THE Warilla Lake-South Gorillas secured their second victory at home in 2017 as they out-muscled a tough Albion Park-Oak Flats Eagles side by 36-16 at Cec Glenhomes oval on Sunday.
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In a hard hitting and fiery game of rugby league, the Warilla Lake-South Gorillas were led by their outstanding forward pack that were tremendous in defence and showed amazing skill and diversity in attack.
A gutsy Eagles side were highly competitive and had scores locked up halfway through the first period.
Despite giving it their all, the Gorillas proved to be too strong in all areas of the game.
Before the match commenced, a minute silence was held in memory of Ken Tough who was a life member and long time servant of the Gorillas rugby league club.
The Warilla Lake-South Gorillas club also held a special 20 year reunion for the 1997 Warilla first grade premiership winning side.
Aaron Henry and his men made perfect use of great field position early, as Nick King offloaded to fullback Chad Lisch to score the opening four pointer.
The Gorillas led 4-nil.
The Eagles hit back in fine style as Aaron Merrick pounced on a nicely waited grubber kick from Scott Austin, as Merrick converted to give his side a two point buffer.
Warilla front rowers Jake Davidson and Andrew Diomei combined for an excellent converted try from close proximity.
The Gorillas led 10-6.
The Eagles squared the match up, as a pitch perfect left side attacking play allowed for a Callum Azzopardi try.
The scores were tied at 10-all.
The Gorillas turned it up a notch as a hard working Tyson Brown and Chad Lisch secured his double as the Gorillas went into the break leading 22-10.
The Eagles posted a late try through a miraculous close range converted effort from Lewis Hazelton but the Gorillas forward pack prevented any possible Eagles comeback, as a hard running Aaron Henry and a terrific 40 metre right side exchange allowed for Aaron Saltana to put the icing on the cake.
Emmauel Saltana slotted two goals which secured the full time score 36-16.
Jake Davidson, Tyson Brown, Andrew Diomei, Nick King and Ben Cotter were outstanding for the Gorillas while Simon Harris, Jack Scurr, Scott Morgan and Chris Rowles fought hard for the Eagles.