THE Singleton Greyhounds celebrated Jake Smith’s 100th game in fine style with an upset 26-22 victory over the Muswellbrook Rams at Pirtek Park on Sunday.
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Even though the rugged halfback spent 10 minutes in the sin bin, he still played a major role in the nail-biter, along with stalwart Luke Gardner, James Bradley and two-try hero Thomas Johnson.
The hosts were also buoyed by a big, vocal home crowd, with the Singleton Bulls providing plenty of atmosphere.
The Greyhounds will reciprocate the much-appreciated support by heading to the rugby club on June 16 to cheer on their union “brothers”.
Muswellbrook had its chances, too, in an entertaining Hunter Valley Group 21 encounter, but failed to convert those opportunities into points.
The Ellis boys – Daniel and Jacob – looked dangerous every time they touched the ball, as did Bailey Taylor, prop Dylan Thorne and newcomer Mick Henry.
Singleton grabbed the early initiative when Jake Willis dived over. Will Nieuwenhuise added the extras for a 6-0 lead.
The Rams hit back through winger Daniel Ellis, who touched down out wide. Bailey Ellis missed the conversion and the side trailed 6-4.
The Greyhounds surged further ahead, courtesy of Ethan Curtain-Edwards. Nieuwenhuise made no mistake for a 12-4 advantage.
But, Muswellbrook responded when Jake Hardy scored soon after. Taylor converted, reducing the margin to 12-10.
Another try, this time to Adam Bartholomew, and Taylor goal, put the Rams in front for the first time, 16-12.
Right on the stroke of half-time, Nieuwenhuise landed a penalty for a 16-14 scoreline.
Muswellbrook suffered a setback after the break when five-eighth Kurt Lewis was sent to cool his heels for 10 minutes.
Nieuwenhuise’s successful shot levelled the match up at 16-all.
Singleton took advantage of the one-man overlap, and Johnson revelled with his first try of the afternoon, to regain the ascendency 20-16.
Their joy was short-lived, however, as Ellis snared his second, which Taylor converted for a 22-20 lead.
With just a few minutes left on the clock, Gardner split the Rams’ defence and found a willing Johnson backing up. Nieuwenhuise put the icing on the 26-22 cake.
The Greyhounds will conduct their Old Dogs Day on July 1.
