Ellenbrook Rabbitohs 56 – Kwinana Titans 10
By PETER ROWE
A “Nasty” hat-trick helped earn Ellenbrook the points over the Kwinana Titans at Charlotte’s Vineyard on Saturday afternoon as they further cemented their fourth spot on the Fuel to Go & Play Premiership ladder.
Nasty – aka big forward Riapo Jones – led his forwards with energy and work-rate as they overcame an early challenge from the visitors.
“We knew they would be tough to break down in the early stages and we had to attack their middle and go through that way,” coach Dan Manning said.
“Ben Russell is their main man there so we had to try to neutralise him – and I think we did.”
Jones grabbed a double, as did hooker Zion Wetere as the Bunnies took control and Jake Cocking added another with the Titans crossing just once before the halftime siren.
Allie Kingi added a second for the visitors on 58 minutes but tries from backrower Jacob Crossley, centre Toby Carr, Jones for his third and skipper Chase Rye, who kicked eight conversions, sealed the game.
“Nasty for me was our best on field,” Manning said, adding he had no idea of the origin of his nickname, other than he is 6ft 7 tall and “menacing”.
“Jake Cocking was also outstanding, as was Zion, who worked hard around the middle all day.
“We found the right balance and it was important to get a result as there are four teams chasing that fourth spot.
“The result gives us some breathing space, but there is plenty of football still to be played. We go to South Perth next week, so there is no backing down.”