Palmerston Crocs handle slippery conditions better to get the win over University Pirates

PALMERSTON Crocs found their feet early on in a rain-soaked game to beat University Pirates 32-13 in Round 10 of the A-grade Darwin Rugby Union competition at University Oval.

Palmerston Crocs’ Alex Tuilau on the charge. Picture: Rosalind Lavercombe

PALMERSTON Crocs found their feet early on in a rain-soaked game to beat University Pirates 32-13 in Round 10 of the A-grade Darwin Rugby Union competition at University Oval.

In a wet first half it was the Crocs who brought the early intensity with their strong forwards pushing up the field and making hard hits in defence.

A particularly tough tackle from flanker Clancy Needham set the tone for how the Crocs were hoping to play, setting up an early chance within range.

However, hungry for a big score, the Crocs opted for a lineout instead losing the ball after, but it was a judgment they quickly learned later from, Nathan Dixon giving the side the early lead.

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Pirates fought back with wing Stylianos Vrontos threatening to score the opening try, but it wasn’t to be.

Instead that went to Palmerston with a line-breaking run from Alex Tuilau giving scrum-half Ben Drayton the chance to score his first A-grade try, and the boot of Dixon sealed the extras to put Crocs in command.

“It’s a great feeling to get the win getting around the boys, with a few leaving and a few playing their first games of the season,” Drayton told the Sunday Territorian.

“Our forwards were phenomenal out there killing it at every breakdown, every ruck and every chance they got, and really dominated them out there.

“We started out really hard in the first half and then slacked off a bit in the second, and they got a sniff back in because they’re a quality side.

“It was pretty special to get that first try.

“When I got that ball back it felt like I was running in sand going so slow.

“I could hear footsteps coming behind me and thought I would get caught, and because it was wet I dived from five metres out to slide over just to make sure I had it.”

University found its way in the second half with a big run from Vrontos allowing his opposite wing Shawn O’Bree a try.

Vrontos would take one of his own soon after, and despite a couple of missed conversions from Robbie Butcher the Pirates were back in the contest.

The hosts piled on the pressure but the slippy ball and penalties against them would see them unable to score a third try. Instead, Crocs with an energy booster from their bench, found themselves back on the front foot seeing Damien Vagg over for the final try of the game.

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Meanwhile, South Darwin continued its winning run with a 32-13 victory over Casuarina Cougars.

Jone Vakacegu and Nasoni Rokobiau found themselves with two tries each as the side continued its climb up the ladder.