Brothers’ busy off-season showed promising signs for the future following a big win to start the West Wyalong Knockout.
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The Brethren proved far too strong for Group 20 premiers Tullibigeal Lakes United, scoring a 16-6 win on Friday.
New recruit Peter Little led the way, scoring two tries to help book a quarter-final date with either Orange CYMS or Temora.
Little could have scored a try with his first touch, only for the ball the spill loose, however he quickly made amends to open the scoring with three minutes left before the break.
Following an Ethan MacKenzie try, Peter Little sealed the win as he scored his second.
The Sharks pounced on a mistake off the kick return for Keanu Wighton to score however it was too little too late.
Brothers captain-coach Ben Black was pleased by how his team started the season.
“It was good,” Black said.
“Lake are always a good side but we’ve had a good pre-season.
“We are here to win games and that was a good start.”
One of the biggest movers over the off-season, Black was impressed with how the new additions, including Little, Patrick Sagigi and Will Merritt, have fitted into the team.
Meanwhile, Southcity wore Group 11 premiers Forbes into submission with a comfortable 18-0 win.
The Bulls got on the board early when new recruit Jake Dooley put Mitch Bennett over the line after four minutes.
Second half tries to Pani Manawatu and Tim Jones completed the win.
Captain-coach Nick Skinner was pleased with how a new look back line shaped up.
However last year’s Group Nine grand finalists, Gundagai, had a much tougher time against Leeton.
The Group 20 club hit the front in the second minute of the second half when Rhys Wilesmith scored following a mistake of the kick-off.
However Damian Willis responded to level things at 12-all with eight minutes and the draw was enough for the Tigers to progress on the first try scorers rule.
Their hopes of defending their crown haven’t been helped by injuries to Chris Rose (foot) and Luke Berkrey (sternum).
Injured coach James Smart said the club would have to reassess before the quarter-final.
“I’m really going to have a good look and decide what we are going to do,” Smart said. “We obviously want to do well in the comp but if we only have 13 players it is going to make things pretty difficult.”