In a day of bright sunshine after a long wet week in Newcastle the Newcastle City Blues returned to the winners list at a homely Hawkins Oval. The Black Diamond Cup side beat Warners Bay by 69 points, whilst the First Division side beat Woy Woy by 52.
The Black Diamond Cup team lead at each break to run out comfortable winners in a great return to form.
A hard fought 14 point lead at half time was on the back of some great work from most of the team with Mitch Knight lively on the forward flank, Clarkey and Kelso providing first hands on the ball out of the centre and Buckets and Kempy marking everything that came their way across centre half forward.
Luke Rawnsley in his first game back from injury was as solid as a rock and well supported by Willy, Woody and Mitch Niland.
The third quarter was a welcome return to form for the Blues kicking seven goals to two to break the game well and truly open.
Young "Training" Wheels was battling manfully in his first senior appearance and was teaming well with Cleaver, Cotter, Burke and Munro.
Courtney Knight was really in full flight by this time on his way to another big bag of goals.
Marty Dinneen was the stand-out performer in the third term winning several clearances to give the Blues first use of the ball.
It was more of the same in the final stanza with another seven goal quarter seeing the Blues record a memorable victory over the dogged Warners Bay outfit.
The evenness of the team effort was most pleasing for the Blues with a special mention to Bench-Coach Harro for again producing the goods and getting the most out of the available players.
The team now looks towards Terrigal-Avoca this coming Saturday with a fierce battle awaiting the Blues in another home game scheduled for No.1.
The much anticipated First Division match-up against the Woy Woy Swans was particularly pleasing for Coach Stubbsy with the Blues winning by a handsome margin.
A six-goal to nil third quarter was the catalyst for the win with Stubbsy hoping to bottle whatever he dished-up to the players at the half-time break.
Captain Peanut again got the BOG for his usual wrecking-ball style of game and was well supported by Cam Douglas in his first game back for a few weeks and Captain Deedy who slotted four goals.
Harro bagged another five to continue his great season, Joe Fleuchter and Roger Laffery kicked two apiece along with Holmquest and Fitzhenry who chipped in with one each.
It was a hard and physical game with the more-disciplined Blues outfit able to capitalise on the flow-on effect of the Black Diamond Cup team having nearly a full strength side; to almost put a mortgage on the Minor Premiership.
The atmosphere at Hawkins Oval on Saturday was a real treat for the players and spectators alike with the spiritual home of the Blues serving up two great wins for City.
This week all three teams take on Terrigal-Avoca at No.1 Sportsground (weather permitting) with the Club Championship firmly in mind for all sides.
A reminder to get your Black Tie tickets sorted out with Deb or Jen during the week and we are certainly looking forward to the Steve Wilmott and 1981 Premiership side Tribute night.
GO THE BLUES!
Last Modified on 02/11/2006 14:40