University Pirates’ young debutant scores hat-trick in his side’s win over Casuarina Cougars

A HAT-TRICK of tries for debutant Stylianos Vrontos saw University Pirates charge into the Darwin A-grade rugby union season with a 38-7 win over Casuarina Cougars.

Isaac Taulelei had a big game in the centres for University Pirates. Picture: Glenn Campbell

A HAT-TRICK of tries for debutant Stylianos Vrontos saw University Pirates charge into the Darwin A-grade rugby union season with a 38-7 win over Casuarina Cougars.

The 18-year-old Vrontos seized his opportunity from the start, scoring off a chip from player-coach Robbie Butcher benefiting from the Cougars letting the ball bounce.

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McKenzie Fairfax was the next to benefit from a Pirates’ line break sliding over with the ball after a period of pressure from his side with Isaac Taulelei and Eli Taulelei, also on debut, combining in the centres.

Cougars came into the scoring soon after with Trey Crowley scoring a try off and topping it off with a conversion but the 2020 dry season finalists didn’t find another score.

Vrontos scored the next two tries, taking his opportunities whenever the ball came his way to complete the hat-trick before halftime.

Scores for Robbie Butcher and Thomas Carnavas saw the Pirates only cement their victory while dropped balls spoiled chances for the Cougars.

Vrontos was delighted with his debut performance making sure to credit his side for their support play with Ben Parkes, Zak Mott, Daniel Lamble and Gordon Meggs all crucial up front.

“Felt great to win out there with the boys, it was a bit of a nervous one as our first game but great to be out there,” Vrontos said.

“It was a pretty amazing feeling to score those three tries on my debut. The boys helped me out a lot on those scores and it felt really good to get those scores in return.”

Butcher was also pleased with the work of his young contingent noting that their enthusiasm was boosting the motivation of his side’s older players.

“It’s a good start for us just to get out there and get through it without any niggles and seeing some guys come of age,” he said.

“(For Vrontos) to score three tries is always a good showing but to score them all in the first half and on debut, and going close to another couple, he did all that we could ask of him.

“The enthusiasm keeps us all old boys on our toes and keeps us going. We just keep going from here and lock in our structure while building our fitness.”

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Meanwhile Darwin Dragons managed two wins from two games with a 31-19 win over South Darwin.