The Singleton Bulls' first grade side was unable to pull off the upset win of the NHRU season when suffering a disappointing 22-15 defeat against Nelson Bay this afternoon.
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The home side ignited the Rugby Park crowd by taking a 3-0 lead before storming to a 10-5 lead ahead of the main break.
This was a welcomed surprise after first grade coach Steve Merrick told the Singleton Argus on Thursday evening that his priority was "to get teams on the field" before focusing on the match itself.
Scores were level at 15-all for almost the entire second half as his men continued to battle the against the wind.
However a late try to the visitors in the final play of the game would see Bulls players, coaches and supporters left in despair.
"They worked hard and they really needed a result," Bulls' coaching coordinator Chris Coleman told the Singleton Argus moments after the match.
"Someone said that we've paid our dues to the Rugby Gods' this year and (I believe) we have.
"Today we needed the right bounce of the ball and the umpires call but it was disappointing for the result not to come our way."
Pride will be on the line this coming Saturday when the Bulls face off against Southern Beaches.
MEANWHILE the Bulls second grade side suffered a disappointing 21-14 defeat while earlier in the day the third grade line-up celebrated a whopping 36-14 win in honour of Dr Mitchell Tanner's 300th club game.