SOUTHERN Lakes turned their jerseys inside out for their Newcastle Hunter Rugby Union Divisional clash against Easts 1 at Morisset on Saturday, but one thing remained the same – the Hammerheads won again.
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Prior to kick-off at Gibson Oval, the Hammerheads played gracious hosts in volunteering to flip their jerseys when match officials realised the playing strips of the two teams were too similar.
But that was as far as the charity was extended, as the Hammerheads fought back from a 12-7 deficit at halftime to grind out a 17-15 win over a very physical and determined Easts 1.
Southern Lakes’ No 8 Callum Vizer was a stand-out for the home team, crossing for two tries.
Vizer is a go-to man for the Hammerheads when they most need somebody to change the momentum of a game.
His first try, scored in the first half, featured a 50-metre bust which ended beside the Easts 1 goalposts. It came at a time when Easts 1 led 7-nil and were threatening to extend that lead.
Southern Lakes secretary Peter Watt said the visitors opened aggressively, launching brutal attacking raids and defending strongly.
“Eager to get some early points on the board, Southern Lakes insisted on rushing plays, trying to catch Easts off guard,” Watt said.
“However, no matter the direction of the ball we were met by the fast-moving Easts’ defence. The constant pressure against our attack resulted in too many rushed plays and poor ball handling.”
The first points of the game came from one such error by Southern Lakes.
Easts 1 gathered possession from a line-out fumble and swept the ball wide to score in the left corner and set up a 7-nil lead.
Vizer’s try and subsequent conversion from Riley See levelled the scores.
Easts 1 hit back shortly before the break.
“With only a few minutes remaining of the first half, a Southern Lakes line-out was won by Easts and taken to the ground,” Watt said.
“A penalty was then awarded due to Southern Lakes driving through the side of the ruck,” he said.
Easts 1 opted for a quick tap and they were able to barge over for their second and final try of the match.
Watt said the first half was a stop-start affair, punctuated by 14 penalties in just 30 minutes.
Vizer’s second converted try was the only five-pointer posted in the second stanza. Both teams also added penalty goals in what became a tense arm-wrestle.
The win means Southern Lakes remain unbeaten after five rounds.
They have the bye this weekend.
