If this game was the taste of things to come, then we are in for a special year in the Premier grade division of the Brisbane Second Division Rugby League.
Brighton Roosters were pushed all the way in their gruelling 44-24 win against Albany Creek Gaters this past weekend in a showdown that left the supporters wanting more.
These two sides rarely fail to deliver in terms of quality rugby league and with a rivalry spanning across many seasons, they seem to manage to bring out the best in each other.
Watching Roosters five-eighth Brent Boyd in action is worth the admission price alone. The former Brisbane Second Division representative player was on song with his pulsating brand of football that has see other sides struggle to contain his style of play.
Boyd’s kicking and passing game would result in the Roosters first three tries of the game, one of which included a magnificent cut-out pass to send powerful centre Richard Martin over for the first of his two tries for the afternoon.
At 18-0, the warning signs were ominous for the Gaters who look rattled, but on home soil the Gaters huge forward pack laid on two quick tries to winger Matt Dunphy and replacement player Robbie Dixon, pegging the score back to 18-8.
With goal kicking posing a problem for both sides, it was a try feast for the visitors in the second half.
Rampaging Roosters centre Martin was easily their best player on the ground.
The powerful centre made a spectacular break down the sideline to send his winger Kainga Turner in and was outstanding for Brighton on the flanks.
Ultimately, the Roosters looked the better of the two sides. However, Gaters players Karanga Karanga and Michael Brown were flying the flag for the home side throughout the torrid encounter.
The Roosters continued to cause havoc up the middle and heroic performances by Jamie Maliko, Taio Rio and Etiveni Uhatafe showed why they are dangerous on any given day.
However, Gaters took full advantage of the Roosters big men tiring and ran in two further tries through Karanga and Arthur Brown to edge the score to 38-24.
Unfortunately though, it was all too late for the home side as the last two tries of the game belonged to Roosters hooker Cody Tupara and new signing Kyle Razborsek sealing a five-star performance for the visitors.
Final score: Brighton Roosters 44 def Albany Creek Gaters 24
