‘Kick up the butt’: Nerang claim key ahead of top-of-table clash, GCDRU coaches reveal all from round 4

A top-of-table clash and 22-point victory has resulted in a shuffle on the GCDRU 1st grade ladder after four rounds. With a preliminary final rematch scheduled for this weekend, we dive into the round just passed to hear what the coaches really think. Full story inside:

PBC Allygators vs. Colleges Knights. Jordan Maher. 20April 2024 Currumbin Picture by Richard Gosling

A top-of-table clash and 22-point victory has resulted in a shuffle on the GCDRU 1st grade ladder after four rounds.

While the reigning premier Knights remain atop the food chain, the Helensvale Hogs have slipped to fifth, the second-placed spot replaced by the Nerang Bulls and followed closely by Surfers Paradise in third.

In a turn of events, 2023 wooden spooners (Gold Coast Eagles) have found themselves in fourth spot with two wins and one loss.

With a preliminary final rematch scheduled for this weekend, we dive into the round just passed to hear what the coaches really think.

Who stood out? What made all the difference? And possibly, what went wrong?

PBC Alleygators vs. Colleges Knights. Jordan Maher. 20April 2024 Currumbin Picture by Richard Gosling

Helensvale Hogs v Colleges Knights

Helensvale’s reign has come to an end at the hands of the Knights, who succeeded 29-35 on Hogs soil.

Head coach Shaun Cole said it was a great win with all things – injured players and pressure – considered

“We lost our fly half to foul play early in the game,” he said.

“Jason Beeton had to step into an unfamiliar position and to his credit did a fantastic job guiding us around.

For that reason, Beeton was awarded Man of the Match, while Cam Dodd stepped up with a late try to get the Knights home.

“He was battling a flu so did awesome to battle through that for the team,” Cole said.

GCDRU round 2. Helensvale vs. Coomera.1st Grade. Joshua Bukowski scoring.13 April 2024 Helensvale Picture by Richard Gosling

Nerang Bulls v Bond Pirates

An early try from the Pirates was all it took to ignite the Bulls into overdrive, head coach Te Ari Mahuri describing it as a defining moment before their 41-19 win.

“That was the kick up the butt we needed for us to start playing.

“We were waiting for something to spark and that’s what was needed,” he said.

Gold Coast District Rugby Union clash between Griffith Uni Colleges Knights and Nerang Bulls. Knights Player No10 Rylee Stewart Bulls Player No14 Logan watene Pic Mike Batterham

Inside centre Cam Butler earned the status of Best on Ground for his side, scoring the Bulls’ seventh and final try of the day.

“We were down to five backs at one stage and he just took it upon himself to steer the team around and kept his composure.”

“(He was) solid on both attack and defence and just led everything.”

Mahuri gave credit to the Pirates for sticking a hard-fought game to his boys, the rivals only dropping off towards the end of their contest.

“Always a good feeling getting a win, regardless of it being by 40 points or one point.
“Especially being down to 13 men for most of the game,” he said.

Surfers Paradise Dolphins v Coomera Crushers

GCDRU round 2. Helensvale vs. Coomera.1st Grade. 13 April 2024 Helensvale Picture by Richard Gosling

The Dolphins bounced back from a single-point loss to the Bulls in round 3 and asserted their dominance over a struggling Crushers line-up, victorious 35-0. Patrick Barlow, Bailey Bocock, Isaac Ngauamo and Name Witheld found the line, as Connor Leather converted two (Barlow converted the third). Leather additionally took three successful penalty conversions.

Palm Beach Currumbin v Gold Coast Eagles

A jinx appears to be looming over PBC, with the side yet to score a try this season – in fact, the Gators are yet to score more (or less) than three points. This week it was the Eagles who came out on top 17-3.

“We always knew our return to 1st grade would be tough,” Rugby Coordinator Ryan Roberts said.

“The last few games we’ve started off well and still being within a single score at half time each game.

“(We have) just faded at the back end of each game and are looking to improve our final 30 mins against the opposition moving forwards.”

PBC Alleygators vs. Colleges Knights. 20April 2024 Currumbin Picture by Richard Gosling

In other grades, PBC have boasted mixed results including a 2-1 win-loss record in 3rd grade.

“This year we’ve taken a big focus of promoting our youth within the club into Senior Rugby, and with 35 new senior players to the Gators in 2024, the great thing so far is seeing the younger lads not taking a backward step and really showing the hall marks of previous Gator teams,” Roberts said.

“Our 3rd grade will continue to get better each week also (2 wins from 3 games) and they’ll be pushing the 1st Grade players for selection moving forwards.

“The transition for a lot of our players is both the high standard in 1st grade and the way the opposition so far have played for the full 80 mins.”

 PBC’s Player of the Match was given to 47yr old tight head prop Roger Bush. It’s Bush’s first year as a Gator, and he’s already proven his commitment and passion to the club each week, putting his hand up to play where ever needed. It was his birthday over the weekend, which the side celebrated in spirit.

“We sang him happy birthday after the game and I think that eased his aches and pains,” Roberts said.