https://www.xxzza1.com
19.4 C
Newcastle

GROUP 21: Rams rejoice breakthrough victory

SHARE

It’s taken a bit of time to get there but, gee, it was worth it.

That’s the overarching sentiment from Muswellbrook president Kurt Dial after the Rams secured a breakthrough victory in Bengalla Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League at the weekend.

Following a tough start to the season, the local outfit fought back from a half-time deficit to knock over arch-rivals Denman Devils 28-18.

“I’m extremely proud of the boys, coaching staff – everyone,” Dial told the Newcastle Weekly.

“Not once, has anyone dropped their head or clocked off.

“The spirit and camaraderie within the Rams remain high.

“They’ve continued to work hard, so it’s great to not only see them finally win but it’s also a terrific reward for their perseverance.

“It’s been 11 weeks in the making, however we got there in the end, along with the reserve graders, who triumphed for the first time in 2021 as well.”

The Devils enjoyed a 12-6 lead at the break, on the back of a couple of Liam Boney tries.

But, the Rams rose to the occasion in the second period, with John White, Ethan McKenzie, Jayden Rosberg and Callan Cridland among the scorers.

Talented youngster Bailey Ellis booted four goals, for good measure, too.

Muswellbrook’s “seconds” prevailed 26-20 in a thriller.

Meanwhile, the Scone Thoroughbreds upstaged the Aberdeen Tigers 28-12 in the top of the table fixture at McKinnon Oval.

The hosts benefited from the majority of the early ball and put pressure on the Scone defence.

However, the Thoroughbreds made the most of their first trip to opposition territory with Hayden Topliss chipping over the top and regathering to fight his way over the line, under the posts, for Jake Watts to add the extras for a handy 6-0 lead.

Midway through the stanza, and against the run of play, Aberdeen grabbed an intercept 10m inside their own half to touch down between the sticks.

With the conversion successful, the combatants were locked together at 6-all.

Then, with 15 minutes to go, the Tigers were able to maintain the pressure and regathered a kick near the Scone line to regain the advantage, 12-6 at the break, with a converted try.

The Thoroughbreds narrowed the gap soon after the restart, when Jared Austin scored in the corner from a long cut-out pass from Nick Watson.

The conversion was waved away, with Aberdeen holding onto a 12-10 scoreline.

Scone then started to find some consistency.

When attacking the Tigers’ line, another precision ball from Watson located Brandon Walker, who ran a straight line before diving over.

Watts raised the flags and the margin to 16-12.

Almost immediately, Luke Clydsdale also crossed, allowing for an easy Watts’ conversion to go ahead 22-12.

With the Thoroughbreds dominating possession, James Eveleigh subsequently scored from a scrum, which increased the lead to 28-12.

In the final 10 minutes, Clydsdale received his marching orders after being sent to the sin bin.

But, there was no change to the scoreline, with the defending premiers running out winners, 28-12.

The Singleton Greyhounds had a weekend off, courtesy of the bye. 

Bengalla Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League

Results round 11:

First grade –

Scone Thoroughbreds defeated Aberdeen Tigers 28-12

Muswellbrook Rams defeated Denman Devils 28-18

Bye: Singleton Greyhounds

Reserve grade –

Merriwa Magpies defeated Singleton Greyhounds 38-10

Scone Thoroughbreds defeated Aberdeen Tigers 22-12

Greta Branxton Colts defeated Murrurundi Mavericks 42-22

Muswellbrook Rams defeated Denman Devils 26-20

Under-18s –

Scone Thoroughbreds defeated Aberdeen Tigers 18-10

Tigers Cup

Narrabri defeated Singleton Greyhounds

Monarch Blues Tag –

Merriwa Magpies defeated Singleton Greyhounds 28-6

Scone Thoroughbreds defeated Aberdeen Tigers 12-10

Murrurundi Mavettes defeated Denman Devils 48-0

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

For more sports stories:

More Stories

Newcastle Weekly

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe to Newcastle Weekly. News, Community, Lifestyle, Property delivered direct to your inbox! 100% Local, 100% Free.

You have Successfully Subscribed!