The Kaiviti Silktails are still looking for their first win in the 2024 NSW Jersey Flegg Competition after falling to the Dragons 8-38 at Churchill Park on Saturday.
The Dragons had a commanding start, controlling all aspects of the game in the first half. Their strong offensive and defensive play led to five tries in the first 40 minutes, with Jesse Williams, Ben Rumble (three tries), and Tom Kirts crossing the line. Ashton Ward successfully converted two of these tries. The Silktails managed to score two tries through Tevita Wanisi and Akuila Qoro, but Meliki Setiki could not convert either, making the halftime score 24-8 in favor of the Dragons.
In the second half, the Dragons increased their intensity, maintaining most of the possession and scoring three additional tries. Rumble added a fourth try, while Williams and Nicholas Quinn each scored one. Ward’s successful conversion brought the final score to 38-8.
Dragons head coach Aaron Hertsch expressed satisfaction with the result, emphasizing their aim for a top-five finish. “It was a tough match. Fiji really challenged us in the middle, so we have to work hard. Getting some of our injured players back was a big boost, and our goal remains to secure a top-five spot,” Hertsch said.
Despite the loss, Kaiviti Silktails executive director Stephen Driscoll views this season as a developmental period for the team, composed largely of young players experiencing a full rugby league season for the first time. Many of these players are under 18, which Driscoll sees as a promising foundation for the future.
“It’s crucial to get the hard things right, which requires a lot of effort. We tackle well and run hard, but we’re making errors in basic areas like drop goals and kick-offs. While we aim to win, this season is a valuable learning experience. Many of our players are in their first year of rugby league, and with 19 rounds played and another seven to go, it’s an encouraging path. We have a couple more years with these boys, and we want to motivate young athletes to play rugby league in Fiji,” Driscoll said.