Dora Creek overcame an 18-14 halftime deficit to run out convincing 50-24 winners over Waratah Mayfield in the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League A Grade game at Neville Thompson Oval on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The visitors led 6-nil early, and although the Swampies hit back and always seemed to have Waratah's measure physically, their errors invited Waratah into scoring positions.
That enabled Waratah, helped by a clever kicking game, to take an unlikely 18-14 lead to the break.
Things changed dramatically for the Swampies after coach David Hoban's half-time talk.
"At half time we had a really good talk about getting back to playing to our structures," Hoban said.
The team spoke about not forcing bad passes, and completing more sets of possession.
"We had a poor completion rate in the first half and did not control the ball well when we had opportunities to score points," Hoban said.
"Our first 15 minutes in the second half was first class and we blew them off the park with three converted tries. Once we started to stick to the game plan and be patient with the football we then ran away with the game."
Hoban said it was pleasing to see the team turn the second half around after a poor first 40 minutes.
"It was our first real challenge as a team. Coming from behind to win, the boys stood up and really showed that when we play to our style we can really pile on points."
Prop Diamond Charlie scored three tries and was Man of the Match. Hooker Chris Marlborough and pivot Brad Clark also impressed the coach.
There are no games over the Easter weekend.