Butchers fire warning shot to opponents

ILLAWARRA CARLTON LEAGUE

STEVE FINN

THIRROUL Butchers laid their cards on the table with a convincing 44-24 win over fellow semi-final aspirants Berkeley on Saturday.

The game began with both packs of forwards trying to dominate field position.

There were no easy yards to be made for either side but Berkley were the first to score, taking an early 4-nil lead before Thirroul replied through a penalty goal to Ryan Borg.

After some torrid opening exchanges, Thirroul's classy backline showed its wares after a solid platform from the pack.

Thirroul's first try went to Todd Hayes, who ran onto a Blake Dunn pass.

Tries followed to Shane Younger, who backed up an incisive break by Scott Borg.

Ben Linde chimed in for a trademark four-pointer and Scott Borg cut through the defence to score.

With conversions by Ryan Borg, Thirroul went to a half time lead of 24-4.

Berkley came out fired up after half time and scored two converted tries.

This was enough to wake the Butchers and the forwards again took the game to Berkley.

In this period Jay Van Meegan was outstanding as he conducted a personal war with the Berkley pack.

As the forwards regained their momentum, Thirroul's backs were again able top make inroads into Berkley territory.

Ryan Borg scored two tries from backing up breaks and Mitchell Bate finished off an excellent movement to score Thirroul's final try.

Ryan Borg converted all three tries for a personal tally of 20 points.

Berkley to their credit never gave up and came back to score the last try of the game.

At full time Thirroul had come away with a convincing 42 to 22 win, which kept them in fourth place on the ladder.