Last night saw the opening game of the final First Crack season, and even Hollywood couldn’t have scripted it any better.

Inaugural 100n80 halfback Daly Cherry-Evans has stuck his neck in and given Dingoes coach Darren Bevan a massive headache, scoring a double and landing a few goals along the way to rack up 114 points. That’s a mammoth 41 points above his projected total.

In a bittersweet moment, Dingoes Captain Jake Trbojevic got a try assist…. For his opposition. I’m sure there were words exchanged between Coach and Captain as no such shenanigans happened after halftime.

Bevan will be extremely happy that his side kept Lane and Masters below their projected scores, yet will have some concerns with letting Eisenhuth and Cherry-Evans roam free and pick up extra points.

On the flip side, Nevan Clarkson is extremely happy. He expected a big game from Dingoes captain Trbojevic, much bigger than he had. He will however be concerned with letting all 4 players score more than they were projected. In this final, he will feel 1 point could make all the difference.

We spoke with Clarkson about his halfback just before full time and he seemed quite happy. “Mate…. Cherry was sensational tonight, He really stuck his neck on the line to try and wrestle an advantage, and I feel he’s put us in great shape for a win”. When asked about a few of the other boys, he wasn’t so nice. “Dead set…. I spoke before the match about needing to
contain David Nofoaluma, and the boys have let me down BIG TIME”. “I need a few boys to step up to bring this title home”.

Games 2 and 3 will commence later this evening, 3 players are in action. Newlywed Dingo Villiame Kikau faces ex-team mate Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, while ex-Avenger Jason Taumalolo looks to wrangle in a few points against the Eels.