A poor win: Clinch

Collegians Rugby League coach Gavin Clinch has described his side’s win over Helensburgh as ‘poor’, despite their vital 28-10 victory in round five of the Illawarra Carlton Rugby League competition at WIN Stadium on Saturday.

The win by Collies has seen them remain in second spot on the competition ladder and the victory was built around a double by co-captain Wes Hallam and an 18-6 halftime lead.

“We simply made too many mistakes and the thing that probably saved us was that we defended well,” Clinch said.

“We coughed up far too much ball – in fact we bombed four or five tries in the first half – but I suppose a win is a win and we must be prepared for a better effort against a re-invigorated the Wollongong/Uni Bulls this week.”

“To their credit Helensburgh played with plenty of enthusiasm and completed their sets of tackles much better than we did.”

An added benefit form the game was the return of co-captain and prop Robbie Payne and centre Ryan Smith, which has further boosted the side’s depth.

Thirroul remain the only unbeaten team in the competition following their resounding 28-12 win over the struggling Dapto Canaries.

Wollongong/Uni Bulls overcame the drama after splitting with coach Neil Ballinger mid-week to score a moral-boosting 28-20 win over Berkeley at University Oval on Saturday.

In the remaining match Western Suburbs continued their good form with a resounding 42-12 away win against the Corrimal Cougars at Ziems Park.

The Red Devils played some great football to run in eight tries to three, with winger Aaron Hertsch benefiting from slick work from the Wests inside men to notch a hat-trick.

Devils co-coach Peter Reed paid tribute to the defence of his side as a major contributing factor in the win, with new lock and rugby convert Dan Lawson being singled out for special mention.