Despite giving away plenty of size up front and a number of injuries to key Singleton forwards the game was still in the balance until an intercept try in the 80th minute gave Muswellbrook a 30 – 22 win. To add to the bitterness of defeat was the fact it was five tries a piece with goal kicking proving a costly once again for the home team.

The scores were locked at 12 – 12 in the run up to half time following tries to Michael Rinkin and a double to Luke Gardner. The Rams posted two crucial tries in the 37th and again in the 40th minute to steal a 24 – 12 lead into the break which took the wind out of Singleton’s sails.

Unperturbed the Dog’s rallied and with a bit of possession and field position lock-forward Dale Watson sent a great long ball onto the chest of Luke Gardner who made it three tries for the day. Then it was Jake Smith’s turn when he burrowed over to score 15m to the left of the posts for Adam Hamilton to convert slicing the Ram’s lead to 24 - 22. The Greyhounds kept finding under pressure to keep Muswellbrook out. An intercept try in the dying seconds as Singleton swung the ball wide to produce a last ditched chance at victory was deflating. The team showed a lot of character in this performance and although they have nothing to show for it following three rounds of the competition if they maintain that desire their fortunes will turn around. The club is hoping to land a couple of promising forwards to relieve the current injury situation in the top grade.

The Remondis Group Reserve Grade side grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory in their match against Merriwa. Singleton raced to a 20 – nil lead mid-way through the first half thanks to tries to Jake Mackaway, Brodie Rinkin and a double to Jay Ferrie. The Magpies have never be known to lay down and today was to be no different. Slowly but surely they pegged back that lead to 20 – 8 by oranges. The Dog’s found it difficult to contain Merriwa who found the line again with 15 minutes to go and trail 20 – 14 and had the momentum. The visitors raced in two more converted tries to establish a 26 – 20 lead with five minutes to go. The Dogs scored with two minutes remaining but failed to convert delivering Merriwa a 26 – 24 win. While the club’s depth is being sorely tested at the moment the players fitness also needs work in the senior grades it would seem.

The Singleton Tyre Centre Under 18’s produced a better performance this week against arch rivals Muswellbrook. Singleton had a solid start with Bailey Schultz touching down in the corner after a few minutes before James Bradley was on the end of a Zac Butler bomb and he raced way to score in the corner for an 8 – nil lead. The Ram’s hit back with a try in the corner and in the throes of half-time pounced on a loose ball in the in-goal area to take the lead 12 – 8. Again Singleton’s start to a half was costly with a defensive error allowing Muswellbrook to score under the posts and at 18 – 8 the game was slipping away. Skipper Zac Butler chased down his own kick to score a try that was converted by Hayden Bourke to leave the deficit at 18 – 14. Singleton pressured the Ram’s line and the ball went left for Bailey Schultz to score his second of the day and tie the game up at 18 – 18. Some fundamental errors gave Muswellbrook field position and they posted a field goal with just two minutes remaining but in a positive sign, Singleton forced an error from the restart and marched downfield where James Bradley calmly slotted the equaliser with seconds remaining for a 19 – 19 score-line. A lot of improvement still to be had in this team.

The Entire Concrete Ladies League-tag team were brought back to earth with a thud on Sunday. Having won both their encounters decisively in the opening rounds they were on the receiving end against Merriwa who emerged 36 – nil winners after leading 20 – nil at half-time. Singleton allowed the Magpies to dictate the play and became frustrated with plenty of errors in attack and they could not build any pressure or momentum because of it. No doubt the girls will re-group and find their mojo next week with a tricky encounter against Greta-Branxton.

The R.E and W.J Gardner Transport ‘Players Player’ recipients were Luke Gardner (1st Grade), Jay Ferrie (Reserves), Tom Baker (Under 18) and Ebony Ford (Ladies).

This Saturday it’s another home game this time the Greta-Branxton Colts pay a visit to Pirtek Park, while the Under 18’s travel to Scone. Look forward to seeing everyone at a rare Saturday afternoon game, go you doggies.

Saturday 13th May – Pirtek Park

First grade: Singleton V’s Greta-Branxton @ 4:30pm

Reserve Grade: Singleton V’s Greta-Branxton @ 3:00pm

Ladies league-tag: Singleton V’s Greta Branxton @ 2:00pm

Sunday 14th May – Scone Park

Under 18’s: Scone V’s Singleton