Whitsunday Brahmans Report

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The Whitsunday Brahmans faced off against the South Sharks at Whitsunday Sports Park in what turned into another massive day of rugby league, with thousands packing the grounds to create the ultimate Sunday footy atmosphere.

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The Under 20s kicked the day off early and continued their impressive form with a strong 22-10 victory over the Sharks. Somè Wolf was electric through the middle, crossing for a hat-trick in one of his best performances of the season so far, while fullback and rising star Levi Deveigne added another meat pie of his own.  

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The women were next to take the field in the tough midday heat against a strong, experienced and resilient Sharks outfit. From the opening whistle the Sharks showed why they are one of the competition’s benchmark sides, but the Brahmans women never stopped competing. Shirley Luke crossed for the Brahmans’ lone try in what proved to be their toughest game of the season so far, with the final score finishing 49-6. Despite the result, the girls showed exactly what the club culture is built on — resilience, pride and heart.  

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Reserve Grade then delivered one of the games of the day in a high-energy clash against a ferocious Sharks side. The match was a try-for-try battle throughout the opening stages, with neither side willing to give an inch. Crowd favourite Trent Pikinga put on an absolute show, crossing for a hat-trick as the Brahmans attack began to fire. It wasn’t until the second half that the Brahmans managed to break away, taking control of the game and leaving the Sharks chasing points. The Brahmans eventually ran out 40-26 winners in another statement performance from the side.  

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In A Grade, the Brahmans faced their toughest challenge yet against last year’s premiers, Ben Barba’s Sharks side, who travelled down to the Whitsundays ready for a battle.  

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Despite battling until the final minute, the Brahmans ultimately suffered one of their biggest losses of the season, going down 40-8 after coming into the clash off two straight wins. Coach Bateup said the game highlighted just how tough the competition is this season and believes the loss will only motivate the group further.

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“It shows just how tough this competition really is,” Bateup said. “We know what we need to work on and we’ll come back harder than ever. The boys are heading into the bye rounds now, so we’ve got two weeks to reset, improve and build from this performance.”

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At the end of the day it finished with two wins and two losses for the Brahmans across the grades, capping off what was an incredible afternoon of rugby league at Whitsunday Sports Park.

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While Reserve Grade and A Grade head into a bye this weekend, footy continues at home for the club this Saturday. The Women’s side will face the Mackay Brothers, while the Under 20s take on the Norths Devils. The Whitsunday Brahmans Under 17s will open the day against the Brothers Bulldogs in another exciting afternoon of local rugby league.

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Kick-off begins from 3pm this Saturday, May 30, at Les Stagg Oval.

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Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Brahmans

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