Broncos, Storm Weather The Heat
by
Sunday February 22, 2004

The Brisbane Broncos fought out a scrappy 14-10 win over Melbourne Storm in a trial at Toowoomba in oppressive conditions.  After leading 8-4 at half time thanks to two tries in five minutes from rookie winger Karmichael Hunt and debutant Kiwi Test star Motu Tony, the Broncos ground down the Storm in a dour second half dominated by mistakes from both sides.

Darren Lockyer's first sojourn into the halves since the illfated bandaid attempt in 2001 was a moderate success, with the champion Test captain hitting his straps late in the first stanza to set up tries for his Kiwi companions.

Hunt charged onto a beautifully placed Lockyer grubber with 5 minutes before half time, and right on the half time siren Tony swooped in to score for an 8-4 lead.

Lockyer continued to build his combination with halfback Brett Seymour in the second half, with a beautiful backline movement putting halfback-cum-centre Shaun Berrigan over for the matchwinner with 25 minutes remaining.

Scott Hill scored a try in the corner with 7 minutes remaining, Matt Geyer converting magnificently to give the visitors some hope of snatching an unlikely win but the Broncos held on for a 14-10 victory, their first taste of 13-vs-13 victory since July last year against the same opponents.

Lockyer was a frustrated man in the first 20 minutes as his teammates failed to get into position to work the plays he wanted, but it began to gell before the break.  By the time he was given a spell with 20 minutes remaining, there was enough shown to suggest the move could be a long term success.  Motu Tony played solidly at fullback in his stead, with a couple of dangerous runs only thwarted by desperate cover defence from the Storm. 

Hunt and Ashley Alberts impressed out wide, while Petero Civoniceva, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker and Gorden Tallis played solidly up front.  Michael Ryan was a standout at hooker.  His benching at the same time as Lockyer really slowed the Broncos' play down late in the game with some less than perfect service from dummyhalf.

With the temperature soaring past 40 throughout south-east Queensland during the day, and even the normally cooler Toowoomba well into the mid-30s throughout the game, it was a credit to both teams for their performance.  Mandatory drinks breaks were held at the discretion of referees Jason Eastwood (first half) and Paul Simpkins (second half).

Earlier it was mistakes that cost the Broncos, with a Brad Meyers error 10 metres out resulting in a try to Geyer on the very next play. However, the Broncos' 14 unanswered point run over the next 50 minutes was enough for a solid trial win.

In the curtainraiser, the Toowoomba Clydesdales were impressive as they defeated Melbourne feeder club Norths 22-10 in a shortened 60-minute match. The delay occurred when the Devils' bus broke down on the Toowoomba Range.  Former Origin five-eighth Ben Ikin starred for the Clydesdales with two tries and playing in a hand in both of the others.