MACQUARIE Scorpions suffered a shock 19-12 loss to the much-improved Lakes United in the opening round of the Newcastle rugby league premiership at Belmont on Saturday.
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Macquarie were favourites before a ball was kicked and nothing happened to change that view once the first ball was kicked.
Lakes allowed the kick off to bounce and in the scramble that followed made an error to give Macquarie possession.
A sweep to the right wing saw Cameron Sutton score inside 60 seconds in a dream start for Macquarie.
Lakes then got into the rumble - and the contest.
A string of penalties, and poor discipline from the fired-up Scorpions shifted the momentum and, suddenly, the home team had crossed for two tries of their own.
Macquarie second-rower Simon Allen crashed over from close range to score his team's second try to set up a 12-all scoreline at the break.
After the break, the Scorpions had three sets of tackles deep in Seagulls territory but spilt the ball each time.
It allowed the Seagulls to attack for the best part of 25 minutes.
Macquarie secretary Stephen Woodbridge said the Seagulls were controlled and relentless.
"It was a credit to the Scorpions defence that they were able to hold out as long as they did," Woodbridge said.
A penalty goal to Seagulls' halfback Brad Murray, followed by a second try to centre James Vaka put the home team up 18-12 with about six minutes to play.
Macquarie then made a break from deep in their own half through Josh Schmiedel.
"We looked certain to score under the posts but unfortunately the ball was dropped close to the line.
"Lakes then kicked a field goal to wrap up the win," Woodbridge said.
It was a tough day for Macquarie who lost in all four grades. This Saturday, the Scorpions host Central Newcastle at Lyall Peacock Field, Toronto.
■ The under-19s start at 11am, with first grade to kick off at 3pm.