SOUTHERN Lakes crossed for a late runaway try to score a 12-7 win over Cooks Hill 1 in their Newcastle Hunter Rugby Union Divisional match at Gibson Oval on Saturday.
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With Southern Lakes trailing 7-5 deep into the second half, Geoffrey Oliver made a mid-field break and dashed 50 metres to score untouched and under the posts.
The try sparked celebrations by the Hammerheads and their supporters in a game that had been in the balance for much of the afternoon.
It was an important win for the ladder-leading Hammerheads who were coming off a 37-7 hammering by third-placed Muswellbrook in Round 12.
The Hammerheads needed to bounce back against second-placed Cooks Hill 1 to remind the challengers that they remain the team to beat for this year’s premiership.
Southern Lakes back-rower Kelsy Johnson said the teams were evenly matched and produced some good rugby.
“Cooks Hill came ready to play,” Johnson said.
The first half was an arm-wrestle for field position and possession.
Southern Lakes opened the scoring when captain and front-rower Riley See crashed over.
“From a ruck, Riley dived over close to the line to score, and we were able to take a 5-nil lead to the halftime break,” Johnson said.
Cooks Hill scored a converted try early in the second half to lead 7-5.
“But our guys rallied together to come back and score near the end to win 12-7. Geoffrey Oliver scored a runaway try from a midfield break.”
Johnson said flanker Josh Perry was outstanding for the home team.
“Josh busted through tackles all day, ran hard, and also put a few good hits on in defence,” he said.
Winger Patrick Chongree also impressed.
“Patrick was ‘a beast’ in defence, taking on anyone that ran in front of him,” Johnson said. “He also carried the ball very well and broke through a few tackles.”
This Saturday, Southern Lakes will travel to Mayfield to tackle Easts 1, at Dangar Park, at 1.40pm.
In their previous meeting at Morisset, Easts 1 troubled the Hammerheads, and led at halftime, before the home team finished strongly to record a 17-15 win.
Southern Lakes (47 points) leads the ladder from Cooks Hill 1 (39 points).