With our top two grades taking full points against University to give the club a much needed boost heading into the second half of the season.

In the main game the Bulls engaged in a see-sawing battle with the students.

Multiple lead changes kept a packed Rugby Park crowd in limbo before the Bulls were able to kick away late and seal a victory.

It was Uni who struck first at the ten minute mark, taking advantage of an overlap to complete a sweeping backline move and score in the corner.

Injury forced Sheldon Swart from the park pushing Will Gresham into the fray early in his third appearance of the day in what would end up gaining him Valley Wide Electrical’s Player of the Day Cup.

The Bulls dominated proceedings in the following passages, camping in the Seahorse’s territory but unable to capitalise on their field position, with their seemingly disjointed attack not breaching the students defence.

However sustained pressure eventually led to points, with Lachlan Gulliver scrambling over in broken play to open the Bulls account.

The teams then exchanged blows as both Uni and the Bulls crashed over in quick succession, with Lincoln Adler crashing over after a quick tap by Cooper Harris.

Uni again hit back straight away but not to be outdone Adler stamped his resignation papers for the front rowers union scoring his second try soon after, as the lead changed for fifth time in a torrid first half.

Heading to the break it was a tight score line at 21-19 thanks to the sharp shooting of Bulls goalkicker Hasa Mason.

The second half did not start well for the Bulls as Uni again took the lead after intercepting a pass in the first phase after the restart, but Harris made amends at the other end soon after when sustained pressure and admirable patience from the Bulls was rewarded with a 5 pointer.

A game breaking performance was required though, and new signing, prolific try scorer former Wanderers winger Dillon Rowney delivered.

Coming off the bench after his second grade brace and he showed his class with a try laid on with help from fellow winger Sam Walker. With the gap at 11, the punters thought it was in the bag, but Uni struck back once again to leave the game in the balance.

Another long range from Rowney courtesy of a Luke Rees linebreak sent the vocal Singleton contingent into raptures, especially our rugby league counterparts the Singleton Greyhounds, jumping on board for a day of hospitality on the balcony at Rugby Park.

The final score was 42-29 to the Bulls.

Second grade also returned to the winners circle with a fantastic display, running away emphatic winners in a 33-0 rout of the students. 

With Jacob Miller returning from injury he formed one half of a formidable backline combination with Rowney.

Last season’s Premier 1 leading try scorer Rowney kicked off his tally at the Bulls early, scoring with his first touch of the footy before doubling down in a worthy Player’s Player performance only minutes later as the Bulls came tearing out of the gates to open up an early lead.

Despite a yellow card to Miller late in the first half that ended his day on the park, the Bulls only grew in confidence and some scrambling cover defence typified a resilient display to keep the students scoreless while picking up a bonus point, running away 33-0 winners.

In third grade the Bulls lacked polish and a frustrating second half saw them fall short, conceding a late try that saw them go down 12-5 to a jubilant Uni side.

While devastated the coaches took many positives out of the match as the Bulls defeated themselves and with a few adjustments Bullseye can see them challenging deep into the finals later in the season.

However there were still some standout performances – Nic Johnson took out Player’s Player while Will Gresham showcased his experience in leading the backline around the park. 

Next week we travel down to the sandy shores of Gateshead, taking on worthy competitors Southern Beaches at The Sandpit. Hope to see you there.

First Grade:

Seconds:

Thirds: