University Pirates dominate Palmerston, while Casuarina Cougars come from behind to beat Souths

DOMINANT set pieces allowed the University Pirates backs plenty of time to run with the ball in their dominant 43-12 win over Palmerston Crocs, while Casuarina came from behind to beat South Darwin

Player-coach Robbie Butcher was proud of his side’s win over Palmerston Crocs. Picture: Che Chorley

DOMINANT set pieces allowed the University Pirates backs plenty of time to run with the ball in their dominant 43-12 win over Palmerston Crocs in Round 14 of the Darwin A-grade Rugby Union competition.

Pirates’ centre pairing of Jonah Wistrand and Isaac Taulelei set the side up with a strong base in the middle pushing their side on and taking opportunities when they came.

Dominance in the scrums and lineouts was also key for University with forward Wise Sekitoga who was busy all evening earning the first try for his side.

Captain Ben Parkes crossed the line twice for a score while McKenzie Fairfax, Joshua Hall and the ever dangerous ball runner Shaun Wauchope all managed tries of their own.

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Though Palmerston weren’t without their own bright moments scoring late in the first half through their ever consistent captain Jai Wyles-Kelly.

And number eight Clinton Chettle added another at the death to put his side into the double digits after some destructive ball carries in Pirates’ territory.

Player-coach Robbie Butcher was pleased with his side’s display of expansive footy off the back off strong set pieces.

“Good to get the win, we’re gaining momentum and it was good to turnaround after the loss we had to them at home a few weeks ago,” Butcher told the Sunday Territorian.

“It was good for the boys to get out there, stick to our structures and put some points on the board.

“I thought we were really good up front. Our set piece really stuck it to them and then we were able to throw it around when we needed to and play some exciting footy.

“We’re just building up to finals and with that our first aim is to get the win whether that’s from expansive footy as we’ve had the opportunity to play or otherwise.”

Meanwhile, Casuarina Cougars came from behind to beat South Darwin 18-17 in a game they were at one stage trailing 12-0.

Cougars captain Zach Phillips guided his kicking two penalty goals in the comeback while Oscar Churchwell and Simaika Salaa scored a try each for the winning side.

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Full back David Nichol scored two tries for South Darwin with Jarrad Lane the other Souths player to cross the white paint.