By GRAEME LAWRENCE, CUDGEN HORNETS FOOTBALL MANAGER
Cudgen Hornets pushed their more-fancied rivals all the way in the round-four Bycroft Cup Rugby League A Grade clash against Seagulls at Ned Byrne Field, Kingscliff, on Sunday – going down 25-16 in a tight match.
In a very spirited local derby, the Hornets outfit almost outgunned their more fancied rivals from north of the Tweed River in the much awaited clash between these two historical Tweed rugby league clubs.
However it appeared that the unavailability of Cudgen captain and lock forward Peter Spring and half back Shaun Nipperess robbed the young Hornets of the experience required at certain times in the match.
In saying that though the result of the match was not certain until the final 10 minutes.
Seagulls pulled away early courtesy of some fine team tries scored out wide and led the Hornets by 16-0 at the half-time break and one could have been forgiven that the match was well outside the Hornets grasp.
But there were good signs for the Hornets as the forward tussle was a real arm wrestle and the big men were going at each other with no quarter given and every yard earned.
The second stanza saw the Cudgen boys take the match right to their opponents and an early quick thinking try to lock forward Matt Gilbert lifted them and the Hornets kept up the momentum as they controlled their possession much better than the previous week.
When young hooker Myles Donnelly wove his way through a mass of butcher coloured jumpers to score a well deserved touchdown, the Hornets had clawed the scored back to 16-12 and ensured an exciting finish.
The vocal crowd wasn’t disappointed as both sides traded tries but when Seagulls centre James Toole crossed for his second touchdown with six minutes to go he ensured the Seagulls would win the match by 25-16. Debutants youngsters Zac Spring (wing), Brock Foggo (5/8) and Luke Campbell (utility forward), all played confidently and repaid the faith that coach Troy McCarthy had shown in them. Rookie prop forwards Justin Murphy and Jacob Orr never took a backward step and continue to improve each week, while centre Jayden Johnson’s defence was an inspiration to his team-mates.
The Hornets Reggies continued on their winning way (three from four) with half back Jacob McDonald, second rower Matt Slattery and fullback Scott Ella being the stand-outs.
The match was another excellent team effort as the Hornets finished on top of their opponents by 25-16.
The under-19s once again kicked the day off in fine style by defeating the Mudgeeraba Redbacks by an emphatic 42-16.
Although sluggish in the first half the young Hornets played some wonderful footy in the second stanza with none better than front rower Tahnee Whitfield, half back Bronson McDonald and lock forward Jai Banks, while replacement Chris ’Little B’ Carlyon crossed for two tries.
Next Sunday, the Hornets do battle with the tough Tugun outfit at Boyd Street, Tugun, with matches kicking off at noon.
