A BLISTERING second half performance enabled Group 21 to stun Group 4 30-18 at the Greater Northern Tigers Regional Under-23 Championships at Scone Park on Saturday.
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The visitors seemed to enjoy a healthy 18-6 advantage at the break, but the hosts had other ideas in the opening trial, which also includes Group 19.
Group 4 quickly moved to 12-0, thanks to tries to Dylan Lake (Gunnedah) and Jack Patterson (North Tamworth) and a couple of goals to Hayden Smith (Gunnedah).
But, Group 21 hit back via winger Cameron French (Aberdeen), which was duly converted by Will Nieuwenhuise (Singleton).
On the stroke of half-time, Werris Creek’s Zack Leonard dived over. Mitch Doring (Manilla) added the extras for an 18-6 scoreline.
The second period was all one-way traffic.
Muswellbrook’s Jordan Mulherin, and the subsequent conversion, reduced the margin to 18-12.
Then French’s second four-pointer of the morning, and Nieuwenhuise’s goal, leveled it up at 18-all.
Hard-working hooker Jarrod Wicks (Scone) put Group 21 ahead and, when Nieuwenhuise piloted the ball over the black dot, the home team led 24-18.
Jayson Hovi (Muswellbrook) then barged over to complete the comeback.
Nieuwenhuise made it five from five to seal the victory 30-18.
