Thoroughbreds Round 10

By David Casson

IN very trying conditions, round 10 of the competition saw Scone teams at home against Greta Branxton with three victories recorded.

Reserve Grade received a forfeit for the day.

Ladies League Tag

The day kicked off with a top of the table clash in League Tag.

Greta Branxton showed they were in form capitalising on a Scone mistake from the kick off and scoring soon after.

Ten minutes later they were in again and Scone were looking at an 8 nil scoreline.

With ten to go in the first half however Sofie Casson found her way over in the corner and narrowed the gap to 8:4.

That looked like the half time score, however Greta Branxton applied the pressure and crossed again virtually as the bell was sounding for 14:4 lead after a successful conversion.

The Scone ladies left the sheds determined to turn things around and Maddy Adams was able to capitalise on a Greta mistake soon after the restart.

Charmaine Bloomfield added the extras for a four point difference.

Sofie Casson crossed again midway through and Bloomfield’s kick provided the lead of 16:14.

This was the final score of the game although Scone had some nervous moments just before full time.

Coach Casson was pleased to get the win “they were difficult conditions with non stop rain throughout,” he said.

“We knew we had to improve at half time and managed to apply much more pressure on them which brought rewards,” said Sofie Casson.

Under 18’s

The Under 18 match saw the Scone team dominate their opposition, racking up 22 unanswered points in the first half and a further 28 in the second half for a final scoreline of 50:0.

Greta held on for the first 15 minutes or so, however when Lachlan Walmsley crossed the line it was clear that Scone was getting on top.

Josh Tickle followed up with the first of his three for the day, followed by Mitch Rando and Tickle’s second in the first half.

Greta were struggling but not giving in however the tries came in a steady manner.

Billy Smith finished off a nice backline movement, followed by Caleb Taylor and then an 80m effort by Lachlan Duwakin when he intercepted a ball when Greta were pressing the line.

Josh Tickle was over for his third and Will King finished the day with only a couple left on the clock.

Lachlan Walmsley chipped in with 7 conversions for the final result of 50 to nil.

Coach Rando was pleased with the efforts “the boys stuck to their game well today.”

“We have a lot of injuries at the moment and those playing are really putting in a great effort – including a few Under 16’s who are backing up for us,” Rando said.

First Grade

The First Grade went on to a heavy field with two prior games which was not helped by even heavier rain at times.

The first half saw Scone go over for five unanswered and converted tries for a commanding 30:0 score.

Tim Watson managed a hatrick in the first 40 With Daniel Ritter and Wes Suckley also crossing.

Haydon Topliss adding the extras for four and Lachlan Walmsley, backing up from Under 18’s converting one.

It looked like the second half could turn in to a run away win, however Greta Branxton stuck to their guns and more mistakes, thanks in no small part to the weather, meant there were only two more tries – Daniel Ritter for his second and Tom Hagan with Walmsley converting one for the final 40 to nil result.

Coach Ritter commented that “there were patches of good play and also areas to work on today.”

“The weather and conditions weren’t good but we have to compensate for that and reduce our errors,” said Ritter.

Next weekend sees League Tag and Reserve Grade heading to Merriwa again on Saturday while First Grade and Under 18’s travel to Singleton on Sunday.