By Blake Edwards
The Illawarra Cutters have started their pre-season campaign with a convincing 44-4 victory over the Illawarra Rugby League All-Stars at Ziems Park, Corrimal on Friday.
The Cutters performed consistently in all four quarters of the match, with their defensive effort contributing heavily to their victory and only allowing the visitors to cross the line once in the match.
The line-up included St George Illawarra Dragons winger Tom Carr who proved to be a handful for the All-Stars defence with his exciting footwork and natural athletic ability, breaking the line on many occasions and crossing over for a try.
Cutters hooker Sam Coster supplied a very calm and consistent service from dummy-half, leading the team around the park in conjunction with his halves.
The rake troubled the scorers on two occasions, further proving his value to the side.
Cutters new-recruit Jack Noble was one of the stand-out forwards on the night, showcasing his hard work ethic with some strong defense, as well as knocking up some valuable meters for his side.
Cutters winger Kayne Brennan was glad to be out on the paddock again and praised the efforts of both the Illawarra Cutters and Illawarra Rugby League for putting on a great spectacle to start their respective seasons.
“It was great to be back playing footy again,” said Brennan.
“The pre-season has been tough but I can already tell it has paid-off for not only myself, but the boys also.
“I think this match was a great way to start the season and the locals got behind it and turned out in numbers which was good to see.
“The Illawarra Coal League has some quality players and it gave them an opportunity to showcase their skills.
“Our defence was outstanding and we had spoken about breaking them down physically before the game, and I believe we did just that.
“There is still some work to do in terms of structure, but overall I think it was a good first hit out.”
Illawarra Cutters 44. Tries: Coster (2), McCarthy (2), Herbert, Carr, Dufty, Porter. Goals: Wallace (6/8).
Patrick Herbert
Tom Carr
Sam Coster (2)
Andrew McCarthy (2)
Matt Dufty
Mitch Porter
