Broncos win despite poor discipline

In the much-anticipated return match of the season, both sides lived up to all expectations. And despite poor discipline from the Broncos - which saw one man being sent off and three yellow carded - they came out on top, 46-18.

The Cougars began the game kicking with the wind and it certainly helped them early on when the Broncos scored a try within the first 30 seconds, a great pass by Stuart Allen putting Jason Howells through to score from 50 meters. Ian Brooks converted for 6-0. 

Within minutes of the kick off, a huge hit by Broncos captain Richard Brooks on the Cougars’ Scott Belmont resulted in a turnover, which lead to Ian Brooks scoring from 40 meters out. Brooks converted his own try to increase their lead to 12-0.

The game then became very scrappy as both sides tried to out-muscle each other, but with a few unnecessary penalties conceded by both sides in doing so. 

After several warnings referee Ian Jones had enough though, as he sent captain Richard Brooks to the sin-bin for an illegal tackle. Within seconds the Broncos were down to 11 men, Ricky Rosser this time being shown the yellow card.

With the two-man advantage, the Cougars rallied and scored a try by Mark Powell, which was converted from the touchline by Daniel Parry for 12-6. 

From the restart, Chris Stokes went over following a successful kick and chase. Ian Brooks goaled yet another try, and that took the score to 18-6. 

Almost immediately after the restart, another kick and chase - this one being rather speculative - from full back Chris Hoppe resulted in another try, and that made it 22-6 at the break with Brooks this time missing the conversion.

The Cougars started the second half supperbly, and in flying fashion. Neil Sloane went over in the corner for their second try of the afternoon, and the four points was turned into six by Dan Parry for 22-12.

The Broncos second half didn’t start so well, and their discipline cost them further with skipper Richard Brooks firstly being red carded, and then winger Chris Stokes was given ten minutes for a dangerous tackle.

The Cougars once again took full advantage of their advantage in terms of numbers and Mike Herbert crossed the line, with Parry converting once again, and that took the score to 22-18.

Once Stokes returned, it brought the best out of the Broncos and they went on to score further tries, compared to the Cougars’ none, which sealed the game for them.

Loose forward Dan Griffiths went over for two tries, one being converted by Brooks, and the goal kicker went over for a score himself which increased their advantage.

The next touch down came from Richard Lewis, and this was following a great run from deep in what was a spectacular solo effort. Stuart Allen narrowly missed the conversion, 38-18.

Another Broncos man was sent to the bin by the referee, and this gave the Cougars a great chance once again. As they pushed for a try Nick Clancey picked up a loose carry for the Broncos, and he sprinted 80 metres to score under the posts. Ian Brooks goaled, and this completed the scoring at 46-18.