Luggers come up short as Eagles swoop

Broome Luggers Rugby Club were narrowly beaten 20-18 after they made the arduous trip to Kununurra last month to face East Kimberley Eagles.

The Luggers had won the corresponding fixture 22-18 on home soil back in April, with the sides playing for the Kimberley Cup.

The Broome side came out of the blocks the quicker, scoring two early tries in the first quarter. There were a number of big hits in the early exchanges.

The Eagles came back into the contest in the second quarter, scoring two tries of their own to level the scores at 10-10 at half-time.

The hosts had the momentum and made it tell in the third quarter, opening up a 10-point gap with an excellent display of attacking rugby.

Broome refused to give up, and fought back in the fourth quarter, despite tired legs and battered bodies.

Two Luggers tries reduced the deficit to two points in the Eagles’ favour, setting up a cliffhanger finish. The home side managed to hold on for the win in the dying moments.

Lock Josefa Savu was singled out by the referee as the pick of the Luggers players after a barnstorming performance.

Broome Luggers president Tui Savu said that the trip to the East Kimberley was thoroughly worthwhile, and said he was proud of his players despite the defeat.

“It is a long way to get up to Kununurra and back, but it was certainly worth travelling all that distance,” he said.

“I would like to thank the East Kimberley Eagles for their hospitality – we are very proud to have taken part in a great event for the sport in the region.

“The effort that the players put in was fantastic, and we will look to continue to play two games between the sides every year going forward.”

The Luggers are set to welcome the South Hedland Cougars to Broome next month, with a fixture organised to coincide with the Shinju Matsuri festival.

Rugby WA has also announced that a Statewide sevens tournament will take place in Broome in October.

A host of top sides from across the State and further afield are expected to take part.