By Lawrence Machado
The Hills District Bulls continue to nip at the heels of the leader’s St Mary’s with back-to-back victories in the Ron Massey rugby league competition.
The Bulls saw off fellow title contenders, Mounties and Wenty Magpies, who are never the easiest of opponents to handle. The Bulls, with several Sydney Shield players bolstering their ranks, edged out Mounties 12-8 in round 15 after beating defending premiers Wenty 22-16.
Halfback Blake Goodman was in good form, scoring in both games while putting over two crucial goals against the Mounties.
Bulls coach Mick Withers said he was glad to see the back of Mounties and Magpies as they prepare for the blockbuster top of the table clash with St Marys.
“We play the top three teams in successive weeks and we are in a good spot to make the finals,” Withers said.
“We have had five regulars unable to play due to injuries but those coming in, have taken the opportunity to impress. We have been rotating the squads from the Ron Massey and Sydney Shield, and they have done well.
Withers is counting on the packed home crowd to cheer them to victory in round 17 against St Marys when the competition resumes. “Yes, the support we get when we play at Crestwood Oval helps us a lot as they could be a noisy crowd,” he said.
WOLVES KEEP UP THE CHASE
Windsor Wolves are making a late charge into the finals upsetting Mounties 28-20 in round 15, despite suffering a close defeat to Western Suburbs Magpies 24-28.
A last-minute try sealed the loss to the Magpies, a defeat Wolves coach Chris Yates put down to the difficult playing conditions and his team not setting up the game in the first half.
“In the last seven weeks, we have had four wins, one draw and two very tight defeats,” said Yates. The team takes on leaders St Marys in round 16.
“We have a good young team and our win against the Mounties was sweeter because they had a few NSW Cup players. It was a massive win for us against the Mounties and our big men Eton Lindsay, Malakai Houma and Josh Sanders excelled.”
The seventh-placed Wolves led 20-14 at half-time and held off a Mountie’s
comeback, with Zac Mackay showing why he is one of the best placekickers in the competition, nailing four conversions.
“Zac is a very good kicker and is enjoying his first season with the Wolves,” said Yates, who had coached the in-form centre at Cabramatta Two Blues.
Due to the COVID lockdown, which is due to end on July 9, all matches have been postponed.
