Hornets Nest By Graeme Lawrence
THE Cudgen Hornets took a huge step towards rugby league maturity with a courageous and spirited 16-14 victory over the Tweed Seagulls at Ned Byrne Field, Kingscliff on Sunday.
With the match transferred from the Seagulls complex at West Tweed Heads due to the inclement weather, the Hornets entered the match with an unexpected home-ground advantage.
However, they were once again effected by injuries and late withdrawals and with the Seagulls fielding a considerably larger pack, along with the heavy conditions, the few loyal Hornets supporters felt that they were in for a long afternoon.
But someone forgot to tell the players.
An early decision by the Hornets to take two points from a penalty set the scene for a close encounter.
It was the Hornets again scoring early through a fine wide out try to debutant winger Ryan King. Just what he needed to settle the nerves. Cudgen 6-0.
But the Seagulls were not to be denied as centre Luke Dumas finished off a fine backline movement to crash his way over five minutes later and the score-line was 6-4 Cudgen.
The forward clash was tough and unyielding by both sides and when the Hornets lost in-form teenage prop Luke Campbell for the match with an ankle injury his fellow forwards simply rolled their sleeves up higher.
Second rower Jay Solley, (players’ player), was outstanding as he threw his lithe frame at his larger opponents time and again. He was supported by the experienced Dan Donovan and Steve Kirkham along with hooker Myles Donnelly. The forward clash was an enthralling battle in tough conditions.
It was just on the break of half time that the Seagulls defence cracked as half back Shaun Nipperess and centre Zac Spring showed their class with a deft kick from Nipperess and the speed from Spring who outpaced Seagulls fullback Matt Lindsay in a thrilling race to touch down, or should I say slide down, millimetres from the dead ball line.
At half-time Cudgen held a well earned 10-8 lead and entered the sheds full of confidence.
The second stanza saw the Hornets playing well until an unforgivable error that allowed the Seagulls back into the match. At the 15th minute of the second half fullback Harley Peachey failed to find touch from a penalty and from the ensuing tackle Seagulls pounced on the opportunity to touchdown out wide to narrow the gap to 10-8.
The Seagulls upped the ante in attack and threw their big men at the Hornets’ defensive line.
Five eighth Dan Evans and lock forward Chris Piper were trying to dominate but the Hornets held firm time and again. When Seagulls finally worked their way out of their own half and up-field it was a quick thinking effort from prop forward Jackson Stanford who did the unthinkable and put the ball on his foot to grubber kick over the try line and lunge out with his hand for an unexpected but crucial try. Nipperess’ conversion saw the Hornets lead by 16-8.
But the Seagulls came back strongly yet again and when hulking prop Reg Saunders finally crashed through minutes from the end to close the score to 16-14 the Hornets had to hang on – and hang on they did – for a well-earned victory and outright fifth spot on the competition ladder.
The Hornets Reggies scored a solid 26-12 victory mainly once again through the efforts of experienced campaigners fullback Scott Ella and lock forward Shannon Murphy.
Half back Josh Tregidgo along with five eighth Jarrod Cain also played well. Scotty Ellas’ chip and regather to score was a wonderful glimpse of the past. Great to see Stumpy Roberts, Dan Chaumont and Jacob Zeibell back in the green and gold colours. The under-19s couldn’t back up their excellent form from the Bilalambil match, going down 22-16 to the Mudgeeraba Redbacks in a lacklustre performance.
Next weekend, the Hornets host the Runaway Bay club in all three grades with the under-19s kicking off early at 10.30am, the Reggies at noon and the A Grade at 3.15pm. The Gold Coast Titans will play the Penrith Panthers under-20s on the same program with that match kicking off at 1.30pm. Promises to be a great day of rugby league.
Don’t forget the Hornets annual Sportsmans Dinner Friday night 12 July with special guest Australian cricket icon Merv Hughes along with other wonderful entertainment.
Tickets are only $65, bookings esential at the Leagues Club (02 6674 1888). A great night has always been had.
