Brave Bay Bounce Back To Best To Beat Scorpions

Newcastle Herald

Monday June 5, 2006

By NEIL GOFFET

NELSON Bay coach Robert Relf was proud of the courage and commitment shown by his depleted side after their thrilling 38-30 win over Macquarie at Peacock Field yesterday.

The Newcastle Rugby League defending champions were without several stars but still managed to come from 14-0 down to upset the Scorpions on their home turf.

Maitland were the other big winners, scoring their first victory of the season when they defeated Raymond Terrace 38-36 at Lakeside Sporting Complex.

Winger Clarence Bruinsma was one of the heroes, scoring a double to upset the equal competition leaders.

The Blues have led the competition from the outset but stumbled by losing to Cessnock in round eight and last weekend to Western Suburbs.

Lakes United and Terrace shared the lead with the Blues, and yesterday's game loomed as a real danger.

Nelson Bay had four players involved in Saturday's country championships final, and only prop Ben Murphy and second-rower Cheyne McIntyre were able to back up.

NSW Country players Warwick Colley and Ji Hill missed the game through injury and joined Leo Dynevor, Brent Mulholland, Andrew Spicer, Aiden Burke and Matt Latham on the injury list.

"I couldn't be more proud of the guys today," Relf said. "They dug deep and had a go with quite a few out and showed a lot of character to turn things around after being down at the start.

"Macquarie were one point behind us and they will be in the semi-finals for sure.

"To come here with the team we had, on their home ground, and win makes it even more special.

"They have got to be proud of themselves."

In yesterday's other matches Lakes defeated South Newcastle 38-6 at Townson Oval, Kurri beat Cessnock 40-16 and Central Charlestown upset Wyong 26-16 at St John Oval.

© 2006 Newcastle Herald

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