Souths claim NTRU title with impressive grand final win over Casuarina

SOUTH Darwin claimed its sixth NTRU first grade premiership at Marrara last night with a 29-14 victory over Casuarina despite being handed four yellow cards

South Darwin Rabbitohs, winners of the 2018 NTRU Grand Final. Pic Glenn Campbell

SOUTH Darwin claimed its sixth NTRU first grade premiership at Marrara last night with a 29-14 victory over Casuarina despite being handed four yellow cards.

It was an incredible defensive performance from the Rabbitohs, who were duly rewarded for a dominant 2018 season in which they lost only two matches.

Souths were forced to defend their line for long periods due to a 15-7 penalty count against them, but a 14-0 lead inside 12 minutes put them in prime position to do so.

Man of the match Rawiri Wilson and Jake Rainger crossed early, but what followed was continuous pressure.

Rainger and Billy Burn were sent to the sin bin in the first half while Robert Narvaiz and Tom Hiramatsu saw yellow in the second period.

Notwithstanding, Casuarina couldn’t break the Bunnies’ defensive wall. Wave after wave of Cougars’ attack was halted, and ultimately, that proved the difference.

“When it comes to standing in line and putting their bodies in front, there is no hesitation,” Bunnies boss Brad Hunt told the Sunday Territorian.

“To a man, they all do a job and get down low. That’s what won us this game.

“(Casuarina) had enough ball to win three football matches, with four guys in the bin at various stages and they couldn’t crack us. So, full credit to these guys, they are a good bunch of young men and it’s a special moment for them, I hope they enjoy it.”

The Rabbits extended their lead to 19-0, 10 minutes into the second half, through a Chris O’Leary try from a rolling maul.

Casuarina hit straight back thanks to a five-pointer to skipper Bobby Nurse, but from that point, Souths closed the game out with class.

Cougars boss Joe Albert said errors in attacking positions ultimately cost his side.

“Completions hurt us in the end,” Albert said.

“But I’m proud of the boys and the way we went about it.

“We were probably a bit nervous in finishing off.

“Definitely the boys created opportunities to take the game, but the finishing off hurt us in the end.”

Casuarina claimed the reserve grade title with a 24-17 victory over Palmerston.