HAPPY HEDGES APPLAUDS TWO BLUES HEROICS Playing a man down for about 50 minutes and still coming away with the chocolates was enough to put a smile on the face of Sydney Shield Coach Jason Hedges after his side put the set-back of having big James Livock sent from the field early in the game to run out 48-24 victors over Burwood Nth Ryde United in today’s Round 13 match up. The victory, which sees the Two Blues move to sixth on the ladder and keeps them well within striking distance of a top 4 semi-final birth, will go down as one of their finest of the season. Already struggling for troops with injuries, suspensions and player unavailability’s all having an effect, the loss of giant prop James Livock for a high shot looked to dint the Two Blue juggernaut, and although Burwood scored a few tries to make the scoreline more respectable, Hedges men never really looked threatened. According to Hedges, the send off just made the team work harder for each other. “I am very, very happy with the way we played, to lose James early was a real worry, but the boys steeled up in defence and made the Club proud,” he said. “Sure we gave a few tries away, which is to be expected in those circumstances, but we rallied together hard and finished strong. “It’s hard to be critical of the boys when they play like that,” added Hedges. While a number of players caught the eye of those in attendance, none more so than fullback come five eighth Luke Lavendar who turned in an outstanding performance. Up front, Kruse Robinson and Lomio Mafi also blossomed, while lock Matt Lima Hallalova made the most of his chance and added plenty of spark from dummyhalf when moved to hooker later in the match. “We had a heap of good performers, its hard not to single them all out”. Centres Henry Iuta and Adam Hansen, together with giant winger Filimone Lasalosi and halfback Amanono Tovio were also mentioned for their efforts. This week the Two Blues return home to New Era Stadium to take on the Auburn Warriors from 1.15pm this Sunday. Tries - Simon Simona (2), Henry Iuta (2), Amanono Tovio (2), Matt Lima Halalova (2), Maximillion Napa. Goals - Amanono Tovio 3 from 5, Mohammad Mahfoud 2 from 2, Henry Iuta 1 from 2,
Posted on: Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:15:38 +0000