Chargers experience makes the difference

The return of former Comets Rex Gamble and Terry Benson made for an exiting clash with Benson's experience becoming a key factor in the CQU Norths Chargers 38-24 victory over the Fitzroy-Gracemere Sharks on Sunday, March 6 at Browne Park, Rockhampton in round one of the CQ Extended League.

The Chargers launched themselves out of a cannon to lead 16-nil early before the Sharks kicked into gear scoring two of their own.

Sharks winger Roland Lea was faultless with the boot converting both first half tries for the Sharks.

It was a physical encounter with both forward packs smashing each other every chance they got.

The Chargers led at half time but with the Sharks getting better as the first half wore on they were far from out of the match.

In the opening minutes of the second half Sharks lock Trent Callaghan went over for a nice try and the score-line was back to 28-18 with Lea's conversion.

The Chargers once again took the advantage through consecutive penalties and the sin binning of Sharks hooker Danny Moore.

With just over twenty to go on the clock the Chargers led 38-18 and the goal for the Sharks was to keep the Chargers scoreless for the last twenty minutes and not to let the flood gates open.

They proved they might just be contenders in the 2005 CQ Extended League season keeping the Chargers scoreless and scoring a try of their own and while they won the second half the Chargers quick start was too much to over come for the Sharks.

It was a match with an intense battle in the forwards with Rex Gamble, Josh Binnie, Trent Callaghan, Jim Dockery and Jeff Cranston holding their own against Chargers Andrew Dale, Toby Wallace and John Faupula.

Sharks coach Rex Gamble was happy with his teams performance but knows there is room for improvement and feels his team has it in them to improve while Chargers coach Darryl Horstman was very impressed with his teams performance.

Aoeterangi Herangi and Trent Callaghan were real stand outs for the Sharks as well as young half Kerrod Lawton. Shaun Strang was also very solid at fullback.

The Chargers were solid across the board however experienced duo Clint Rothery and Terry Benson stood out. Benson's bruising defence come into play on more then a few occasions.

The Fitzroy-Gracemere Sharks next test will be facing Rockhampton Brothers at Saleyards Park on Saturday, March 12 while the Chargers face Yeppon at Browne Park on the same night.

It will be a big match for the Sharks after Rockhampton Brothers easily accounted for Gladstone Brothers in their first round match 46-18 at Marley Brown Oval, Gladstone.

The Fitzroy-Gracemere Sharks would like to thank the following for their continued support in 2005 - DC Motors, The Cambridge Hotel, Red Lion Hotel, Arrow Property Maintenance, John Harbin, True Value Hardware and Kirsten Livermore MP.

CQ NORTHS CHARGERS 38 Tries: P.Albury (2), C.Rothery (2), J.Waterton, T.Wallace, R.Fuller Goals: J.Waterton (5) defeated FITZROY-GRACEMERE 24 Tries: M.Darkin, A.Herangi, T.Callaghan, T.McKenzie Goals: R.Lea (4)

Venue: Browne Park Date: Sun March 6 3pm Referee: Glenn Hooley Half time: Chargers 28-12 Match Comments: Reserve Grade - Fitzroy-Gracemere Sharks 40 defeated CQU Norths Chargers 28 Under-19s - Fitzroy-Gracemere Sharks 54 defeated CQU Norths Chargers 18

New to Harko's Bargain Warehouse this week are "Kangaroo Confidential" by Gary Belcher, "King Wally" By Adrian McGregor and a personally signed Canberra Raiders steeden football as well as Raiders and Cowboys signed cards and a special edition Cowboy keyring. So check out Harko's Bargain Warehouse for more and stay tuned for some more great deals in the coming weeks including Comets merchandise.