Canaries celebrate Heritage win

BRENDAN CRABB

DAPTO put on a performance that past club greats would have been proud of on Saturday, defeating Western Suburbs 22-12 at Dapto Showground on Saturday.

The home side - decked out in their retro jerseys - were impressive in downing their traditional rivals.

Pre-game, the Canaries were presented with their jerseys by past club greats, including Paul McGregor and Allan Fitzgibbon.

The scores were locked at 12-all at half time, before Dapto kept the opposition scoreless in the second stanza.

Dapto coach Dean Callaway said that his side’s increased commitment in the second half was a vital aspect of their win.

“We talked a lot about the kind of things we hadn’t done in previous second halves, because we’ve lost every second half this year,” he said.

“I’m very happy with the win: it was a big day with the Heritage Day but our ball control was the best it’s been all year.”

Callaway also said he hoped the win could be the beginning of a more consistent level of performance from his side, whose form has been up-and-down all year.

Ron Kissell, Clint Wright and Chris Leikvoll were amongst the standouts for the Canaries.

In other Illawarra Carlton League action, defending premiers Collegians downed an injury-plagued Berkeley 32-16 at Berkeley Sports Ground on Sunday.

The Collies side ran riot in the first half, scoring five tries to lead 26-0 at the break.

Berkeley was a far tougher proposition in the second half, but suffered a major setback when captain-coach David McLean was forced from the field with an ankle injury.

McLean will now miss the remainder of the season.

Ryan Smith bagged two tries for Collies in an impressive display.

At Rex Jackson Park on Sunday, Thirroul kept their undefeated season intact with a 50-12 thumping of Helensburgh.

Led by halves Ryan and Scott Borg, the Butchers were far too good for a Tigers side featuring several Dragons players.

Finally, Wollongong/University defeated Corrimal 33-22 at University Oval on Saturday.The Uni were inspired by the return of centre and captain Dane Dorahy, who scored a try and kicked four goals.