A temperate autumn afternoon and blue skies greeted a bumper crowd for a season opener between the Red Devils and Pirates at Gunnedah.
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The sides responded by delivering a pulsating clash, after a somewhat slow start.
And it was Pirates who finished the stronger, coming home like a steam train to overrun the home side at the death.
Inside centre Blair Maloney - back at Pirates after playing rugby league for several years - was the hero: he sliced through the defence to score the match-winner.
"About all I did all game, but it was all right," Maloney said.
The idyllic weather was a welcome respite from last week's sustained deluge - and, consequently, a joyous atmosphere rippled around the ground.
People came from far and wide for the encounter, including UK-based loved ones of the Red Devils' new English import, talented No. 10 Leo Mortimer.
Mortimer, who arrived in the country last month, said: "It's the first time I haven't had any exams.
"So I thought I'd take the chance to come out here and play on nice sunny days like this."
Mortimer studied international finance and banking back home.
Mark Bode
I’m passionate about writing stories that resonate with people. And I’m genuinely interested in the people I interview; I want to know about them and present their stories in a meaningful way.
I’m passionate about writing stories that resonate with people. And I’m genuinely interested in the people I interview; I want to know about them and present their stories in a meaningful way.
