It was a tough and chilly day at Cooma last Sunday as the Narooma Devils took on undefeated Group 16 Rugby League leaders the Cooma Stallions.
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The First Grade team was already short of numbers this season but injuries to five front-line players over the last two weeks, including a season-ending broken leg to club stalwart Todd Wright, left the Devils desperately short of experience for this game. Starting with only two reserves, second-rower Ali Elmasri succumbed to a hamstring problem he suffered in the warm up. Under 18 players Jordan Martin, Durramah Parsons and Joey Scrymgeour backed up from their game and showed tremendous courage and ability during the game.
The big and talented Cooma side started on fire (unlike the seven degree temperatures!) and soon racked up a strong lead. Tries to Devils lock Kane Ayers, halfback Ryan Norris (which he also converted) and one to winger Stephen Brown, could not stem the tide and the Stallions led 50-14 at the break.
Things looked grim and got grimmer as the Devils were reduced to just twelve players with thirty minutes to go but they showed their usual determination to hang in there and restrict the Cooma team to just 14 second half points. An extremely good effort by all players in the circumstances and typical of the spirit in this team. Best on the day were Kane Ayers, Scott Curry, Merv Naylor, Ninnum Parsons and Yuin Campbell but all players deserve congratulations.
Young Devils Fire at Cooma
The Group 16 Narooma Devils Under 18s put on a good display of attacking rugby league to defeat Cooma 38-8 at a chilly Cooma Showground last Sunday.
First half tries to Durramah Parsons (2), Matt Parsons, Jackson Kelly and Blake Cavanagh and some excellent goal kicking from Durramah and Joey Scrymgeour saw the Devils lead 28-0 at the break and Blake took his tally for the day to three in the second half. Best for the Devils were Matt Parsons, Jordan Martin and Blake Cavanagh in a good team effort.
She-Devils Slow to Start Again
Despite having a few girls unavailable and an incredibly early 10am start given to us by the Cooma club the Narooma She-Devils League Tag team turned out strongly with fourteen players at Cooma last week. Once again they got off to a slow start trailing 22-0 at the break but they played some great football after they warmed up to limit the Fillies to just one second half try. The final score of 26-0 to Cooma did not reflect the determination of the girls in the second half. B&F points went to Janaija, Kalimna and Shelby, the Coaches award to Ashley and Players Player to Tiarnee.
Next week the Devils are home against Moruya Sharks in three grades.
