According to the Bullseye, it was an absolutely stunning day for the game they play in heaven at Rugby Park – and a bumper crowd filed through the gates as the Bulls took on Southern Beaches. 

In thirds the home side overcame Beaches, going in at halftime up 5-0 in a tight clash before Rick Hawkins won the rucking mug as he led the team in opening the gap to come home 17-7 victors, maintaining their unbeaten streak through two rounds this year.

It was a similar story in seconds, with the Bulls taking a 9-point lead into halftime before taking it away in the second half, eventually coming out on top 29-15 to also record another win.

In the main event, the Bulls put forward a tough effort in spiteful clash, with teams exchanging penalty shots on goal with varied success early on. Beaches were able to kick away with a try inside 15 minutes to push out to 8-0 and a post try indiscretion left the Bulls a man down, with Liam Bowden receiving a yellow card. This didn’t hinder the Bulls aspirations though, as MJR Excavations Player of the Day Jacob Miller charged over from 20 out after a slick lineout play on the back an uncharacteristic string of penalties from the well drilled Beaches outfit. An intercept try by Beaches closed out the first half scoring, with the Bulls trailing 15-7 at halftime. 

The second half opened with excitement as Miller again scored from long range, on a weaving run from outside the 40 that left many Beaches defenders in his wake. With the scoreline at 14-15, the Bulls faithful had high hopes of a third grade whitewash. Unfortunately, this wasn’t to be, and after a red card the Bulls were left short a man for 35 minutes in the second half.  A weight of possession and field position meant Beaches were bound to crash over soon, and with a brace of tries under their belts pushing the score out to 22-14 and 27-14 minutes later, the floodgates opened, with both teams exchanging tries in the last 20 minutes as Beaches overpowered the valiant Bulls 44-28. 

There are many encouraging signs early in the season for our Bulls, as many combinations are still coming together and a strong showing against premiership quality opposition will leave them with a lot of confidence going into next round. Many young players are moving into the senior ranks as well, including decorated junior Alex Vaughan, who made his first grade debut on Saturday. Congratulations to Axe.

This week the Bulls take on Wanderers at No. 2 Sportsground in a special first for the NHRU, with Lake Macquarie, University, Singleton and Wanderers playing all of their fixtures at the same venue over the course of the day. 

Lining up in first grade is:

Seconds: 

Thirds:

Hope to see you there and go the Bulls.