The Kendall Blues were expecting a tough encounter against the Beechwood Shamrocks last weekend up at Shamrock park and they weren’t disappointed.
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The Blues eventually overcame the home side to claim the valuable two points 28 points to 24.
But it was a heart-stopping contest for much of the clash.
From the outset of the match the Shamrocks applied loads of pressure to the Blues defensive line spending a solid 10 minutes in the Blues end.
Finally the Blues turned some possession into field position and took the opening try against the run of play.
Brad Smith took advantage of a simple right side draw pass shift that saw the big winger score a fantastic try in the corner to open the score board for the Blues.
The Shamrocks had been playing a narrow game through the middle third of the field and this frustrated the Blues.
With this pressure the Blues repeatedly invited the big Shamrocks forwards to steamroll up the centre of the park and keeping them in the game.
Once the Blues got some quality ball their outside backs had a field day with Brad Smith scoring his second.
His fellow wingman, Kane Hedges also got into the try scoring act and flagged his credentials as an excellent finisher by claiming a double as well.
The Kendall Blues centres Tom Wigman and Joel Wilkes both claimed tries for their respective sides making it a great day out for the outside backs.
However, the platform was well and truly set by the forwards who continually made the tough yards through the centre of the Shamrocks defence.
Despite the Blues being a little under done by the lack of football that they had played in the last month they displayed a hard fought match against the sizeable Shamrock team.
The leadership shown by halves Jimmy Kennedy and Dale Higgins and the hard work of Jahbe Latham and Robert Smith gained the opportunities for the Blues but a man of the match performance by hooker Ben Webber secured the prize.
But full credit to the Shamrocks for the effort on the day.
The Kendall Blues next match is in three weeks on the 16th of July against the Comboyne Tigers at Comboyne.
This match will be a top of the table clash so all supporters are urged to make the trip up the mountain for a great game of local footy.
Hastings League results from the weekend.
Round 11:
Comboyne 94 defeated Lake Cathie 18
Lower Macleay 43 defeated SWR 36
Kendall 28 defeated Beechwood 24
Long Flat 64 defeated Boardriders 20
Harrington - Bye
