Kendall has lifted itself into equal second place on the Hastings League competition ladder with a gutsy 22-20 win over Long Flat.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The match was played on Saturday at the Dragons' home ground.
Long Flat, the 2018 grand final winner, was undefeated going into the clash and sat at the top of the ladder alongside South West Rocks.
To make the win even better, the Blues went into the game with a depleted reserves bench.
Kendall took the match right up to their highly-fancied rivals from the opening whistle with Brad Smith crossing for the first try of the game and was quickly followed by Marty Gordon.
Sharp-shooter Alex Pearce booted the two conversion for a 12-0 lead.
Needing to be next to score, Long Flat's Josh Henry got over the try line two minutes from half time. Ethan McKenna failed with his conversion attempt leaving the score at 12-4 at the break.
The Dragons are notorious for scoring crucial points either side of half time and eight minutes after the resumption James Mumford scored a try. McKenna could not convert but the Dragons were back in the hunt at 12-8.
With the game tightening up, Kendall halfback Brady Taylor scored out wide. The unsuccessful conversion left the score at 16-8 in favour of the Blues.
The Dragons then scored back to back tries with front rower Matt Jones crossing in the 63rd minute followed by Josh Henry in the 71st minute. McKenna converted one of the tries and suddenly the Dragons were in front for the first time in the contest at 20 points to 16.
With the lack of reserves starting to show on the Kendall effort, replacement Luke White barged over under the posts just six minutes from full time. Pearce booted the easy conversion to hand the lead to Kendall 22 points to 20.
The remainder of the contest was a real nail biter with plenty of chances for both teams to post points.
For the Blues, Marty Gordon was voted players player with his solid defence and threatening in attack each time he touched the ball.
Brad Smith was named man of the match in a solid 808 minute performance. His work rate with and without the ball helped guide the team to the win.
Captain coach James 'Jimmy' Kennedy said he was proud of how the entire squad performed.
"It is always difficult to pick out one or two players at the end of the game," he said.
"But every one of our players that took to the paddock deserves it (man of the match).
This Saturday, the Blues host Lower Macleay Magpies at Kendall.
The competition ladder after round 4.
- South West Rocks 8 (+84)
- Kendall Blues 6 (+54)
- Laurieton Stingrays 6 (+44)
- Long Flat Dragons 6 (+16)
- Beechwood 2 (+12)
- Lower Macleay 2 (-68)
- Comboyne Tigers 2 (-142)
What else is making sport: