THE Muswellbrook Heelers have spent the past week licking their wounds but club president Tim Pike is confident both rugby sides will bounce back this weekend.
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In a disappointing afternoon for the Heelers at Highbrook Park, the first grade minor premiers suffered a shock 27-12 loss to the Singleton Bulls in the President’s Cup.
The Bulls also accounted for Muswellbrook in the Patron’s Shield 24-10.
Tomorrow, at Boyd Oval, Medowie, the Heelers face Cooks Hill in both preliminary finals – with the winners facing Singleton in the 2014 deciders.
“It wasn’t a great day for us,” Pike admitted.
“I don’t think the sides were complacent.
“I just felt the boys were a bit rusty in both grades, after a poor lead up to the finals.
“Forfeits and byes didn’t help our cohesion.
“But, it was good to get a game under the belt.
“And, it could actually be a blessing in disguise playing this weekend, especially if we win tomorrow.
“Everyone’s keen to have another shot at Singleton.”
Muswellbrook struck early in the President’s Cup, through Lewyn Rapana, which was converted by Allan Johnson, to lead 7-0.
Singleton chipped away with two penalty goals, to Daniel Bates, to reduce the margin to 7-6.
Then, against the run of play, the Bulls cracked the Heelers’ defence just before half-time when Sam Walker dived over. Bates landed the conversion and Singleton enjoyed a 13-7 advantage at the break.
Most spectators thought Muswellbrook would lift in the second period, however it was the visitors who moved up a gear.
The Heelers’ hopes of a victory suffered a blow when Ben Osland touched down. Bates raised the flags again – and Singleton’s lead to 20-7.
Muswellbrook responded courtesy of another try.
However, an intercept to Bates sealed the upset triumph and Alex Dunn’s conversion wrapped up proceedings 27-12.
SINGLETON 27 (Daniel Bates, Sam Walker, Ben Osland tries; Bates 2 conversions, 2 penalties; Alex Dunn conversion) defeated MUSWELLBROOK 12
IN the Patron’s Shield encounter, the teams were locked at 10-all midway through the second half.
But, two late tries, both converted by Alex Dunn, propelled Singleton into the grand final.
SINGLETON 24 (Matt Staff, Richard Taylor, Chris Vizl tries; Alex Dunn 3 conversions, penalty) defeated MUSWELLBROOK 10 (Graham Thomas try; Tate Wicks conversion, penalty)
