A late, last quarter fightback was not enough for the Dhadhin Geai Warriors to overcome an experienced Newcastle Yowies side in this year’s Murri v Koori interstate challenge match played at Redfern Oval at the weekend.
The Queensland Murri Carnival winners from Badu Island showed great spirit and outscored their opponents in the final quarter of the match – including producing an entertaining effort in the closing seconds of play; but a slick third quarter from the NSW representatives proved too much to pin back, eventually going down 38-30.
The game was played in hot conditions at Redfern Oval, but the Yowies were better able to rotate their bench to keep their players fresh and capitalise on some tiring Warriors defence.
Played as the curtain-raiser to the men's and women's First Nation v NZ Maori games at the Festival of Indigenous Rugby League; the growing crowd were entertained, especially by the Warriors who were willing to chance their arm and throw the ball around, even in their own 10.
However, while this approach was thrilling when it came off; it did also result in some critical errors that proved costly in the end.
While all players from both sides are to be commended for their efforts; especially given the tough conditioned; the commentators were especially excited to call the play of two young Warriors; with Raymond Baira and Matthew Gibuma impressing with their speed and skill.
- You can watch a full replay of the game via the NRL website: Newcastle Yowies v Dhadhin Geai Warriors
Fulltime: Newcastle Yowies 38 def Dhadhin Geai Warriors 30
(First-Quarter Time: 6-4 Warriors, Halftime: 14-12 Yowies, Three-Quarter Time: 32-12 Yowies)
