Wasp Storm
Round six of the Pilbara Rugby League saw the Karratha Storm host the Wickham Wasps.
Due to goal post issues at Tambrey Oval, Storms home ground, the game had to be re-located to Bulgarra Oval at late notice.
Wasps got off to a strong start, putting the first try on the board after Mikolaj Cherrington darted out of dummy half catching the Storm by surprise.
Storm quickly hit back and for much of the first half both teams were swapping tries, due to lazy goal line defence.
Wasps managed to score back to back tries and then hold out the Storm attack to be eight points up going into the break.
The second half was an arm-wrestle early, with both forward packs trying to gain the upper hand.
As a result there were some big hits and some fiery confrontations that threatened to boil over.
To both sides credit, they remained disciplined and nothing progressed further than a push and shove.
Defence was strong and it took a well-placed kick from half back Luke Walker, which was swooped on by Mananui Tito to break the dead lock.
From then on the Wasps controlled the game through their solid goal line defence, allowing the Storm to only cross once in the second half out wide.
The game was secured for the Wasps when Willie Live burst on to a short ball close to the line and crashed over for his second try of the match.
Storm was far from disgraced with many strong performances from their players.
Tim Tupou from the Storm commented, “We are the new side in the competition and expectations were high after winning both the 7’s and the Pre-season comp earlier this season.
“We still have a long way to go but we are confident that we will figure in the finals.
“Thank you to all our helpers and sponsors.”
Best players for the Storm were Rawiri Thompson, Chad Nepia and K. Ripia.
The Wasps were lead from the front by captain Junior Tuliau, with Willie Live and Mikolaj Cherrington also having strong games.
Unfortunately the other game for the round did not take place as the Broncos were unable to travel to Hedland, giving the ladder leaders, Hawks, the points by forfeit.
Next Saturday sees the both games played in Karratha.
The Hawks take on the Roosters at Millars Well oval and the Broncos host the Storm at Bulgarra.
It will be hard to pick a winner from both these matches as the competition heads in to the business end of the season.
Tags: Echo, Karratha, Karratha Storm, News, Pilbara, pilbaranews, Rugby, Wickham Wasps
