Dungog under 18 rugby league team travelled to Belmont last Saturday to take on competition heavyweights Lakes United.
The Warriors were left with 14 players due to injury, and although this has been a problem all season, the team has managed to perform well under adversity.
Once again they managed to produce a strong effort that kept their supporters entertained for most of the game.
Dungog started the game in the worst possible way. Lakes received a penalty close to Dungog’s line and a lack of concentration and effort enabled the opposition to stroll over for a converted try to lead 6-0 after just one minute.
For a short period this seemed to bring the Dungog team together - their defence was solid in the middle and they were competing well.
But again a lack of enthusiasm near their own line led to another “soft” Lakes try. The warriors were now down 0-10, only 13 minutes into the game.
The first half scoring was completed when Lakes produced a brilliant passage of play. After good lead up work the “seagulls” halfback cut through the Dungog defence kicked ahead for the support to re gather and score, leaving the visitors with a halftime deficit of 0-14.
To the Warriors credit the second half was a totally different effort. Dungog put themselves back in the game when Ben Trappel sliced through the defence and sprint 50 metres to score.
The try unconverted, but Dungog were now back in the game at 4-14.
The Warriors clicked into gear, strong attack enabled them to move deep into Lakes territory. From a play the ball close to the opposition line and only inches of sideline to work with Hayden Mitchell produced a clever dummy to score in the corner. An unsuccessful conversion left the score at 8-14.
Unfortunately an unlucky bounce of the ball played a major part in the setback of the Dungog response. A long midfield kick saw the ball rebound awkwardly out of reach and enable Lakes to score.
Yet again Dungog fought their way back into the game when centre Mark Copus had the supporters cheering when he intercepted a loose pass and out-sprinted the opposition in an entertaining 80 metre dash to the line. The score now 12-18 to Lakes.
Regrettably the toughness of the game had taken its toll on the Dungog numbers and when a few of the players were unable to be replaced late in the game, Lakes were able to score two late tries and record a 26-12 victory.
In saying that I am not taking anything away from the Lakes side as they showed why they are currently on top of the ladder and clearly deserved the win.
Dungog needs to realise that just a few seconds lapse in concentration can mean six points against them.
Congratulations to second rower Blake Thackery, who after receiving accolades from the opposition coach for his outstanding game, also received every players’ player vote.
Hayden Mitchell and Sam Collison were excellent, both players picking up awards.
Due to the catch up wet weather games, next week the 18s again play Lakes at 9.50am on Saturday at Bennett Park.
A little bit early I know, but these boys need your support.
If you can get there to cheer them on it will be very much appreciated.
Players’ player Blake Thackery. Best and fairest points: 3 Blake Thackery 2 Hayden Mitchell 1 Sam Collison.
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