St Marys Saints and Glebe Dirty Reds have flexed their premiership credentials in the Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup ‘Magic Round’ at St Marys Leagues Stadium today to cap the celebrations for the NSWRL’s Licensed Clubs Round (26-27 July).
Now into its fourth season, Licensed Clubs Round acknowledges the contribution that clubs make across NSW with $171 million contributed to the community and $85 million to Junior Rugby League clubs last year.
The Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup 'Magic Round' today showcased four games from the third-tier competition with a host of former NRL stars in action including Bryce Cartwright, Christian Crichton, Michael Jennings, Dean Whare, Taniela Lasalo and Jesse Sene-Lefao.
“Rugby League would struggle without the support of Licensed Clubs from the grassroots right through to elite competitions,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.
“The funding they supply is used to help with grandstands, clubhouses and facilities, ground maintenance and referees, trophies and awards, playing kits, development programs, and programs for pathways and women’s Rugby League.
“The Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup is one of the NSWRL’s Major Competitions that benefits from the support of Licensed Clubs and it was fitting to hold a ‘Magic Round’ at the first-class St Marys Leagues Stadium today.
The Rugby League has been impressive, with some dominant performances and close finishes, and I thank the club and the fans who turned out to support the event.”
The day kicked off with Premiers Glebe Dirty Reds sounding a warning with a 62-6 win against Blacktown Workers.
Five-eighth Joseph Taipari returned a personal haul of 22 points after scoring a try and landing nine goals, while fullback Kakapuna Fotu bagged a hat-trick.
The second match between Brothers Penrith and Hills Bulls was a thriller with Brothers only clinching a 32-26 win after back-rower Ben Williamson scored a try in the final two minutes.
The Bulls took a narrow 24-22 lead into half-time and extended their lead to 26-22 through a penalty goal before Brothers scored through centre Ryan Eisenhuth to lock the scores up at 26-all and set up an exciting final 20 minutes.
The third match featured last year’s runners-up Wenty Magpies taking on Mounties with Wenty scoring twice early to take a 12-0 lead into half-time.
Mounties scored twice in the second half to set up another frantic finish with Wenty fullback Josh Bergamin sparking celebrations for his team after diving over with less than a minute remaining in the match.
The day concluded with ladder leaders St Marys Saints scoring a convincing 57-4 win over Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Saints were in control of the game after taking a 27-0 lead into half-time with winger Christian Crichton – the brother of True Blue Stephen Crichton – and five-eighth Anthony Layoun both bagging doubles.
Click here for all Ron Massey Cup results
