A large crowd of Dungog supporters including several senior players were on hand at Coronation Park last Friday night to witness a stirring comeback win by the under 18 rugby league side.
The crowd support played a major part in the spirited performance and the side would like to thank everyone who made the trip to West Maitland.
The Warriors started perfectly.
Completed sets, astute kicking and solid defence enabled Ben Trappel to score one of his trademark individual tries. The conversion was unsuccessful but they led 4-0 only eight minutes into the game.
Soon after, Oscar Forde increased the margin when he produced a powerful run to burst through the Red Dogs defence and score.
With the conversion of his own try successful Dungog now led 10-0.
Once again the Warriors mounted pressure, and from a set move, centre Hayden Mitchell appeared to have scored only to have his effort disallowed with the referee ruling he had knocked on in the process.
Unfortunately Mitchell and five-eight partner Tom Irwin sustained severe knee injuries soon after the no try ruling and the side became disarrayed and unorganised for the first time in the match.
Starting the game with only two players on the reserve bench Dungog seemed to be in trouble.
West Maitland took full advantage of the situation and after a sustained period of attack was able to break the Dungog defence and score only minutes before half time leaving them only four points in arrears at 10-6.
Wests started the second half where they left off in the first. They scored two tries in the opening seven minutes, racing to a 16-10 lead and looking as if it might be a long night for the visitors.
On several occasions this season the team has overcome adversity and with a vocal crowd of support the Warriors began their comeback.
Fullback Jonathon Unicomb and centre Mark Copus made several strong runs, relieving the forwards of a heavy workload.
Hooker Hamish Evans continually made valuable metres through the ruck and kept the opposition in retreat.
In saying that it could be said it was the next few damaging runs from prop Tom Rumbel that turned the game back in Dungog’s favour and when he crashed through the West defence twice in the space of five minutes, the Warriors were back in front 20-16 with 10 minutes left on the clock.
With a win in sight and the valuable encouragement from their supporters, they were able to dominate the remainder of the game and come away with a well deserved two competition points.
Although there are players’ rewarded for their performances, every player can be proud of their personal contribution towards the win. Congratulations fellas.
Next Saturday Dungog 18s take on third placed Waratah at Bennett Park at 1.20pm.
As I said before, your support will be very much appreciated.
Dungog 20 – Tries to Tom Rumbel 2, Ben Trappel and Oscar Forde. Goals to Oscar Forde 1/2, Mark Copus ½. West Maitland 16 - tries 3, goals 2.
Players’ player Tom Rumbel. Best forward Tom Rumbel, best back Mark Copus.
Best and fairest points: Tom Rumbel 3, Mark Copus 2, 1 Jonathon Unicomb 1.
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