Monaro Colts: Week Four Wrap

The Monaro Colts had a strong outing against the Riverina Bulls, securing three wins from four matches at NSWRL HQ Bruce.

The Andrew Johns Cup side made it back-to-back victories with an 18-point win, before the Laurie Daley Cup squad dominated in a 58-6 performance.

In the Women's Country Championships, Monaro delivered a statement performance, shutting out Riverina 54-0. 

The only setback came in the Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup, where the Colts fell 44-0 to a strong Bulls outfit. 

Three Monaro teams will be in action at NSWRL HQ Bruce on Sunday, with the Andrew Johns Cup and Laurie Daley Cup sides playing their final round matches, while the Men's Country Championship squad begins its campaign.

Meanwhile, the Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup side will travel to Port Macquarie to take on the North Coast Bulldogs on Saturday, while the Women's Country Championships team has a final round bye.

Andrew Johns Cup 

Monaro Colts 32 defeated Riverina Bulls 14

The Monaro Colts have secured back-to-back wins in the Andrew Johns Cup with a dominant 18-point victory over the Riverina Bulls.

After a grinding first half, Monaro led 12-6 at the break before shifting gears in the second, outscoring Riverina four tries to two in a comprehensive display.

Thomas Connolly made his presence felt off the bench, bagging two first-half tries in similar fashion - burrowing over from close range in the 20th and 28th minutes.

Sandwiched between his efforts, Nate Bruest struck for Riverina in the 24th, keeping the contest tight at halftime with Monaro leading two tries to one.

Riverina struck immediately after the restart through Kaden Dowling, but a missed sideline conversion left Monaro clinging to a two-point lead. The Colts hit back quickly as Marlowe Young crashed over from a one-off ruck pass.

Ten minutes later, a slick shift to the right saw Nate Stokes beat his opposite centre to extend the lead to 22-10.

Riverina responded to stay within reach at 22-14, but Monaro sealed the result in the final 10 minutes.

Drew Marshall and Dustin Cluss both muscled their way over, securing the commanding 32-14 win.

Laurie Daley Cup 

Monaro Colts 58 defeated Riverina Bulls 6 

The Monaro Colts hit their stride on Sunday in the Laurie Daley Cup, claiming their first win of the season in dominant fashion.

Running in 10 tries to one, Benjamin Kami and Jack Milne both bagged hat-tricks, while Samuel Green, Patrick Koen, Calum Smith, and Kruger Roache also crossed in a commanding display.

Monaro set the tone from the outset, overwhelming Riverina with their pace and go-forward. By halftime, the contest was all but settled as the Colts stormed to a 30-0 lead.

They kept the pressure on in the second half, adding another 28 points. Riverina broke the drought at 42-0 through Isaiah Pulleine, but Monaro had the final say, sealing a resounding first victory.

Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup

Riverina Bulls 44 defeated Monaro Colts 0 

It was another tough outing for the Monaro Colts in the Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup, falling to a 44-0 defeat against the Riverina Bulls.

Riverina dominated the middle and proved too fast and dynamic in attack, overwhelming the Colts from the outset.

Bulls fullback Ruby Douglas starred with a hat-trick, multiple assists, and six conversions from eight attempts. Tanginui Te Kanawa-Hopa bagged a double, while Abby Jordan, Sienna Butt, and Josey Hoey also crossed in the match.

Still winless after three rounds, Monaro will look to finish their campaign on a high when they face the North Coast Bulldogs next week.

Women's Country Championships 

Monaro Colts 54 defeated Riverina Bulls 0 

The Monaro Colts handed the Riverina Bulls a tough start to their campaign, cruising to a dominant 54-0 victory.

Running in 10 unanswered tries, Georgia Willey bagged a double, while Elisa Akpa, Teliya Hetaraka, Eilish Winbank, Tikirah-Ann Douglas, Madyson Tooth, Lara Cosgrove, Jess Howard, and Aaliyah Lomas also crossed in a well-rounded team effort.

"Connected" best describes Monaro’s performance, with most tries coming from well-executed set plays that highlighted their attacking cohesion.

The big win puts Monaro on top of the ladder for now, but with a final-round bye, their finals fate remains uncertain.

Image by Trish Sullivan