The team listed as per the grand final program is - 1. AXEL CROSSLEY; 2. TY JOHN MARSHALL, 3. HAMISH ADAMTHWAITE; 4. JAKE RUDDER; 5. CAMERON CURRIE, 6. KAI BAKER, 7. HARRY SLATTERY, 8. WILLIAM AMIDY, 9. KOBY FERNANCE, 10. AIDAN GARDINER, 11. DARCY BARRY, 12. BAYLEY BROOKS, 13. RILEY HENESS, 14. LANE HEFFERNAN, 15. TALAN EARNSHAW, 16. HUNTER BUCKLEY, 17. BEAU DALTON, 18. BRODY SIMMONS.

There were some nervous Pups when the Singleton Junior Greyhounds U10’s side ran out on to the field to contest their first grand final. Scone put first points on the board but Singleton replied with some non-stop attack hunting for the line.

An explosive run from Kai Baker and successful conversion levelled the score at 6-6. A massive defensive effort up the middle from Darcy Barry, Riley Heness, Bailey Brooks, Jake Rudder, Lane Heffernan and Harry Slattery held the hungry Scone team back. Cameron Curry’s speed out of dummy half kept the opposition on the back foot. 

With Axel Crossley chasing a driving kick and getting a perfect bounce to lock in another four points taking the score line to 10-6 at half time. With his strength and determination team Captain, Koby Fernance, scored the first try in the second half pushing the score line to 16-6. Hamish Adamthwaite, at first receiver, was instrumental in his attack and defence covering Scone at every turn.

Ty John Marshall, Aidan Gardiner, Will Amidy, Talan Earnshaw, Beau Dalton, and Hunter Buckley covered the field in defence holding there line and giving one hundred per cent. Scone slipped in another try and then Baker holding the ball out in front of him had a big show and go splitting the line and powering down the field for a 70 metre run away try taking the score line to 22-12.

However, Scone fought back to put on another try, making it 22-18 at full-time . Well done to Kai Baker taking out player of the match. This team as they have shown all year that their non-stop determination and hard work has once again displayed why they are the minor premiers and grand final winners for 2018. 

U11's (Blacks) def Scone 20-12: 

The team listed as per grand final program is:  1. CALEB BAXTER, 2. TOBY ROCK, 3. JACK NEWMAN, 4. BEAU BURLEY, 5. LACHLAN SHEPPARD, 6. TALLAN WALSH-McKIERNAN, 7. JACK GILMORE, 8. NATE ROTHALL, 9. EDEN HAMPSTEAD, 10. RYAN GUY, 11. CHARLIE KNIGHT, 12. JACK SLATTERY, 13. JAYDEN BRUMBY.

It was a top of the table clash that certainly delivered; the entertaining game went down to the wire. With Scone choosing to return the ball from the kick off, Singleton would start the game defending – a real strength and asset of the Black’s game. Scone applied pressure to Singleton’s goal line after an early mistake and a touch of the nerves. This put the home side on the back foot and Scone were first to cross the line. However, due to some great scrambling defence by the outside backs, they were held up.

As the game went on and the nerves settled the boys confidence and belief started to grow. With some strong runs and Jack Gilmore (Happy) at the helm steering the boys around with his classy plays and kicking game, Singleton made their way down the field to set the platform for the first attacking raid. It wasn't long before Jayden Brumby tore apart the defence, beating off four defenders to score from 15 metres out but theconversion was unsuccessful to give the Blacks a 4-0 lead.

The momentum had shifted. Jack Slattery (Slatts) was terrorising Scone’s attack through some brutal defence, while Tallen Walsh-McKiernan (Tal) was returning kicks like a freight train coming down the valley. A quick play the ball and great vision 10 meters in to Scone’s half would see Eden Hampstead (Edo) take a scoot from dummy half and slice through  to score a sensational long range try. Tal converted taking the score to 10-0. 

