If you want the recipe for defeat in a rugby league match, look no further than the Wauchope Blues u18s side.
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In their preliminary minor semi final against the Old Bar Pirates, the Blues lacked field position, gave away too many penalties and made a huge number of unforced errors.
Add to that, the side was down 16-4 at the half time break.
The result? Dan Middleton booted a penalty goal from 20 yards out on the full time siren to score a heart-stopping 18-16 win.
Spokesperson Ged Roods said the contest was very close with the Blues behind the entire game.
”And they were still down 16-10 with 10 minutes remaining after Mark Bell scored a much-needed second half try,” Roods said.
“Then with two minutes to go, Tristan Scott scored the valuable try and Middleton levelled the scores with the conversion.
“Right on full time, we got a penalty right in front and dan piloted the ball over the sticks for a win.”
Roods said the side needed to learn – and learn quickly – the value of not panicking when things don’t go their way and to dig deep and toughen up in defence.
“And hang onto the ball,” he added.
In a solid team effort, Jack Bailey stepped up from the u16s while strong-running backrower Dylan Wilkins reaped the benefits of some first grade appearances through the year with another strong effort.
In the ladies league tag, the Wauchope side was disappointing in a 22-4 loss to the Taree City Bull side.
“They just didn’t have their minds on the job and came up against a side that was just too strong for them on the day,” Roods said. “Kristy Roods and Tori Marr-Harris both played really well.
“But we get another shot at it this week against Old Bar who knocked out Forster Tuncurry in golden point. We have to turn up in a better frame of mind.”
Group 3 results:
Elimination Semi Final, Saturday – Jack Neal Oval, Taree
First Grade – Taree City Bulls 32 defeated Forster Tuncurry Hawks 28
Reserve Grade – Port City Breakers 30 defeated Macleay Valley Mustangs 18
18 ½ Grade – Wauchope Blues 18 defeated Old Bar Beach Pirates 16
Ladies League Tag – Old Bar Beach Pirates 12 defeated Forster Tuncurry Hawks 8.
Preliminary Final, Sunday Wingham
First Grade – Port City Breakers 36 defeated Wingham Tigers 22.
Reserve Grade – Port Macquarie Sharks 30 defeated Wingham Tigers 0.
18 ½ Grade – Taree City Bulls 38 defeated Port Macquarie Sharks 4.
Ladies League Tag – Taree City Bulls 22 defeated Wauchope 4.
