The Singleton Greyhounds took all before them once again during Round 9 of local league competition.
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It’s now been over 1000 minutes of football since Singleton last tasted defeat in any grade and the club has now surged to a share of the Club Championship lead as a result.
In what was a danger game against the winless Greta-Branxton Colts, the ‘Ourcare’ First Grade side continued their rich vein of form to outclass the home side 42 – 10. The Dogs were cruising at 10 – nil thanks to an early double to Thomas Johnson. The rest of the half Singleton lost its way, failing to capitalise on numerous Greta-Branxton errors. It wasn’t until the stroke of half-time the lead increased to 16-nil when a select Chad Solman cross field kick found winger Michael Rinkin.
The second half was fairly predictable with tries coming the way of Lachlan Preston, Russell Richards, Zac Solman, a second to Rinkin and a barnstorming effort from Josh Desmond to finish. An intercept try to the home side with seconds remaining put some respectability into the score-line. 20 year old fullback Will Nieuwenhuise was dangerous every time he touched the ball.
The game also saw the debut of another Under 18’s player Jesse Slavin who was impressive off the bench as was another junior Zac Butler playing his second game in the top grade in as many weeks. The win saw the Dog’s jump from fifth to third and now have second placed Aberdeen, their opponent this Sunday, firmly in their sights. The side will be hoping to overturn a 22 – 16 defeat to the Tigers in Round 5 which was the last occasion Singleton ironically tasted defeat.
The ‘Remondis Group’ Reserve Grade continued their winning ways with a comprehensive 34 – 0 victory over an inexperienced Colts side. The first half was reduced in time due to an injury in the Under 18’s game but it didn’t stop Singleton racing to a 22-nil half-time lead. The second half was also a stop-start affair with just the two tries added. Singleton points came via tries to Kyle Bailey, Scott Matthews, Brodie Rinkin, Lachlan Picton and Ethan Coe while Zac Howlett landed five goals. Following results from the weekend the side now finds themselves clear on top of the ladder, a position they will be looking to maintain through the back half of the competition.
The ‘Singleton Tyre Centre’ Under 18’s took the opportunity to rest some key players and reward others for dedication at training in their match up against the winless Thoroughbred’s.
A Hayden Bourke double gave Singleton a tight 10 – 0 lead at the break. Scone scored a soft try on the back of some poor defence to make it interesting at 10 – 6. Singleton then kicked back into gear and crossed for three more tries to Morgan Amidy, James Bradley and a third to Bourke who also slotted four goals for an individual tally of 20 points. The game finished 15 minutes early due to a serious shoulder injury to form back-rower Tyler Campbell. The team is wishing him a speedy recovery but he will be a big loss for the side going forward. Cameron Burns playing his first season of rugby league continues to make strides forward in the game and was strong up front.
The ‘Entire Concrete’ Ladies League-Tag side continues to do great things and consolidated second position on the ladder with a decisive 42 – 0 win over Greta-Branxton. One of the more satisfying aspects of their game has been the team’s defence. The girls made it three straight games keeping their line intact and the fourth time this season. Singleton’s points came from tries to Ebony Ford, Maddy Sonter, Ashley Taggart and Alana Fisher-Webster with her sister Holly in hot form scoring four tries and kicking five goals. Nikki Taggart was another to get plaudits from the coaching staff. Next week will be a test against third place Murrurundi.
The R.E and W.J Gardner Transport ‘Players Player’ mug recipients were Will Nieuwenhuise (1st Grade), Jay Ferrie (Reserves), Hayden Bourke (Under 18) and Ebony Ford (Ladies).
Next week is going to be huge with the Old Boys re-union for the drought breaking 2007 First Grade premiership side and 1967 reserve grade premiership side on Saturday evening at the Rugby Club. Tickets are just $20 and can be obtained by contacting Nigel Papworth on 0419 571 634.
On Sunday its ‘Old Dogs Day’ at Pirtek Park with four mouth-watering contests set down. The club is anticipating a large crowd and welcomes all former players to squeeze into their old jerseys and support the current crop to victory on Sunday. See you there!
Sunday 2nd July – Pirtek Park (Singleton)
First grade: Singleton V’s Aberdeen @ 2:00pm
Reserve Grade: Singleton V’s Murrurundi @ 12:30pm
Under 18’s: Singleton V’s Denman @ 11:20am
League-tag: Singleton V’s Murrurundi @ 10:15am