Seagulls too strong for Casino
Ballina Seagulls warmed up for the Retravision Northern League semi-finals with a crushing 50-0 win over Casino RSM Cougars in the final round of the season at Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina, today.
Despite the ease of the win, it wasn’t all plain sailing for the Seagulls. They went into the match with a reshuffed line-up after the late withdrawal of halfback Willie Hammond, and lost star second-rower Ed Killingbeck with a leg injury in the first half.
The Cougars really put it to Ballina in the first half and had much the better of play for the first 25 minutes. It was only stout defence that kept them from scoring.
Two tries late in the first half saw Ballina lead 12-0 at half-time.
After the break it was one-way traffic as Ballina piled on 38 unanswered points.
Centre Brenton Cochrane was a star, crossing for three tries. He also mowed down a Cougars player in the first half after an intercept which looked certain to result in a Casino try. It was a crucial play, with Casino on top at the time.
Ballina’s final standings and semi-final opponent will not be known until after Sunday’s games. However, the worst Ballina can finish is third.
BALLINA 50 (Brenton Cochrane 3, Justin Bolt 2, Andrew Battese, Jamie Quinn, Ben Crawford, Paul King tries; Andrew Battese 7 goals) d CASINO RSM 0.
Reserve grade: BALLINA 36 d CASINO RSM 0.
Under-18s: BALLINA 24 d CASINO RSM 4.
