THE Wallumbilla-Surat Red Bulls have brushed aside fellow table-toppers St George and sent a strong message to the rest of the competition in the process, with a convincing 34-12 victory yesterday.

Playing in Surat for the first time this year, as construction finished on new change rooms, the Red Bulls gave the newest addition to the ground the perfect christening, as it cemented its place as a serious title contender this season.

The Red Bulls came out firing against the Dragons and playmaker Robert Hobbs ensured the home side asserted its dominance in the opening minutes, by scoring the first of his two four-pointers.

The Red Bulls intimidated with its intensity in attack and Hobbs was again in the thick of the action, when he put Nathan Schwerin through a gaping hole, to extend the lead to 10-0.

The score was 16-0 before the visitors got into gear but managed to take some momentum into the break.

That positive running-football continued after half-time and the Dragons quickly turned the tide to bring the score to 16-12, with 20 minutes to go.

But after the Red Bulls extended the lead to six points with a penalty through Dave Gallaghan, the flood gates opened.

Once Kurt Rowbottom crossed with 11 minutes to go, the Red and Whites seemingly shut up shop and allowed the Red Bulls to pile on three tries in quick succession to run out winners by22 points.

Red Bulls coach Mick Clanchy was happy with boys' defensive effort.

"To defend like that against a team, who can very easily put 40 points on you, is a great effort," Clanchy said.

"But we're always looking to improve and if we can back up like that against Mitchell next week we'll be right in it."

Other results

U16: Red Bulls 32 d St George 10
U18: St George 40 d Red Bulls 34
Res Grade: St George 40 d Red Bulls 28
A-grade: Red Bulls 34 d St George 12

U16: Mitchell 42 d Chinchilla 20
U18: Mitchell 39 d Chinchilla 28
Res Grade: Chinchilla Forfeited
A-grade: Mitchell 74 d Chinchilla 8