Margaret River Gropers secure finals spot

For the first time in the season the Gropers were trailing after the Dungbeetles scored the first try of the game after a series of drives breaking through the Gropers forwards.

While the Gropers scored first, thanks to an accurate penalty, the try put them behind 3-7 in the opening half.

Dunsborough threw everything they had at the Gropers and it seemed like the half would  finish without crossing the paint were it not for a thundering charge from big number 8 Darragh Keady soon saw them retake the lead.

The second half saw renewed energy from the Gropers who must have had something special slipped into the half time oranges.

No longer content to muscle it up the centre they spun the ball wide to the wing. 

While Sam Henry continues to be a wrecking ball for the Gropers, an over reliance on the big man, and short inside pass plays with his offsider, became predictable as the game went on.

There were many times when Dunsborough had one player marking four on the wing as they committed more players to the breakdown to stop the devastating runs.

Quick hands would have resulted in plenty of scoring opportunities but it was not long before the blinkers were off and the ball started to slip wide.

This resulted in three tries on the wing thanks to the speed of young new recruit Jessie James who darted through the defence and put players into space.

The new forwards also showed they are ready for the tough competition with new player Zac Graham finding his niche in the number 1 jersey. While the scrums were non-contested the new player to the sport proved to be well suited for the forwards and made his presence known.

The Gropers look to have gained depth which is a welcome boost after injuries have left key players sidelined heading into the finals.

Gropers train Tuesday and Thursday nights in Margaret River and welcome new players wanting to learn rugby or try their hand at a new sport. Training starts at 6pm at Little Nippers Oval.