REDS JUST MISS IN COURAGEOUS JIM BEAM CUP DEBUT
After a less than ideal travelling schedule that saw the team arrive late on Friday night via a delayed flight from Perth through Melbourne, the WA Reds came agonisingly close to a historic first victory in their opening game against the Chester Hill Rhinos in Sydney yesterday.
The WA team went down by four points (24 - 28. Both sides scored 5 tries with the difference coming down to conversions.
They led three times during the game only to fall away at the very end with inexperience and fatigue taking their toll according to Coach Chris Dever.
"Theirs no doubt fatigue set in late in the game and it's something we are going to have to get used to along with the travel.
"We'll have to learn how to play the game at this level after long journeys but more importantly, to must capitalise on our strengths and push home the advantage when we are in a winning position such as we were on several occasions yesterday.
"We didn't play as well as we did in the trials but it is early days and we will only get better with experience.
Young fullback, Ben Lindegaard, who returned to League after a stint with Union, took his place in history by scoring the new Reds first try but the Rhinos quickly responded with two easy tries to lead 12 - 4 after 20 minutes.
A terrific try by Ryan Dickson after a long breakaway by Tyrone Coppedge was converted by Mick Kestel then the Reds hit the lead with a Craig Phillis try after great work by the forwards.
The Rhinos scrored again then, five minutes from half time, Taurean Sheehan, who replaced the injured Isaac Thomas, finished off some terrific work from the Reds forwards and allowed them to go to the break 20 - 18.
The Reds began the second half badly allowing a Rhinos try after attracting two penalties in the first two minutes.
The game then reverted to an arm wrestle as both sides battled to gain advantage.
The Reds scored again to retake the lead 24 - 22 when replacement Stephen Gerardi scored a fine individual try after dazzling the opposition defence.
But with eight minutes to go, luck went against the Reds following a couple of penalties and the Rhinos went 4 in front with another converted try.
Despite a couple of close calls the Reds went down to the Rhinos in what can only be described as a courageous and encouraging exhibition.
With a direct flight next week and with the experience of this game under their belt, fans should be confident of another big game from their team next weekend against the Erina Eagles at The Entrance.
