabramatta in the season openers of the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield on Saturday.
Mounties team manager Steve Litvenski said the club’s dominance came down to gruelling pre-season training that started in November
Litvenski said Cabramatta put up a good fight, but Mounties fitness gave them the edge, and the points.
Mounties defeated Cabramatta 10-20 in the Ron Massey Cup match at New Era Stadium.
“They were a pretty strong team, and held tight until the back end when we were the fitter team,” he said.
“Rusty Bristo and Michael Morris were the two standout players who just did everything right — they were the true competitors of the game in both their defence and their tries.”
Mounties were first to get on the scoreboard in the seventh minute but Cabramatta levelled at the 15-minute mark to take the scoreline to 6-6.
At halftime Mounties led by a try and a conversion, heading into the changerooms with a 12-6 buffer.
The teams came out strong in the second half but Mounties increased their lead with a penalty kick in the 53rd minute. They consolidated for the final 20-10 win.
Mounties’ winning streak was almost cut short in the Sydney Shield game when Cabramatta led the first half.
Mounties had levelled the scores 10-10 by the halftime siren, then continued to dominate into the back end for a strong 36-10 victory.
Litvenski said Mounties were hoping their home game advantage would keep their wins coming this weekend, but they remained on alert and mindful of Western Suburbs’ hunger for a win after two losses last weekend.
“Western Suburbs were a leading side last season and after their losses last weekend, we’re wary of them when they come out onto the field this weekend,” Litvenski said.
Mounties will take on Western Suburb Magpies in the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield from 11.15am on Saturday at Aubrey Keech Reserve, Hinchinbrook.
REPLAY: Champs humbled as Central Coast explodes out of blocks
This wasn’t just an upset, it was an NRL Schoolboys masterclass as Central Coast Sports College turn in a performance to down Westfields that will linger long in the memory. Relive all the action.
Revealed: Players you need to watch at National Netball Championships
Future Diamonds will shine on the court at the National Netball Championships. Find out which players you should be keeping an eye on during the week-long tournament.