THE Kendall Blues secured a 46-16 win over crosstown rivals the Laurieton Hotel Stingrays on Saturday, delighting a boisterous local crowd at the Kendall Showground for the club’s Andy Howe Memorial Day.

The event, known as Howie’s Day, is held in memory of Andrew Howe, a former Blues player and beloved clubman.

Saturday 29 June would have been his 35th birthday.

All money raised on the day went towards the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

Kendall’s Jahbe Latham secured the first points of the day for the Blues.

Latham ran straight through the middle of the Stingrays pack, scoring a try directly under the posts.

Jack Chapman made no mistake with his conversion and the Blues were off to a 6-0 lead.

The Blues’ Hudson McCarron broke through the defensive line next, again scoring under the sticks.

Another successful Chapman kick took the Blues to a 12-0 lead.

Kendall’s Jye Rousell continued to impress again, bagging another hat trick of tries; his first coming after crossing the line out wide.

Again Chapman’s trusty boot was called into action and the Blues pulled further away to an 18 point lead.

At a stage when it looked like the Blues were going to run away with it, but Stingrays’ Ulise ‘Big Les’ Fahini had other ideas.

Busting through the Blues pack, Big Les scored the Rays’ first try of the game right before the half time buzzer.

An unsuccessful conversion attempt followed, with the sides going into the half time break with the Blues leading 18-4.

Fahini wasn’t deterred by the break, crossing the line after the resume of play for his second try of the day.

The conversion by Adrian Daley was successful and the Rays appeared to be edging themselves back into the game.

A Jy West try out wide and another successful conversion by Adrian Daley reduced the gap to just two points.

Sensing danger, the Blues showed why they are sitting pretty at the top of the competition ladder.

Danger man Jye Rousell found the line out wide for his second try of the game, followed by a successful Jack Chapman sideline conversion.

History then repeated itself, with another Rousell and Chapman try/conversion combination extending the Blues’ lead to 30-16.

Jack Chapman then decided to get in on the scoring action, successfully converting his own try.

The last try of the day went to Blues fullback Elia Glassie, before the unflappable Chapman did the business with the boot once more.

At full time, the Kendall Blues came away winners 46-16.

Jake Wheeler, spokesperson for the Laurieton Hotel Stingrays, told News Of The Area (NOTA) it was “great to be part of Howie’s Day again”.

“I thought our boys displayed a strong effort in the second half, especially. with only having twelve men on the field, but the Kendall Blues were the better side today and definitely deserved the win.”

Kendall Blues captain Joel Kennedy told NOTA, “Howie’s Day is a very special event for both the Blues and the Howe family and we are really glad we got the job done for them.

“I’m very proud of our boys – ripping in and playing hard.

“Laurieton are tough.

“They are a tough team and we will see them later in the year.”

Watching on from the sidelines was Andy Howe’s dad, Alan Howe.

“Today is a big day and it is great to see everyone in the community coming out to support our cause,” he said.

“The rivalry between Laurieton and Kendall is second to none and it has always been.

“Watching the game from the sidelines is like watching a State of Origin game, making the day even more meaningful.”

Howie’s Day concluded with the presentation of the Andy Howe Medal, given to the game’s Man of the Match.

This year the award was given to Kendall’s Blair Scott.

“I have been playing for the Blues for two years and it is always a tough game against Laurieton, but to have everyone come out and support us on this day is really special,” Blair told NOTA.

“To be presented with the medal is a true honour.”

By Kim AMBROSE