Dragons brave but late Atunaisa try gives South Darwin a win

A LATE Abele Atunaisa try stole a 24-18 victory for South Darwin against a gallant Darwin Dragons at Rugby Park on Saturday

South Darwin’s Abele Atunaisa tackles Darwin Dragons’ Josh Hall during Round 9 of the NTRU Picture: Keri Megelus

A LATE Abele Atunaisa try stole a 24-18 victory for South Darwin against a gallant Darwin Dragons at Rugby Park on Saturday night in Round 9 of the NTRU.

When Tim O’Neill snatched the lead with 25 minutes to go through a barge-over effort, it looked as though Dragons would go on to collect their third victory of the season.

But, the Bunnies fought their way back through a special play from their Fijian star.

Atunaisa burst on to the ball with pace from 30 metres out, storming his way through three would-be Dragons tacklers to coast over the line and ensure a sixth-consecutive win for the Rabbitohs.

Souths boss Brad Hunt said he was immensely proud of the way his side found spirit to snatch the win.

“It was character building. I’d rather see the effort and commitment in a hard-fought win like that rather than a 50-point win, hi-fiving thinking that you are the best (like the Rabbitohs’ 55-3 victory over University in Round 8),” Hunt said.

“Dragons are a strong club too. They have a lot of physicality around their forwards especially.

They served it up to us and we matched them. For the effort they put in, I couldn’t fault them, I’m really proud. That’s the type of commitment that will take us further than where we have ended up in the past.”

South Darwin Rabbitohs and Darwin Dragons engage into a scrum during Round 9 of the NTRU. Picture: Keri Megelus

The first 30 minutes was a grind for field position, with neither side able to cross the line. Dragons scored first through winger Ben Sipos who crashed over next to the corner post.

Souths hit straight back through tries to Gordon Pirrett and Tom Hiramatsu, handing them a four-point lead at the break.

Dragons coach Puru Westrupp said he was happy with his side’s commitment following a poor 38-19 loss to Casuarina in Round 8.

“We were really disappointed with our effort last week. We concentrated on getting our attitude right and we pointed to our warm-up,” he said.

“Our warm-up was better and when we hit the field it was spot on. But we were very disappointed not to win.

“With a minute to go, attacking the line, if we had our time over we probably would have done things a bit differently, but we didn’t lose because of that single play.”

In other fixtures, University bounced back from a humiliating defeat against Souths to break Palmerston’s unbeaten record in stunning fashion 23-22.

Meanwhile, Casuarina skipped to a second-straight victory with a 26-8 triumph over Swampdogs.