The Greta Branxton Colts celebrated their return to the Bengalla Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League first grade ranks in the best way possible – with a win.
After a number of seasons in the wilderness, the club has rebuilt itself with a few important signings and the emergence of some promising juniors, who’ve tasted success in the under-18s.
In the opening round at the weekend, the Colts served notice to their highly-regarded rivals by trouncing perennial powerhouse Aberdeen Tigers 40-10.
With Joey Griffiths back in the fold and calling the shots, Greta Branxton piled on seven tries.
Reuben Andrews and Brady Hammond bagged doubles, while Jackson Cassidy, Brock Gilmour and Dylon Edwards also touched down.
Griffiths and Cassidy each landed two goals.
But, it was the “old stager” Griffiths, in his fourth stint at the Colts, who provided much-needed experience on the field.
He claimed a premiership with Greta Branxton in 2009 and, again in 2014, as co-captain.
His steadying hand, and the exuberance of youth around him, will ensure the club captures a few more scalps.
In the other senior fixtures, the Liam Foran-coached Denman Devils thrashed the Singleton Greyhounds 48-8 and the Scone Thoroughbreds upstaged the Muswellbrook Rams 40-22.
Bengalla Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League
Round one results:
First grade –
- Greta Branxton Colts d Aberdeen Tigers 40-10
- Scone Thoroughbreds d Muswellbrook Rams 40-22
- Denman Devils d Singleton Greyhounds 48-8
Reserve grade –
- Merriwa Magpies d Muswellbrook Rams 32-4
- Aberdeen Tigers d Greta Branxton Colts 28-16
- Denman Devils d Singleton Greyhounds 28-24
- Bye: Scone Thoroughbreds
Under-18s –
- Aberdeen Tigers d Lakes United Seagulls on forfeit
- South Newcastle Lions d Singleton Greyhounds 18-16
- Scone Thoroughbreds d Western Suburbs Rosellas on forfeit
Monarch blues tag –
- Aberdeen Tigers d Greta Branxton Colts 60-0
- Scone Thoroughbreds d Murrurundi Mavettes 60-0
- Singleton Greyhounds d Denman She-Devils 18-16
- Bye: Merriwa Magpies
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