SOUTHERN Lakes scored an entertaining 25-10 rugby win over Muswellbrook Healers to delight their fans on Old Boys Day at Morisset on Saturday.
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There was a big crowd on hand for the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union divisional match at Gibson Oval, and the Hammerheads rose to the occasion.
Southern Lakes coach Andrew Vizer said the team appreciated the turn-out from former players.
“It was great to see so many old faces, including many from the original team from 1994,” Vizer said.
“The Hammerheads provided the ideal birthday present for club president, Dave ‘Oyster’ Buchanan, who was celebrating his 50th on the day.”
It was great to see so many old faces, including many from the original team from 1994.
- - Andrew Vizer
The Hammerheads dominated the first 20 minutes with disciplined, structured attack and good ball control.
Muswellbrook’s defence was good until the home team’s Brenton Robertson poured through a hole in the midfield about 30 metres out to score beside the posts.
Scrum half Mat Peterson converted the try for a 7-nil lead.
Peterson then booted a penalty goal to stretch the lead to 10-nil.
The Hammerheads were once again short on reserves, and fatigue might have been a factor in them giving away a few penalties at the breakdown late in the half. That enabled Muswellbrook to build pressure and ultimately score a converted try for a 10-7 scoreline at the break.
“We got back to our structure again after half time, and fly-half and man of the match, Lyric Kopa, made a few incisive breaks before bamboozling the defence from 40 metres out, stepping past multiple defenders to score beneath the posts,” Vizer said.
The try was converted and Southern Lakes led 17-7.
A Musewellbrook penalty goal got the visitors back within range at 17-10.
“With about 12 minutes to go, Brenton Robertson made another big run to get the Hammerheads deep in the Healers quarter, before hard-working lock, Geoffrey Oliver, crashed through several defenders to score out wide,” Vizer said.
Peterson narrowly missed the difficult conversion which left the score at 22-10, but he landed a penalty soon after to create a 25-10 buffer.
“Once again, it was an outstanding team effort with lots of passion and commitment, and good structure and composure,” Vizer said.
The win did come at a considerable cost, however.
Utility Paul Parker suffered a fractured collarbone early in the match, and Broderick Dawson was concussed after making a try-saving tackle late in the match.
“After losing captain Riley See to a season-ending injury last week, the side will need to dig deep in the coming weeks but they are a tough, committed group.”
The win saw the Hammerheads overtake Easts into second place on the ladder.
Southern Lakes will take on Easts this Saturday at Gibson Oval as they strive to complete their second straight season without a loss at home. Saturday is also Ladies Day for the club.
