The Byron Bay Red Devils rugby league team has picked up their first win for the season playing away against the Kyogle Turkeys.
The 27–10 win came as a big relief for coach Nathan Cross.
‘The win came off the back of some solid possession and the ability to go forward with that,’ he said.
‘We completed 15 of our first 17 sets of six, so that is really pleasing to see as a coach.
‘The team is really starting to understand the importance of ball control,’ he said.
‘Confidence and belief grow when you can hold onto the ball’.
But there was still plenty of room for improvement as the team bombed several tries, he said.
The Devils have struggled all year to maintain a consistent side in terms of personnel, and Sunday was no different as two players, Johnny Kirchen and Riley Hoysted, made their first grade debuts.
‘We haven’t played the same side twice this season,’ Nathan said.
‘Players have pre-planned commitments like weddings and holidays, and then last week we had four out with injury. The team that played did a really good job.
‘It can be a real challenge when you’re trying to settle new combinations every week,’ he said.
The Red Devils have another away game this Sunday when they travel south to take on the Lower Clarence Magpies, a game they are confident of winning.
The Magpies sit just above the Red Devils, third last on the table.
‘The Magpies haven’t had a good season either; we are definitely going there to win,’ Nathan said.
Cudgen sit alone at the top of the table after beating Casino 30–16 on the weekend.
The Mullumbimby Giants and Tweed Coast share second place after they drew 26–26 in their game last Sunday.
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