Shuffling pays off

Despite having to make seven changes because of suspension or injury, Rockingham Rugby Union Football Club proved too good to record a 24-point win against Perth Bayswater at the weekend.

The depth of the premier grade’s list was put to the test and they passed with flying colours, as they secured a comfortable 36-12 win at Lark Hill.

Rockingham had to reshuffle its backline and forward pack line-up to the team which went down 24-20 the previous week against top-of-the-table Nedlands.

With all the changes, questions remained about Rockingham’s ability to face the challenge presented by a traditionally physical Bayswater side.

It was a tough and tight game early as both sides let scoring chances go begging before the home team took the ascendancy with their backs making their mark on the game.

Rockingham ran in several impressive long-range tries, with James Dougal scoring three.

The try of the match went to Norman Lima, who was on the end of some impressive play culminating in a spectacular pass from Marcus Walker.

It was a disappointing loss for the championship first-grade team which lost 30-19 to ladder-leaders Armadale Roleystone Kelmscott side.

The club’s championship second grade fought out a tough contest with ARKS going down 5-3.

Rockingham had the best of the play and was unlucky on a number of occasions not to capitalise on their dominance.

Rockingham will host Cottesloe and UWA at Lark Hill this Saturday.