Tenterfield Bumblebees smash Iluka

Back on their home turf, the Bumblebees capitalised on an undermanned Iluka team to win 78-14. 

While the Bees have prided themselves on their defence, coach Phil Jones said the 14 points scored against them were just a product of the attacking-style of play his side produced on Saturday. 

“I think my blokes were just thinking about scoring more points themselves,” he said. 

“They [Iluka] never gave up, they turned up with 15 but had a couple of injuries early. 

“They had a full side to start with but it was pretty physical in the forwards in the first 15-20 minutes and a couple of their players came off and they were a couple short by the time half-time came.

“I lent them some in the second-half.”

While their opponents were short, Phil was impressed with his team’s ability to stick to their game plan.

“All our set plays were strong, scrums and line-outs were good again,” he said. 

“Our forwards dominated and it was probably the best game our backs have played.

“They defended much better but it is hard, they [Iluka] wouldn’t have had their run-on backs there.”

Jones highlighted Jack Thomas’ kicking game in windy conditions as being a standout of the game.

This Saturday the Bees travel to Evans Head to take on the ladder leaders. 

“We just have to be aggressive in attack and defence,” Jones said.  

“We have to go down there with the right mindset, that is the biggest thing when you play teams like that.

“I don’t know what they are like or what their strengths or weaknesses are but I think they are just a well-coached and well-disciplined sort of side.  We just have to go down there and be aggressive in defence and attack, not give penalties away and convert any pressure we get into points.”