WRFL: North Sunshine moving forward despite 281-point loss

Despite going down by 281 points, North Sunshine has been hailed for its “unbelievable effort” to make the start line in round 1 as some players doubled up to ensure two games were played.

North Sunshine wasn’t worried about the scoreboard on Saturday.

Despite being on the end of a 42.36 (288) to 1.1 (7) thumping at the hands of the Suns in Division 3 of the WRFL, it was a win for the Roadrunners to have even taken to the field.

Meanwhile in the reserves, the Suns rant out 14.16 (100) to 6.2 (38) winners.

Even when it came to selection on Thursday night, the club wasn’t sure whether it was going to be able to field a senior side — let alone have a reserves side as well.

Twelve players — who are all senior starters — were unavailable due to Ramadan.

But the Roadrunners rallied to ensure two games would be played at Dempster Park in the opening round of the 2022 season.

It meant “a few boys” played in both games.

Seven players were selected to play the first senior games of their career.

Despite the scoreboard, new senior coach Andrew Scimone said he couldn’t have been prouder of how his club came together.

“I couldn’t be happier with how much effort the boys showed,” he said on Sunday afternoon.

“It was fantastic to have two sides out on the park so our supporters could enjoy the day. It was an unbelievable effort from those guys who played two games on a warm day.

“Our tackling pressure and effort was fantastic all day. I couldn’t fault anyone.”

Andrew Scimone led North Sunshine's senior side for the first time. Photo: Facebook.

On a day where the Suns flexed their muscle, Scimone took the small positives from the result.

Most notably, the third term where the visitors were held to six goals — the lowest of any quarter.

“Some guys are still learning and that’s OK because we’re a young group,” he said.

“The Suns are a well drilled side and I said to my guys that’s where we want to get in three to five years. We never dropped our heads throughout the four quarters.

“The game was played in great spirits. Of course, the scoreboard wasn’t great but that wasn’t the story of our day.”

The Roadrunners will now have a bye in round — meaning a two-week break — before returning to action against Tarneit in round 3.

“It would be fantastic if we can get a few guys back,” Scimone said.

“There’s some talk it will be a night game which means we will have more players available. Then, we can show off what we’re about.

“Everyone at the club knows it’s tough at the moment but Saturday was another small step forward for us.”

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