However, it was the Blacks who took out all three grades.

 In Thirsty’s, the Bulls hung tight for most of the game before more or less grasping defeat from the hands of victory. The game ebbed and flowed with momentum swinging wildly, and when the Bulls went up 19-15 inside the final 15 minutes hopes were high.

The Blacks struck back almost immediately though to gain a slim lead, and then scored again late to ice the game - the final score being 25-19.

In second grade, a slow start put the Bulls behind the eight-ball early, with the Blacks bursting out the gate to put on some quick points to open the game. By halftime the Blacks lead had eclipsed the 30 point mark as the Bulls were simply outclassed.

 The break seemed to be the catalyst for a revival, as the Bulls came out and put on a much improved display in the second stanza, but this wasn’t too little too late as the Blacks flexed their muscle once again late in the half to stride out and complete an impressive victory, 52-12.

In the big dance, with silverware in the form of the storied Gresham-Sarroff Shield on the line, there was plenty to play for and the Bulls were pumped up to try and steal a victory against a resurgent Blacks first grade side on Back to Black day.

The Blacks took first points the 2017 Anderson Medal winner Carl Manu and lengthened their lead with a penalty goal. With a 10-0 deficit, the Bulls strung together a great passage of forwards play to create tremendous pressure, and a string of penalties led to a Blacks player receiving a yellow card.

The Bulls were able to capitalise immediately to trim the gap to 5 points after Cody Fenwick dived over in the corner after some composed, structured play, led by half Cooper Harris. Unfortunately from the ensuing kickoff the Bulls gave up a cheap turnover leading to Country No. 8 Travis Brooke storming over to extend the Blacks lead to 17-5 and soon after they crossed again due to a defensive mixup – allowing 14 points despite a numbers advantage proved to be the Bulls downfall. 

With the halftime score at 24-5, the Bulls knew they had to hit back but the Blacks hit the ground running in the 2nd half, scoring under the posts in the opening exchanges of the second half after a yellow card to Bulls flanker Hayden Shepherd.

Some great play from the Bulls outside backs in Luke Rees and Sam Walker gave the Bulls faithful something to cheer about as they trimmed the gap to 3 converted tries, and when Cooper Harris scooted over for a try after a mistake from the Blacks halfback deep in enemy territory the Bulls could sniff an upset.

Maitland threw all hands on deck in a bid to stem the flow of points coming from the opposition and were able to maintain possession for a decent period throughout the final 15 minutes, scoring twice late to ice the game and retain the shield, running out 46-17 winners.

The Bulls will still take positives from the game however they know they lacked the killer instinct when it counted. 

The Bulls this week head out to the Groperdome at Nelson Bay, taking on their friendly rivals on Ladies Day down by the water.

This is always a much sought after fixture on the social calendar and we encourage all Bulls supporters to pack the togs and make the trip down to watch the boys take on a team that have been the surprise packet of the NHRU this year! We hope to see you there!

Teams for this Saturday, first grade:

Seconds:

Thirds: