South Darwin secures spot in grand final with win over Casuarina

A STEFANO Cakau hat-trick of tries last night helped South Darwin book their place in Darwin Rugby’s grand final, as they beat Casuarina 34-18 at Rugby Park

A STEFANO Cakau hat-trick of tries last night helped South Darwin book their place in Darwin Rugby’s grand final, as they beat Casuarina 34-18 at Rugby Park.

The Rabbitohs got off to a perfect start within the first five minutes of the match. A shift to the right found outside centre Cakau, who got on the outside of his marker to stroll over for the first points of the night.

South Darwin player Setefeno Cakau strides out down the field. PICTURE: Ivan Rachman

Shortly after, Souths kicked a penalty goal from 35 metres to take them eight points in front.

The Cougars hit back with a penalty goal of their own shortly after but a converted try to Cakau extended the Bunnies’ lead. The Fijian flyer once again used his pace and agility to slice through the Casuarina defence and score underneath the uprights.

The game was completely centred on Cakau, who again broke the line from within his own half. This time he was able to draw and pass the Cougars fullback and Jake Ranger went in for another try.

The Cougars responded with another penalty goal just before half time to take the score to 24-6.

Casuarina fought hard to get back into the contest after the teams returned from the sheds.

Cougars flyhalf Jason Lim tried a beautiful chip and chase, which he regathered and kicked again, but the ball just beat him over the touch line and his effort went unrewarded.

Casuarina finally got over the line through the form of hooker Josh Phillips who barged over from short range. The unconverted try took the score to 27-11 with 15 minutes to play.

The Cougars scored again only seven minutes later when Jye Albert forced his way over the stripe. The try was converted to cut Souths’ lead to nine with eight minutes remaining.

However, the comeback was short-lived. Ranger busted through a hole for Souths and found Cakau, who crashed over for his hat-trick.

Next weekend Palmerston will play Casuarina in the preliminary final, after they overcame the Dragons 32-19.