Matches played against Erina
Umina Beach Rugby League Football Club played out its matches against Erina for round 11 at Umina Oval on June 14.
Club secretary Mr Kevin Hulls said the club's Under-18's side proved itself on the day against the competition leaders.
"It was the game of the year so far, in which they showed that they can match pride, passion, ability and mateship with the best of the rest in the competition as they defeated competition leaders Erina," Mr Hulls said.
"In a game where all players more than accounted for their opposition one-on-one, it was hard to nominate individuals but leading the way was captain Boydie Symes (Man of the Match) who was playing against his former club for the first time closely followed by Lachie Wing and James Murphy.
"From the kick-off Boydie took the ball and powered into the opposition without any thoughts for his body, gaining a penalty for a high shot against him and getting up laughing asking the opposition if that was the best they could do!
"Play was from one end to the other with the Bunnies holding a 14 to 10 halftime lead.
"In the second half, Erina hit back to lead 24 to 18 with 15 minutes to go, but by 10 minutes to go it was 24-all.
"With two minutes remaining, hard running Nathan Player scored to the side of the posts, converted by James Murphy."
The final score saw the Umina Bunnies defeat Erina 30 to 24.
"The Under-20s had the opportunity to reverse the first round loss to long time nemesis Erina.
"Looking at the first half, it appeared they were on song, leading 10 to six at halftime, and seemingly controlling the game.
"Although this game never reached the excitement of the previous game, both teams played well within their ability.
"The longer the game went the more the Bunnies' intensity seemed to drop off and they were content to protect the lead early in the second half.
"A few wrong decisions by players and Erina were back to hit the front 12 to 10 then increase the lead to run out winners 22 to 10 over the Bunnies.
"The second grade game was almost identical to the 20s, in which they more than held their own on the scoreboard in the first half.
"Only to leave the game plan in the change room in the second half as Erina overpowered them to run out winners 28 to 16.
"The Bunnies were shown that intensity and desperation both in attack and defence is vital for the entire game if they are to progress into the final series, not just for five to 10 minute periods at various times throughout the game.
"Pat Ryan as always was at the forefront closely followed by Brendan Parmeter, Bryce Hammond and Mick McManus.
"First grades were on a hiding to nothing, with washouts, injuries and the lack of training when they confronted the high flying Erina Eagles.
"As halftime approached and with the Bunnies leading 14 to six on the scoreboard, a match-altering decision occurred right on halftime as we lost half back Matt Wakefield, sent off alongside an Erina front rower for what was nothing more than a minor scuffle, the only one in the game.
"The decision tipped the scales massively in the opposition's favour.
"Although completely fatigued, the Bunnies refused to concede holding on to a lead until the final 15 minutes when Erina hit the front and went on to win 24 to 14 with a final converted try in the last minute of play."
All games in round 12 of the Central Coast Rugby League competition were called off due to bad weather on June 21.
Newsletter, 19 June 2009
Kevin Hulls, Umina Rugby League Football Club