A HAT-TRICK of tries by powerful centre Johneen Fagavao led the Bendigo Fighting Miners to a 31-10 victory against the Border Army Dogs in Saturday’s rugby union clash at Shadforth Park.
A lethargic Miners team led 12-5 at the interval after scoring tries through Jesse Tuitupou and Fagavao in the fourth and 27th minute.
However, the Border Army Dogs dominated field position throughout the half and were rewarded with a try on the final play on Bendigo’s turf.
The Dogs narrowed the lead to two points early in the second half with a try.
Border Army’s try woke the Miners from their lethargy as they piled on three tries in the final 20 minutes of the contest to run out easy winners.
Two of the tries were scored by Fagavao.
The other was scored by Johnny Jeffries in his comeback match after suffering a serious injury in last year’s grand final victory.
Once again, the Miners were punished in the penalty count, conceding 23 penalties against 10 for Border Army.
The Tyson’s Reef Hotel player of the day award went to Fagavao. Others to play well included Elson Tuitupou, Allan Saville, Scott Kelly, Jon Solomon and Josh Manderson.
Next week, the Miners are on the road for their final game of the home and away series when they travel to Deniliquin to take on the Drovers.
Email a friend