16 May 2010
Perth-Bayswater first grade gave the fully-imported but less than fully professional Palmyra team a fright before going down 22-16 at Pat O'Hara Reserve. Palmyra were very fortunate to score late in the game with the help of some controversial refereeing and the game could very easily have gone Perth's way. Tries were scored by lock Kereopa Pirakahu and flanker Lance Hamilton, while flyhalf Ethan Reid kicked a penalty goal.
Coach Rex George was pleased with the progress of the team in the close loss.
"We probably strung together our best 60 minutes of footy," Rex said.
"We were unlucky not to come away with the win, but we showed we can be a competitive rugby team.
Rex said the team had taken a lot of heart from the game.
"I would have been much happier with a win, but they're last year's finalists, a well-coached team, they have some good players, and to hold them to a close score was really great.
"Now it's all about credibility and kicking on. We've set another goal for next week and we'll focus on the areas we need to build on.
"This team is one win away from being very dangerous. We've given every team in the competition a good run."
In other games, second grade narrowly lost to Palmyra 18-13, third grade defeated Palmyra 10-5, fourth grade also defeated Palmyra 10-5, Under 20s downed Palmyra 25-0 (perhaps they're spending too much money on first grade players and coaches), and Under 18s thumped Palmyra 31-10.