Riverina couldn’t overcome a powerful Monaro outfit to progress to the next stage of the Country Championships on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Joining the competition in round two, Riverina struggled to contain the in-from Canberra team.
Monaro scored a 62-0 win over Western Rams to head into the clash and set up a semi-final clash with Illawarra with a scored a 28-12 win at Ron Crowe Oval.
Riverina coach Josh Cale thought injuries made things tough for his team.
Captain Dave Cowhan pulled out of the team with a knee issue and they were down to two players on the bench before half-time.
Riverina lost centre Ed Ansell to a hamstring injury in the first five minutes then were without Willie Lolohea leading into the break after coming off second best from a “crusher” tackle.
Tyron Gorman also struggled with a hamstring complaint but managed to play out the game.
Cale thought a lack of firepower proved costly.
“We were probably a bit off the pace," Cale said.
“I thought they (Monaro) were really good in and around the ruck and that is probably where they got us with their roll one but we toiled hard.
“We dominated for about 30 minutes and just didn’t take our opportunities when they come.
“We were in the right position and didn’t capitalise.”
Monaro led 10-6 at half-time but Riverina couldn’t sustain a promising start with so many injuries.
However, Cale was pleased with how they continued to fight.
“We had a lot of players battling a few injuries so our depth was tested but their courage was enormous,” he said.
Southcity five-eighth Nathan Rose controlled things in the halves for Riverina and really showed his experience.
Junee hooker Trent Schubach impressed at hooker while Temora’s Hayden Philp was another who put in a strong game at lock.
Gundagai’s Matt Henery got through a power of work, playing over 60 minutes in the front row, while Leeton prop Rhys Wilesmith had some good runs and scored the first try before suffering a shoulder injury.
The leaguetag side also had a tough day in West Wyalong, falling 22-6 to Western Rams.
FULL-TIME
Under 23s
MONARO 28 (R Thomas 2, J Simbiken, J Hickson, R McQueen, C Mcghie tries; J Baker 2 goals) d RIVERINA 12 (T Dickson, R Wilesmith tries; T Dickson, T Schubach goals)
