THE Agricultural Hotel Singleton Greyhounds returned home last weekend to Pirtek Park, collecting three wins from the four games played.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bradken first grade side, however, was overpowered by the Aberdeen Tigers 40-10; the team’s fourth consecutive loss.
The Greyhounds now find themselves in unfamiliar territory at the bottom of the Group 21 ladder after five rounds.
Going into the fixture missing five-eighth Chad Solman and back-rowers Chris Martin and Dale Watson, the Tigers forwards laid the platform for their playmaker Luke Hassellman to control the game.
Aberdeen led 14-0 after 25 minutes before a Thomas Johnson break led to Luke Gardner scoring out wide to make it 14-4 in the 29th minute.
The Dogs had two distinct scoring opportunities late in the half but both went begging.
Had they scored perhaps the margin would have been a little different.
Aberdeen started the second period strongly on the back of a few defensive lapses on some big opposition players and, aided by silly penalties, raced in four tries to lead 34-4.
The home side didn’t give up and with some decent field position allowed Gardner to post his second try of the day.
With injury and work availability biting hard into the playing roster, the Dogs may need to revisit the recruitment strategy going forward to underpin the very good bunch of juniors coming through at the moment.
Eighteen-year-old hooker Thomas Johnson was the standout performer.
He broke the tackle count meter with a great 80-minute performance.
Well done to the reggie players who also stepped up into the void this week in the top grade.
The Remondis Group reserve graders played a steady hand and always looked in control of their contest against Aberdeen, winning 33-6.
First half tries to Jake Willis, Chevy Ward and Jayden Sinclair, who backed up from the under-18s, combined with a conversion and field goal by Jake Smith gave Singleton a 15-0 lead.
The Dogs posted another four tries through Ward, a double to Nick Cox and the fourth to another junior stepping out for his senior debut off the bench, Cooper Harris.
It was a big occasion for the Harris family with father Alan also playing in the game and still offering plenty despite his “young” years, great family moment and achievement.
The Singleton Tyre Centre under-18s proved last week’s win over Scone was no flash in the pan with an impressive 28-12 victory at the expense of the Thoroughbreds.
The boys overcame an early setback to post its first try to Will Neuwenhuise after good lead up work by Harris and Jesse Hourn.
A Dylan Kenny four-pointer late in the half gave Singleton a 10-0 lead.
Halfback Luke Rees showed glimpses of real class with a great individual try and a select passing game that led to a further touchdown to Kyden Howard.
Another four-pointer to PJ Ling put the Dogs in a strong 28-6 lead with Neuwenhuise putting on a kicking exhibition, landing four goals, most from the sideline.
A consolation try to the visitors bought about the final score.
The Entire Concrete women’s league tag game received a setback when a serious leg injury to an Aberdeen lady resulted in most of the first half game time being lost.
Singleton led 4-0 at the break but was able to click into gear in the second period, scoring a further four tries to win the contest 22-0.
It was a welcome return to the winner’s list ahead of a tough clash this week against Greta-Branxton.
Tries went to Hayley Russell, Ashleigh Noble-Proud, Katie Dunn and Jade Cupitt. Maddi Sonter landed a goal.
This weekend the caravan is heading east to Greta to tackle the Colts with game times adjusted by one hour, so take note.
The reigning premiers have put back-to-back wins together in the past fortnight so the task doesn’t get any easier.
Let’s get behind the boys.
Marmalade
Hunter Valley Group 21
Sunday, May 24 – Greta Sportsground (Greta)
3pm: first grade - Greta-Branxton v Singleton
1.30pm: reserve grade - Greta-Branxton v Singleton
12.15pm: under-18 - Greta-Branxton v Singleton
11.15am: women’s league tag - Greta-Branxton v Singleton