The St George Dragons have recorded their first victory of the 2021 UNE SG Ball Cup with an eight-point win over the Thunderbolts at Gosch’s Paddock in Victoria.
No.9 Mackenzie Roche was the standout for the Red V, scoring three four-pointers in just 36 minutes – along with tries to Mitch Reeve and Tom Pitkethley – to give the visitors a 28-6 lead moments into the second half.
With 25 minutes remaining the Thunderbolts fought back to within four points after a try to No.16 Ron Tooala and a brace for five-eighth Tui Ieremia. Despite a strong turnaround the Victorians’ momentum was halted by a late try for Dragons winger Mitch Reeve to seal the win.
RESULTS:
Harold Matthews Cup:
North Sydney Bears 30 d. Sydney Roosters 26
Penrith Panthers 24 d. Balmain Tigers 12
Illawarra Steelers 28 drew with Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 28
Central Coast Roosters 24 d. St George Dragons 10
Newcastle Knights 0 l. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 40
Canberra Raiders 8 l. Parramatta Eels 28
SG Ball Cup:
North Sydney Bears 16 l. Sydney Roosters 36
Penrith Panthers 26 d. Balmain Tigers 22
Victoria Thunderbolts 28 l. St George Dragons 34
Illawarra Steelers 40 d. Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 26
Newcastle Knights 18 l. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 42
Canberra Raiders 24 l. Parramatta Eels 47
Tarsha Gale Cup:
Illawarra Steelers 44 d. Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 4
Newcastle Knights 46 d. Wests Tigers 12
Canberra Raiders 16 d. Parramatta Eels 16
Sydney Roosters 8 l. St George Dragons 48
