LAKE Macquarie’s place in the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union premier competition is again in doubt after the Roos conceded more than 100 points for the second time in five rounds.
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The home side had no answers to a rampant Wanderers in a 113-14 loss at Walters Park on Saturday.
It was the second time this season the Roos, who were without NSW Country prop Barcelona Lupematasila and captain Brendan Holliday, have conceded more than 100 points. They were thumped 121-12 by Nelson Bay in round two.
The Roos’ second grade side went down 109-0 to Wanderers.
The referee’s association raised safety concerns for Lake Macquarie players after round two. The NHRU conducted a review and the Roos were given the green light to continue.
However, NHRU general manager Andy Fairfull confirmed that the club will be under the microscope again.
“The board indicated to the club that they will review their position if concerns arose again,” Fairfull said.
“It all comes down to the safety aspect. That is what the board will look at when they review videos of both premier grades.”
Wanderers led 57-7 at half-time and crossed for 17 tries in total.
Fly-half Dylan Mancinelli led the way with four, while Luke Simmons finished with 43 points from three tries and 14 conversions.
Wanderers coach Darren Young defended the Roos.
It all comes down to the safety aspect. That is what the board will look at.
- - Andy Fairfull
“They tried hard and need to be supported,” Young said.
“They had a full compliment of players and full benches. They scored two good tries against us and played tough. It was just our execution.”
Wanderers boasted one of the biggest packs in the club’s history but Young said the Roos aimed up at the scrum and there were no safety issues.
“We had three players weighing 125kg-plus and the pack would have been close to 975kgs,” Young said.
“We won all our own ball but we didn’t push them around at will. The Roos really ripped in. I know we won both grades by 100 but they are trying hard. They just couldn’t cope with our speed.”
Lake Macquarie officials did not return messages from Fairfax Media.
After the last review, Roos coach Gareth Polamo was confident his team would be competitive, stating: "The way the competition is, I believe we can still make the top five.”
In other games on Saturday, Hamilton bounced back to form with a 62-14 rout over University at Bernie Curran Oval and Maitland overpowered Singleton 46-17 at Marcellin Park.
Southern Lakes
MEANWHILE, in the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union’s Divisional competition, Southern Lakes will host Singleton Army Lions at Gibson Oval, Morisset, this Saturday at 3pm.
The Hammerheads sit atop the competition ladder, unbeaten after six rounds, on 29 points. Singleton Army Lions are fourth on 16 points.
