Mixed results for Cougars

WESTERN Cougars fielded its first junior side since 2007 on Saturday, but it was left to their seniors to register the club its first points of the 2010 Gridiron Queensland campaign.

While the juniors were humbled 14-0 by reigning champions the Ravens, the seniors thumped the Toowoomba Wolves 27-7 in Toowoomba to get their Sunbowl crusade off to the perfect start.

The Wacol-based Cougars might have found another exciting receiver with Ryan Purves excelling in his first game for the club.

The rookie returned a kick-off for 90 yards and caught a touchdown pass in an eye-catching display, while quarterback Adam Irwin (pictured) set the tone for the Cougars with four touchdown passes.

Leading 20-0 at the first change, Cougars coach Clinton Fraser began experimenting with his line-up.

It also gave him a chance to marvel at his defence, led by strong safety/linebacker, Joel Kept, and first-year starting defensive end, Iete Ronan, who had two sacks.

Overall, coach Fraser was pleased with the victory, but emphasised the Cougars had plenty of room for improvement.

“We mixed it up a bit and played well for most of the match,” he said.

“But we've still got a lot of room to improve.

“We were playing Toowoomba who finished last in 2009 so we don't know where we are at the moment until we play some of the better sides.”

The juniors tackle the Bruins this Saturday, while the seniors have a bye.

The Cougars are still seeking junior players to compete in this year's Gridiron Queensland competition.

If you are aged between 14 and 18 and would like to give gridiron a shot either visit www.cougarsgridiron.com.au or turn up to training, which is held on Monday and Thursday, from 6.30pm to 8pm at PJ McIlwain Place, located on Grindle Road, Wacol.