Covid drama leads to sensational withdrawal of Wynnum Bugs at Masters 10 rugby union tournament, before Fijian Redwing displays flair to finish in first spot

BRILLIANT tries, Fijian flair and the stunning withdrawal of a visiting Brisbane team due to snap COVID-19 tests dominated day two of the Heineken-Friends Of Rugby Masters 10s.

Casuarina Old Boys’ Shane Crowley looks for support against Redwing in the final of the 2021 Darwin Masters 10s Rugby Union tournament at Rugby Park, Marrara. Picture: Glenn Campbell

BRILLIANT tries, Fijian flair and the stunning withdrawal of a visiting Brisbane team due to snap COVID-19 tests dominated day two of the Heineken-Friends Of Rugby Masters 10s.

The Fijian Redwing side won the Men’s Division 1 final and $8000 in spectacular fashion, running in four tries on the way to a 31-7 win over the Cougar Old Boys.

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But the main talking point was the shock COVID-19 testing and automatic withdrawal from the tournament of Wynnum Bugs.

The 31-strong squad was required for testing after the latest outbreak in Brisbane in which a 26-year-old man from the bayside suburb of Stafford tested positive to the highly-infectious UK strain on Thursday.

It meant the in-form Wynnum side could not participate on day two of the Masters. The test results were not known when the NT News went to print last night.

Masters co-ordinator Bruce Kennon said the unfortunate turn of events had upset everyone at the tournament.

“The Wynnum sides (Division 1 and 2 men) played some very good rugby on the first day and many people were tipping them to get over Redwing in the final,” Kennon said.

“It’s a disappointing situation for everyone involved and sadly it’s a common occurrence with this pandemic being all over the place.”

Redwing’s Wise Sekitoga in clear space against Casuarina Old Boys during the final of the 2021 Darwin Masters 10s Rugby Union tournament at Rugby Park, Marrara. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The Redwing side showed its class with the big win over Cougars.

Darwin rugby union identity Wise Sekitoga said his side’s class and speed out wide had been the difference between the two teams.

“The Cougars are a very good side, but even with most of our players aged in the mid-40s we were able to get over them in the heat,’’ he said.

Darwin Dragons women were too strong for Swampies in the final, winning 27-0.

Uni Pirates won the third-place playoff in the Open Women grade, beating deaf side Quiet Ragers 22-0.

The three Ilett brothers got their hands around a $2000 cheque as third-place finishers in Men’s Division 1 when the Jabiru Bushratz beat Sydney Nadi Oldies 21-7.