A packed rugby club listened to some wonderful insights from the modern game by special guest Brett Kimmorley who is without doubt a passionate rugby league man as a player and now as a coach and commentator. Once again though it was the nostalgia provided by a number of proud ‘old boys’ led by Alan ‘Hack’ Whatham that reminded us of how tough the game was and continues to be.

Whatham, who remarkably played First grade football as a 15 year old, revisited some of the local folklore much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd. If that had not already wetted the appetite, the show-stopper was the ostentatious dialogue of 1984 Under 18’s coach ‘Olly’ who had patrons in stitches, what a journey, what an experience, what a character! A great night had by all and congratulations to Donna Clout in particular for her organisational efforts to bring about another great night.

Sunday was about the football with the Scone Thoroughbreds visiting Resco Park in four grades and it was the visitors who left with most of the spoils. The First grade result wasn’t pretty and shouldn’t be sugar coated. The Bradken Greyhounds in recent years have been the authoritarian side in Group 21 delivering some unpleasant score lines to opponents including a 66 – 10 defeat of Scone just two seasons ago. Unfortunately the worm has turned and the unbeaten Thoroughbreds, perhaps motivated by that recent shellacking, gave Singleton a bath defeating them 64 – nil, the biggest defeat at home in Resco’s short existence. Clearly the Dog’s are at an ebb and while it would be easy to lay blame at the foot of those on the field it is not those players that are necessarily lacking commitment rather those who are making themselves unavailable. The team has been ravaged by injury all season and losing key playmakers Chad Solman and Kerrod Holland to the Newcastle competition was always going to make it a harder year, result wise - much harder. One shining light has been the performances of several Under 18 players, very capable ones I might add, who have stepped up to alleviate the top grade roster. Local lad and former Knights Junior Thomas Johnson who having played the majority of his juniors game backed up to play a similar role in First grade and won the Players player award. He is a talent, along with other junior’s such as Blake Andrews and Thomas Tull who have played plenty of First grade this year and this week Jacob O’Hara and Jake Hourn who may make their First grade debuts against the Tigers this week. No selfishness there by these boys, putting their own final shot at Under 18 glory aside to help the First grade team and the club more generally. It would be a great pity if in the final weeks of competition that some of these kids are injured and miss their last shot at a coveted Juniors premiership (looking at you reggie players).

The Cor-cooling Reserve grade side gave a good account of themselves against top placed Scone in their important Round 13 clash. The visitors though emerged triumphant to win 28 – 10. Matt Brock was dismissed from the field in the second half after offering referee Liam Parker his opinion on a decision. With Singleton reduced to 12 men, it allowed Scone more room to pull away with the result. Players Player went to powerful winger Sam Kirkwood for a great all-round game. The loss has Singleton precariously in third position going into the reserve grade competitions final round. The Dog’s have a very tricky road trip to Merriwa on Saturday while results of the Scone v Denman, Aberdeen V Murrurundi and Muswellbrook V Greta-Branxton all have a bearing on semi-finalist positions. At best Singleton can finish 2nd at worst 5th so understandably there is a lot to play for. Good luck to Ty Merrick and the team this weekend.

The Entire Concrete Ladies league-tag team endured their first defeat of the season going down 12 – 6. As the score suggests the game was a tight affair with limited opportunities for both teams. Scone probably took their chances slightly better with Singleton’s execution not quite up to the mark. Despite the loss, the girls remain in top position with two rounds to play. A critical top two spot is theirs to lose and a win over Merriwa on Saturday will cement a deserved major semi-final berth in a fortnight. Players Players award was shared this week between Lauren Pitt and Neisha Smith both of whom have been a model of consistency with high work rates in 2014.

The Singleton Tyre Centre Under 18s were the one shining light for the club last Sunday. A tight first half saw Singleton lead 18 – 12 against a plucky Thoroughbreds side. However the second half was as good a half of football the team has put together all season and the timing couldn’t be better. The Dogs piled on 30 unanswered points at the rate of ‘a point a minute’ to win 48 – 12. A reduced error rate and much better execution of attacking raids would have been a relief for Coach Paul Neely. The team has a bye this week ahead of a critical final round home game against Muswellbrook. Players player was prop Harry Ragh who has performed strongly all year especially the last two games.

Finally, players are urged to finalise their ticket purchases for the Annual presentation night to be held on Saturday September 20 at Club Singleton. The event is open to all players, parents and supporters and tickets at $40 p.p can be obtained at any regular training session off Bronwyn Dunstan.

Saturday July 26

First grade: Aberdeen V Singleton @ McKinnon Field – 5.15pm

Reserve grade: Merriwa V Singleton @ Merriwa Oval – 3.00pm

Ladies L-tag: Merriwa V Singleton @ Merriwa Oval – 2.00pm

Under 18: Bye

Marmalade