A trial rugby union game between neighbouring regions, Central North (Kookaburras) and New England (Lions) late Saturday afternoon at the University of New England’s Bellevue Oval, saw evidently unprepared bodies literally break in the physical encounter. Gradually finding form for the 2010 season, Central North claimed victory 28 points to 10.

 The game was played in 20 minute quarters. It was prematurely stopped midway through the third quarter due to injury. There were a total of four ambulance call-outs on Saturday afternoon, with one player driven in a private car to hospital with a broken arm. Among the injuries were three dislocated shoulders and the fractured arm. The final casualty was the Lion’s James Redmayne. Big hits, bad luck and insufficient physical fitness were to blame, not brawls. So much injury time had been clocked up (during both the U’20’s and Seniors games) that fading light, under the heavily overcast skies was soon to be a problem.
New England kicked off and dominated for the first quarter. New England were first to score, with a John Roberts try that was converted by Luke Perry.
After very limited time in enemy territory during the first quarter, the Kookaburras picked up their game in the second. Ten minutes in, they broke their point scoring drought, when Richard Young’s try was converted by Peter Flynn.
Another Central North try followed, with Ben Goodman crossing the line and Peter Flynn converting.
New England’s last addition to the scoreboard came from the boot of Luke Perry. His third penalty kick was on target, after two misses.
Central North’s Nick Reece’s try was converted by the consistent Peter Flynn.
At half-time, the score was 21 – 10 in Central North’s favour.
The final try was scored by Central North’s Nathan Hanlon, followed by another successful conversion from Peter Flynn.
Central North Captain, Ben Colley of Moree said the side is coming together well as a team now. Bonding as a team is more challenging for Central North, with players coming from Walcha and Quirindi, in the south to Moree in the north. The New England squad is contrastingly centralised; there are two players from Glen Innes, one from Guyra and the remainder are from Armidale and the University.
This was New England’s first game of the season, while Central North had endured a trial by fire, coming out scoreless against Newcastle.
New England’s Captain, Alex Smith said that the Lions have seen some continuity, particularly in the seniors, however some representative players completed their university studies last year and moved on. The annual Armidale Rugby Club’s 15-a-side knockout is being held this weekend at Moran Oval and the Lions’ Captain said that the intensive dose of rugby should be the ideal season warm-up.

Story: Gary fry