IT was a match 20 years in the making and the fans were out in force to see this Group Seven Rugby League rivalry rekindled.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Wreck Bay United and the Crookhaven Magpies clashed at Francis Ryan Reserve on Saturday, marking the first time the two sides had locked horns in almost 20 years.
Wreck Bay Bears ended up winning this third-grade match 28-10 but the fans from both clubs would have gone home happy.
The teams, in front of one of the biggest crowds ever for a lower grade match at Francis Ryan, produced a great match.
Fittingly Bears’ captain/coach Michael Blattner and Group Seven veteran took the first hit up of the match and the Magpies gave him a nice and strong reception.
Crookhaven also enjoyed the early advantage and when hooker Jayden Wallace went over to score right under the posts and the Magpies had a near perfect start to the contest.
The Bears rallied and soon had a try of their own when hard-running centre Leigh Ardler scored.
The Bears, at halftime, held a 16-10 lead and managed to keep the Magpies scoreless in the second term.
It was a great way to end the area’s wonderful NAIDOC Week celebrations.
