It’s been a mixed result for the Rabbitohs Harold Matthews and SG Ball Cup sides today, as the Club’s Juniors battled it out against northern Sydney rivals, the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
With rain continuing to fall throughout the day, it was always going to be a battle between who could handle the elements the best. Kicking off proceedings was the Harold Matthews side who went down 30-12 in their first game at Redfern Oval. While the signs were positive from the outset, too many errors leading into half-time hurt the Rabbitohs, as Manly raced away to a 30-6 lead at the break.
South Sydney’s Harold Matts players put that behind them in the second stanza, keeping their opposition scoreless, while collecting a four pointer of their own. The final score being 30-12 in Manly’s favour. Front row forward Nathaniel Gallo was strong up front for the Rabbitohs, while Ryan McGrath’s defensive efforts were key in shutting down some of Manly’s efforts. Moustafa Sankari was another standout performer from the bench, providing impact when the team needed it most.
The Rabbitohs SG Ball Cup side will be rueing a 22 all draw with Manly, after leading 22-4 with just 15 minutes left in the match. With both sides come off a last start win, it was always going to be a tight contest. Isaiah Vailalo showcased plenty of power up front, while Tallis Duncan demonstrated true grit and stamina, playing the entire game at lock with no rest. Josiah Karapani helped the side roll forward numerous times throughout the match, with his carries out of the back end proving to be nothing short of sensational.
Meanwhile, last night the Rabbitohs Women's team showed plenty of promise ahead of Season 2021, recording a 16-0 victory over Mounties in their first trial at Aubrey Keech Reserve in Hinchinbrook.
Both the Rabbitohs SG Ball and Harold Matts sides will be back in the thick of the action once again when they tackle the St. George Illawarra Dragons at Mascot Oval, in what will be classified as a home game for the Red V.
Harold Matts have the honour of getting proceedings underway at 11:30am, followed by SG Ball at 1:00pm.
Rounding off a great day of rugby league all round, the Rabbitohs Jersey Flegg side will be tackling the Sydney Roosters in their first trial of the year, 3:00pm at Mascot Oval.
For the rugby league purists, Christmas Day has come early…. all in the one place.
See you there.
