Bunnies beat Toukley

Umina Beach Rugby League Club's first grade side defeated Toukley 24 to 22 in a "well fought" match at Darren Kennedy Oval on May 3.

"Umina came into the match with a few changes from the previous weeks' side and the longer the first half went the higher the score climbed," club secretary Mr Kevin Hulls said.

"This resulted in a 22 to nil halftime score.

"But as is said, rugby league is a game of two halves, and what a difference 10 minutes break makes between them.

"It was not a case of closing up shop, as the team tackled, tackled, tackled and tackled because of their failure to complete basic sets, continuously giving Toukley the ball and scoring opportunities every few minutes, which the hawks accepted with glee.

"Only a penalty goal with 10 minutes left proved to be the difference as the Hawks outscored the Bunnies 22 to 2 in the second half.

"It was a great experience for our young side to hold on for a win and especially for Boydie Symes who stepped up from the Under 18s to make his first grade debut for the Bunnies." According to Mr Hulls, the Umina second grade team that took the field did not play anywhere near their potential, going down 12 to 10 to Toukley.

"The Bunnies repeatedly dropped the ball, missed tackles, and silly penalties and driving tackles by the opposition saw the game plan go out the window," Mr Hull said.

"Ben Paget, Michael Cavers and Joel Johnson were the pick in a very uninspiring game from the Bunnies.

"On the other hand, the Under 20s had a very comfortable 46 to 12 win, even though the build-up to the game was less than impressive at training and that appeared to carry over to the pre-game warm up as late withdrawals resulted in the call up of Jake Harvey and Brayden Wiliame at the completion of the 18s game.

"Both these players showed the ability they have by slotting straight into the side both in attack and defence.

"Points were scored at regular intervals throughout the game as half back Blake Mattei directed the side around the paddock resulting in eight tries with seven goals, with Ben

Brooks topping the scorer's sheet with a total of 18 points for the game."

The Under 18s side also celebrated a victory against Toukley with a comfortable 42 to 10 win.

"Toukley led six to four early and the Bunnies clawed back to overtake them 10 to 6 at the break," Mr Hulls said.

"They raced in a further six tries with four goals in the second half.

"Leading the way with a personal tally of 14 points was James Murphy while Brayden Wiliame and Zane Ricket notched a double and Desmond Price, Lachlan Wing and Alex Lash had a try a piece."

The club is also looking forward to hosting a number of fundraising events throughout the year.

"We have a 250 club night planned, with a $10,000 prize pool.

"We will hold an auction night in conjunction with our juniors and all NRL teams signed jumpers will be auctioned and that is to be a great night.

"We have started on our 100 club and a $500 weekly winner will be announced over a 10-week period and lastly we are planning a charity fight night towards the end of the season.

"If you would like to be part of any of these fundraisers, please email hullsy@dodo.com.au or see any player or official.

Newsletter, 8 May 2009 Kevin Hulls, Umina Beach Rugby League Football Club