RUGBY LEAGUE

THE Whitsunday Brahmans enjoyed a successful weekend on the field, winning all but one game against the visiting Moranbah Miners.

Clear skies set the scene on Saturday at Les Stagg Oval, with the weather just as relieving as the final results after the last two Whitsunday home games were cancelled due to large amounts of rain.

MASTERS

The day kicked off with another exciting game of masters' football, where plenty of new faces took part in a unique game of rugby league.

The newly enforced 'tin bin' was well utilized by all players, who were penalised for their indiscretions - some of which were purposely done so a refreshment could be enjoyed.

Man of the match went to Billy Boyd who turned back the clock with his quick feet

UNDER-18'S

The under-18's enjoyed their second win from three games against a strong Miners' attack.

Co-coach Billy Boyd was happy with all of his forwards, particularly Liam Payne who was tireless in attack and defence.

Halves Byron Taylor and Tyler Boyd led the boys confidently, executing plays with strong ball control.

Billy Boyd also praised the efforts of Bowen's Jhun Cortiz, whose quick darts from dummy half continuously put the team on the front foot.

David Kay had another outstanding game with his kick returns from fullback earning a debut in the A-grade team.

Co-coach Callum Wilkinson also praised the under-16 players who stepped up to play.

Wilkinson was also impressed with Jeremiah Roberts, who showed great determination when the match was in the balance.

Unfortunately the game was cut 15 minutes short when a Moranbah player suffered a suspected neck injury.

Brahmans would take the points 28-12, with Tyler Boyd winning the members' man of the match.

RESERVES

The reserve grade Brahmans suffered a heart-breaking loss thanks to a 75th minute Miners' field goal.

Reserve's coach Hugh Middleton said the game was there to be won, however a poor completion rate had the team on the back foot late in the contest.

Brahman's new recruit Andrew Leigh played well in his first outing, as did half Tim Miller and fullback Anselam "Jukebox" Tabua.

Players' player went to James Coutts, who was closely followed by Ben Castley and Bowen product Xanthe Power.

The Brahmans' members voted Castley as their player of the match, with the final score reading 35-34 in Moranbah's favour.

A-GRADE

A hat-trick of tries to English product Jack Briscoe has steered the A-grade Brahmans to their second win of the season.

The first half began as planned for the Brahmans, with centre Briscoe and back rower Ivan Petelo both crossing within the first 10 minutes.

The Brahmans rounded out a successful half with tries to Michael Newman and Harry Quod before Briscoe crossed for his second to enable a dominant 28-6 lead at the break.

The Brahmans started slowly in the second half due to a poor completion rate, conceding two tries in the first 15 minutes - enabling Moranbah back into the contest at 28-18.

Briscoe took the lead to 14-points when he crossed for his hat-trick in the 57th minute before the Brahmans regained control in the last 20 minutes with tries to hooker Ethan Gallop and a second to Newman.

The Brahmans' defence held strong, only allowing the Miners a late consolation try on the fulltime buzzer.

Captain-coach Anthony Blackwood congratulated the club's effort in what was the Brahman's first home game of the season.

Blackwood paid tribute to a strong crowd influencing the players, as well as crowd favourite "Justice" the Brahman Bull - on display to the joy of the children and big children alike.

Blackwood was pleased with the kids getting involved as they walked the A-grade team on the field before a moving ANZAC ceremony.

Blackwood made special mention to debutant David Kay, who after playing a full game for the under-18s, went on to play 80 minutes of A-grade - slotting in seamlessly.

Blackwood credited the efforts of Michael Newman, Ivan Petelo and veteran forward James Webb.

Newman also took out players' player while members' player of the match went to fullback Joshua Hardcastle.

The Brahmans will travel to Leprechaun Park on Sunday for the tough assignment of Brothers.

Brahmans results

Over-35 Masters - Green Death 12 drew White Lightning 12

Under-18s -Brahmans 28 def Moranbah Miners 12

Reserve grade - Moranbah Miners 35 def Brahmans 34

A-grade - Brahmans 44 def Moranbah Miners 28