Hay Cutter’s home record maintained with win against Waratahs
BY TOM LILBURNE
Hay Cutters defeated Wagga Waratahs 52-28 on Saturday afternoon in their final home game of the Southern Inland Rugby Union season. The victory maintained Cutters' impressive home record, with only one loss at their ground this year.
Saturday's match doubled as Stubblemens Day for sponsors, with both teams observing a minute of silence for former Cutter and patron, the late Bill Ryan. Players wore black armbands in his honour.
Waratahs sent their best second-grade side with a full bench backing up from an earlier game in Leeton.
The opening five minutes proved slow for Cutters as Waratahs controlled possession but failed to capitalise. Once Cutters secured the ball, Mel Graham commanded his forwards down the field before sending it wide through the backs via Will Nadin.
The ball reached the wing where Tom O'Rafferty scored the opening try.
Momentum swung to Cutters as they charged down the field again.
However, a looping cut pass allowed Waratahs to dash down the opposite end for an intercept try.
Cutters responded with great enthusiasm, adding three more tries before halftime.
Ollie Cameron dominated defensively at fullback, stopping one of Waratahs' biggest forwards as last man in defence. Forwards Jack Lawrence and Hugo Fraser finished off excellent phase play.
The halftime score stood at 24-14.
Coach Matt Ireson urged the team to maintain quality, and a heavy penalty count for ruck infringements.
Cutters emerged firing in the second half, but Waratahs matched their intensity in an entertaining half of rugby. The backs dominated the scoreboard as experienced players skipper Graham, Nadin and Andrew Garvey moved the ball well through their hands, creating chaos for Waratahs out wide.
Harry Agar provided powerful carries through the middle.
The forwards rallied with the return of best and fairest veteran Will Marshall, who had sat out the season rehabilitating a knee injury. Marshall delivered big hits and strong runs, including one line break covering half the field before offloading.
For every two tries Cutters scored, Waratahs responded with one of their own.
Waratahs spent many minutes battling against Cutters on their try line as the home team refused to let visitors through.
By the final whistle, Nadin (two tries), Digby Lilburne and Garvey had crossed to secure victory against a strong and determined Waratahs side.
Cutters travel away for their final round game against Wagga Agricultural College next Saturday, with finals to follow. Cutters currently sit second on the ladder behind twice-only conquerors Wagga City, who remain undefeated.
Final Score: Cutters 52 defeated Wagga Waratahs 28.
Tries: Will Nadin scored two, with Tom O'Rafferty, Ollie Cameron, Jack Lawrence, Hugo Fraser, Digby Lilburne and Andrew Garvey scored one each.
Conversions: Harry Agar six from eight.
Match Points: Three Digby Lilburne, two Hugo Fraser, one Will Nadin.
Players' Player: Nature Karatau-Te Kuru.
