Round 1
Chester Hill Rhinos 28 d. WA Reds 24

2008 Jim Beam Cup Index [Table] [Draw]

Location: Australia > New South Wales > State/Metropolitan Level Competition: Jim Beam Cup

Chester Hill's Smoko spoils WA Reds top flight return
Sat March 29, 2008
The Chester Hill Rhinos have started the season off in a winning fashion defeating the reformed Western Australia Reds 28-24 in a thrilling match at the Terry Lamb Complex. A good crowd turned up on a fine Saturday afternoon to witness a small piece of history.

It was Western Australia's first match in top flight Rugby League since they played under the Perth Reds banner in the 1997 Super League competition. The difference between the two sides was goal kicking and an excellent three-try performance from Rhinos fullback Smoltz 'Smoko' Aukuso.

The first half was an entertaining affair with the Reds going into the break leading 20-18. The Rhinos at one stage led 18-10, but the boys from the West fought back well. The Reds four tries came from Ben Lindegaard (5th minute), Ryan Dickson (24th), Craig Phillis (31st) and Taurean Sheehan (38th). Michael Kestel was successful with two conversions. Aukuso scored two of the Rhinos three tries in the 8th and 28th minutes with Darren Brown crossing in the 21st minute. Clayton Sellings was successful with all three conversions.

Chester Hill regained the lead three minutes into the second half with Aukuso scoring his 3rd try to put the Rhinos up 22-20. Stephen Gherardi put the Reds back by two points in front when he crossed in the 56th minute. The try that ended up being the match-winner came in the 69th minute when Tini Tuitama crossed over after some good lead up work.

Fatigue set in for both sides during the second half as the warm conditions got the better of Chester Hill and Western Australia. In the end the Rhinos held on, but the Reds can be proud of their efforts and should be in for a good seasons - especially when at home. In no surprise Aukuso was named Players Player for the Rhinos.

CHESTER HILL RHINOS 28
Tries: Smoltz Aukuso 3, Darren Brown, Tini Tuitama
Goals: Clayton Sellings 4 from 5
Team: Smoltz Aukuso, Andrew Bounader, John Berkley, Albert Hopoate, Mick Taouk, Clayton Sellings, Matt Lamb, Damien Jentz, Darren Brown, James Loloamatamgi, Travis Robinson, Rhys Ellis, Wayne Beh [c]. Int: Tony Alo, Jay Jay Wright, Tini Tuitama, Joseph Cahill. Coach: Geoff Robinson.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA REDS 24
Tries: Ben Lindegaard, Ryan Dickson, Craig Phillis, Taurean Sheehan
Goals: Michael Kestel 2 from 5
Team: Ben Lindegaard, Tyrone Coppedge, Michael Kestel, Heath Egglestone, Jason Godecke, Craig Phillis, Ryan Dickson, James Blake, Issac Thomas, Michael Small, Delane Edwards, Jon Phipps, Shayne McMenemy [c]. Int: George Ghazel, Nathan Searle, Taureen Sheehan, Stephen Gherardi. Coach: Chris Dever.

Venue: Terry Lamb Complex (Chester Hill)
Date: Saturday 29th March, 2008 (2:30pm AEDT)
Referee: Jayson Elkins
Half Time: Western Australia 20-18
Penalties: Chester Hill 8-7

Other games today:

Sydney Bulls 50 (C Smith 3, T Bushby, M Butler, S Koroi, C Farah, P English, T Nicholas tries, N Wynn 7 goals) beat Wentworthville 22 (S Micallef, T Clayton, J Wright, TBC tries, T Clayton 3 goals) at the Crest Stadium.

Cabramatta 24 (M Alifaologo 3, A Burns, G Britcher tries, H Katoa 2 goals) beat Campbelltown 4 (G Lahey try) at Cabramatta Sporting Complex.

Erina 42 beat Windsor 22 at Erina Oval. (No Scoring Details Available).

Sunday Matches:

Mounties vs Southern Sydney Sharks at Cook Park 2.30pm

Belrose vs Shellharbour at Lionel Watts Reserve 3:00pm

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