Scone was starting to feel the pressure, but to their credit they lifted and after a number of repeated sets caught the Blacks short out wide, scoring in the corner and converting to make the score 10-6.

Half time was closing in and the arm wrestle was on. Ryan Guy had the boys in the middle pumped with his constant talk and motivation, while Caleb Baxter came on and was cutting down much bigger opponents. Toby Rock (The Rock) was playing like seasoned veteran on the wing, in his rookie year his defence and positional play was on point. The hooter sounded and the boys were still in front 10-6.

The second half tussle would continue much the way the first had finished, both teams were giving their all. Singleton conceded back to back penalties and Scone capitalised. A quick try and converted goal saw them hit the lead for the first time.

However, it wasn't long before Beau Burley would take a beautiful cut out pass and out sprint the opposition, showing his speed and class before diving over in the corner for a four pointer. Happy converted to regain the lead 16-12 with 12 minutes to go. 

Jacko returned to the field, an instant injection of energy, and Nate Rothall continued his dominant game leading the way with robust hit-ups. Lachlan Sheppard carved up the opposition in attack but the game was far from over, the tension was growing as the well drilled Scone side never gave up. With five minutes to go and Scone attacking the line on the last play, the games defining play was unfolding. 

As was the case on countless occasions this year on the wing, Charlie Knight positioned himself perfectly to take a magnificent catch under pressure and save a certain try. It was from this play on the Black’s goal line that they worked their way down field. Singleton kicked early in the set and Hampstead regathered inside of Scone’s half. 

The last tackle saw the ball shifted wide with Rothall and Sheppard again linking up with a great draw and pass. Then a blistering run by Sheppard saw him score what would prove to be the match winning try. The conversion was missed and the score remained 20-12 with the Blacks victorious. Congratulations on a well earned premiership victory and to Sheppard on his man of the match performance.  

U12’s Division One side def Scone 6-4

The team line-up is as provided by the team coach: Ethan Newman; Rylan Cameron, Cooper Meldrum, Paris Forbes, Josh Baxter, Reid Stamp, Tyler Ward, Isaac Adamthwaite; Tom Kirkpatrick; Lachlan Molloy;  Julian Stewart;  Naite Howlett; Ryan Jurkans, Jack Ford; Riley Maytom.

This season saw the Under 12’s graded in the top division of the Maitland and District Junior Rugby League competition. The comp proved to be very competitive.  

During their three previous encounters there were only four points at the most separating the teams so the big dance did not disappoint.  

We all knew that this was going to be a tight affair as it had been all year however no one expected or anticipated how it played out.

The first half saw a great defensive display from both teams but in particular the Greyhounds turning the opposition away on many occasions with repeat sets on their try line – the half time score being 0 – 0. 

The second half continued with the same determination from both teams with neither giving an inch until finally with eight minutes to go Scone crossed the line to put the first points on the board.  

But a missed conversion left the score at 4 – 0 when the full time siren sounded. 

However, the Greyhounds were awarded a penalty on the 40 metre line before the siren sounded which left one last play of the game. 

And, what a play this turned out to be.

At this point the penalty tap was taken with a kick to follow and a determined chase by the backline for a last throw of the dice play which had the crowd holding their breath. 

With Singleton out in front leading the chase, the ball was placed down centimetres within the goal area to be awarded a try.

The crowd erupting in amazement to even the scores at a nail-biting 4 – 4.

With the siren already sounded all that was left was a conversion attempt which was successful to give the Singleton the 2018 premiership. 

All the boys played hard; unwavering right up until the last play, never giving in which enabled them to pull off this miracle last play. 

The entire team played with this attitude in every game this season and their determination, grit and perseverance made them more than worthy premiers in this top division. 

Congratulations boys you continue to amaze us every week.

The side is coached by Brett Ward and Scott Stewart. 

Thanks to the junior club for the reports and pictures, here are some more shots courtesy of Jenny Rudder, Karl Gilmore and Amanda Ward.