THE Long Flat Dragons breathed fire all over Beechwood Shamrocks’ 90th anniversary party on Saturday, running out 48-10 winners and in the process taking the Jimmy “Dooley” Roods Memorial Shield.
The Dragons got off to a slow start in the wet at Beechwood Sports Complex, but soon recovered to
steamroll the Shamrocks, who were playing in front of a host of Old Boys from as far back as the 1940s and ’50s.
Click on the photo to check out more off-field photos from the day.
Josh Henry bagged four tries for the Dragons, while James Mumford and Mitch Johnson scored twice; Corey Millgate scored once and Mumford kicked five goals.
Amos Donavon and Kurt Nicholson crossed the line once each for Beechwood.
The Shamrocks looked to be out of luck straight from the kickoff, with a knock-on followed closely by a penalty to the Dragons.
Beechwood held strong though, and the Dragons only crossed for their first try – Henry’s first for the day – in the 19th minute.
The half didn’t end well for the Shamrocks though, with Mumford crossing for two and Millgate one before the break.
The Dragons went on with it in the second half, but Donavon and Nicholson gave Beechwood some joy.
Dragons co-coach Marcus Theofanou said the scoreline wasn’t a true reflection of the hard-fought nature of the match.
“It was a good win under the conditions,” a pleased Theofanou said.
It was even better for the coach, considering the changes made to the side midweek.
Trent Dixon moved from centre to five-eighth to cover for Andrew Lawrence, who picked up a calf tear against Kendall Blues last week.
The good news for the side is that no serious injuries were picked up during Saturday’s match.
“They are only niggling ones, I’d say,” Theofanou said.