THE Singleton Greyhounds didn’t have to work too hard for the two points at the weekend in the final home game of the season – and penultimate round of the BHP Billiton Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League premiership.
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The Ourcare first grade side was in receipt of a late forfeit from Greta-Branxton on game day.
With the Dogs nursing a few injuries, it was perhaps timely as co-coaches Jye Bayley and Ben Thorley set about finals planning.
With the Aberdeen Tigers knocking off the Scone Thoroughbreds, Singleton has now cemented second spot and a berth in the major semi-final against the Muswellbrook Rams, who will finish with the minor premiership with just one round remaining.
First up though will be a tough assignment against the Tigers this Sunday on their traditional ‘Old Boys’ day.
The Dogs should have their full complement of players this weekend and so it should be a cracking game based on the two close contests thus far this year between the two teams.
The Remondis Group reserve grade side was at home to Merriwa and needed a win to keep top spot on the ladder.
The Magpies, who remain the only side to defeat Singleton this season, were up for the contest.
The Dogs led 24-6 just before half-time but Merriwa scored on the bell to make it a 12-point ball game.
Brodie Rinkin added his second try of the day and put Singleton well clear with the final score reading 32-18.
With other round 14 results in, Singleton was able to secure the minor premiership but they, too, will be aiming for a big performance against traditional rivals Aberdeen next week.
Gardner Transport Players’ Player went to Rinkin after another masterful performance.
The Singleton Tyre Centre under-18s had a tricky road trip to Scone and take on the winless Thoroughbreds.
With nine regular players out of action, it was literally all hands on deck.
The side ran into a stiff breeze in the first half and missed a couple of early opportunities.
Scone scored first before Morgan Amidy crossed for the first of two strong tries.
Both teams traded tries with Tom Baker getting across the line but it was the Thoroughbreds took a 12-10 lead to the break.
Singleton played some enterprising football and scored four unanswered tries via Amidy, Rutter, Knight and Turnbull to put the game safely out of reach at 28-12.
The home side scored a consolation try late in the game to make it 28-18.
Gardner’s Transport Players’ player went to Kyle Knight who had another strong display.
The Entire Concrete league tag produced a much better performance this week against the unbeaten Merriwa Magpies.
A slow start though allowed Merriwa two easy tries to give the visitors a 12-0 lead at half-time.
The Singleton girls rallied in the second period and created enough pressure to allow Tyler Kersley to score a try and get it back to 12-4.
Unfortunately, Merriwa posted its third and final try of the game to finish 18-4 victors.
It was a much better performance despite the result and hopefully the girls can bounce back this weekend ahead of the semi-finals in a fortnight.
Players’ Player went to Tyler Kersley who was a standout.
Sunday, August 13 – McKinnon Field (Aberdeen)
First grade: Aberdeen v Singleton @ 2pm
Reserve grade: Aberdeen v Singleton @ 12.30pm
Under-18: Denman v Singleton @ 11.20am
Ladies league tag: Aberdeen v Singleton @ 10.15am