Steamers Trial v Canberra Royals AIS 9 March see Blog
Steamers v Temora Tuskers 13 April 2013
Scott Meakins on debut
The Albury Steamers kicked off their challenge for the 2013 SIRU Premiership Flag with a 34 - 18 win against the Temora Tuskers at Temora on Saturday.
As expected the the improving Tuskers playing at home proved a stern test for the Albury side. When the scores were locked up 13 all at half time it seemed that an upset may be on the cards.
Albury Captain NAthan Bright was happy with the way his side, with a number of debutantes, responded to the challenge posed by the Temora XV. Nathan was encouraged by the way the Steamers were able to assess their situation and raise the intensity in the second period sticking at their task until eventually the Tuskers were unable to go with their opponents and the visitors piled on 3 unanswered tries to lead 34 -13 with full time approaching. The Tuskers got a late try to make the final score 34 - 18 but were unable to meet the challenge laid down by the Steamers in the second period.
The Steamers scrum was dominant but they struggled to get their lineout working and that meant they could not mount effective attacks from this platform. Louie Levett continued with the fine form that he showed last year and was the best on field for the Steamers. Richard Manion and newcomer Sam Mullaney were also among the Steamers best and picked up best and fairest points in the season opener.
Both Bright and Assistant Coach Dave Stuart thought the Steamers performance was solid but left plenty of room for improvement. The same fixture last year, played at Murrayfield, yielded a 35 - 19 win to the Steamers and was also reported as being a "rusty" performance. Hopefully with their first game under their belt the Albury side will be able to hone their game so that they will again be able to mount a serious challenge for the 2013 SIRU Premiership Flag.
Getting a win up with a bonus point in their first game is a pretty good way to launch that challenge.
The Steamers Reserves recorded a 17 - 8 win to cap off a good start for the 2013 season.
Next week the Steamers host the newly admitted Deniliquen side for a Reserve Grade only fixture at Murrayfield.
As expected the the improving Tuskers playing at home proved a stern test for the Albury side. When the scores were locked up 13 all at half time it seemed that an upset may be on the cards.
Albury Captain NAthan Bright was happy with the way his side, with a number of debutantes, responded to the challenge posed by the Temora XV. Nathan was encouraged by the way the Steamers were able to assess their situation and raise the intensity in the second period sticking at their task until eventually the Tuskers were unable to go with their opponents and the visitors piled on 3 unanswered tries to lead 34 -13 with full time approaching. The Tuskers got a late try to make the final score 34 - 18 but were unable to meet the challenge laid down by the Steamers in the second period.
The Steamers scrum was dominant but they struggled to get their lineout working and that meant they could not mount effective attacks from this platform. Louie Levett continued with the fine form that he showed last year and was the best on field for the Steamers. Richard Manion and newcomer Sam Mullaney were also among the Steamers best and picked up best and fairest points in the season opener.
Both Bright and Assistant Coach Dave Stuart thought the Steamers performance was solid but left plenty of room for improvement. The same fixture last year, played at Murrayfield, yielded a 35 - 19 win to the Steamers and was also reported as being a "rusty" performance. Hopefully with their first game under their belt the Albury side will be able to hone their game so that they will again be able to mount a serious challenge for the 2013 SIRU Premiership Flag.
Getting a win up with a bonus point in their first game is a pretty good way to launch that challenge.
The Steamers Reserves recorded a 17 - 8 win to cap off a good start for the 2013 season.
Next week the Steamers host the newly admitted Deniliquen side for a Reserve Grade only fixture at Murrayfield.