Column 16 reports wins to the Goannas and Bulldogs while the Knights have played on Monday night (after the column has been written).
I can only report sketchy opinions on the two local sides’ wins as I was recuperating from a winter ailment and spent the weekend indoors.
I was told that the Goannas always looked comfortable against West despite giving up a couple of fairly soft tries. This was good news as Harker Oval has not been our favourite ground and victories have not been plentiful.
West still have some very good players but according to one of their officials they are not developing into a good team.
Knights coach, Brian Smith, attended the match to observe Cooper Vuna but mainly to look at the form of hooker, Chris Adams, who attended a Knights training run recently. Reports have it also that Melbourne Storm is also interested.
This win allows Cessnock to remain on top of the competition, one point in front of Central, whom they meet this week.
Another rare result – a near miraculous win in Reserve grade. Second place West led 20-0 at half time and a cricket score seemed likely. However, the rejuvenated Goeys lifted several gears and finished 22-20 winners. This is one win I’m sorry to have missed.
The 19’s were soundly defeated by the competition leader.
* * *
Kurri resumed its winning streak with a win over Lakes, despite the presence of Knights Luke MacDougall and Natusch. The presence of Knight draftee, George Ndaira was the rock on which the Bulldogs based its game. The Bulldogs won the three matches.
A boost for the Bulldogs is the return of Daniel Abraham, a former Knight. He has been playing in North Queensland but will be a good substitute for Cheyne McIntyre who has gone to Singleton.
* * *
The Knights ambassador to Cessnock, Steve Simpson, will join the Knights 200 club match group after reaching that total on Monday night. Steve is very highly regarded in rugby league circles, having reached international status. His father, Gary, was a Goey junior and senior player of high repute.
* * *
State of Origin was played by Queensland – State of Origame was played by the fumbling, bumbling Blues. I was very disappointed by the poor defence and even worse attack. We were lucky that the score was not greater.
State of Origin is back! This is the time of year when the bottom teams win games against the sides with Origin reps.
The Eels beat the Broncos but only after a tough battle. Former Newcastle boy, Luke Burt, landed a field goal before a new champion named Mortimer scored a brilliant try on full time.
The Raiders beat the Storm. I’ve got a lot of time for the Canberra side but they should never toss the all stars from Melbourne – except at Origin time.
The Dragons and Bulldogs continue to strengthen their play off positions with the Tigers and Cowboys dropping off.
The Titans beat the Warriors who are hopeless outside New Zealand but the big surprise was the win by the Roosters over the Sharks. The Chooks had lost six successive times but rewarded their die hard fans with a good display.
Dave Woodbury has asked me to remind you of the Goey Bowls Reunion Day on August 9.
* * *
Tips. Three out of six (Knights on Monday). This week Broncos to thrash Warriors, Dragons over Roosters, Tigers too good for Rabbitohs, Storm over Knights, Cowboys to beat Sharks, Titans over Raiders, Panthers to beat Eels, Bulldogs over Eagles.
* * *
This week! A really big one at Cessnock on Saturday. The opposition is Central, the only side to beat Cessnock this year. They are only one point behind the Goeys so this is for the competition leadership.
Kurri has a mountain to climb at Wyong on Sunday. The Wyong side is third and its coach is very confident but this is the big test for the Bullies.
Email a friend
Favourites
Del.icio.us
Facebook
Digg
StumbleUpon
MySpace
Reddit
Newsvine
LinkedIn
Kwoff
Twitter