Injuries and representative football cut deep into player ranks at Southern Districts early this season, so the team celebrated long and loud when they won their first game — round four of the Shute Shield season — on Saturday.
The fact that it was done on the annual Back to St George Day at Forshaw Park, Sylvania Waters, made the victory over Gordon even more welcome to the large number of fans who turned up.
Old and new players dressed in red and white, and including the likes of veteran Kenny Sadler, now 83 and a winner with the only victorious premiership-winning team (1957 St George team), filled the grandstand area.
And with hope in their hearts they watched a stubborn performance by both understrength sides; the players appreciating the fine conditions at Forshaw.
The return of the talented Ben Volavola from NSW Waratahs duties strengthened the home side’s attack significantly and lifted the Rebels spirits; his inclusion off the ruck in the No. 10 jersey moving regular fly half Rohan Saifoloi to fullback.
However, both sides struggled early on to gain momentum, with a try to centre Denny Godinet and Rohan Saifoloi’s goalkicking the only difference in the first half, with Souths leading 17-3 at the break.
Gordon hit back afterwards and actually hit the lead with two early tries.
But midway through the half the Rebels forwards exerted their superiority in broken play before lock Marcus Carnone plunged over and two minutes later, another converted try through winger Sasa Talifou, put the game out of reach.
Both Gordon and the Rebels provided the crowd with more open football in the latter stages, and two more tries with comeback kid Sam Latunipulu finishing off one of the best backline moves of the day.
The victory and bonus point (four tries) moved the Rebels off the bottom and up the Shute Shield ladder.
They hope to add to their tally when they travel to Nepean Rugby Park to play Penrith this Saturday.
Do you think the Rebels can do it?
■ The NSW Waratahs gritty 19-12 win over the Bulls at Allianz Stadium keeps the side near the top of the Super 15 competition. Now they take on the Blues this Friday at Eden Park.
REBELS CAN YELL: Southern Districts 38 (Marcus Carbone, Sam Latunipulu, Sasa Talifou, Denny Godinet tries; Rohan Saifoloi 3 cons, 4 pens) d Gordon 23 (Rob Hobden, Nick Walker, Tom Matthews tries; Terry Preston con, 2 pens) at Forshaw Rugby Park, Sylvania Waters.
