HAWKESBURY Valley had a huge upset win at the weekend, knocking off the second-placed Redfield Old Boys in NSW Suburban rugby Union action.
Valley hosted Redfield at McQuade Park in the eighth round of the division three competition, while Hawkesbury Ag College had a successful trip to Newport.
On a day where Valley hosted both its Ladies Day – raising $4500 for charity in the process - and Back to Hawkesbury Day, they surprised their opponents with a 32-point victory, winning 49-17.
Valley coach John Martin said the team was thrilled with the win.
“It was outstanding,” he said. “It was really positive. We worked hard across the field, our urgency in the breakdown was outstanding.”
Martin said the team executed the game plan with precision.
“I think everything we've been trying to get them to do came together,” he said.
“They played to the game plan perfectly and believed.
“If they played like that every week they could give the competition a shake so there are things to look forward to and build on.”
Martin said the first half was fairly evenly matched but Valley’s physicality eventually won out and the team came home with a wet sail in the second half.
Martin said half-back Pat Muller had a great game for Valley, while second-rower Jason Hookham was outstanding.
Meanwhile, Hawkesbury Ag College had another big win, taking down Newport but suffering a big loss with flanker Ryan James picking up an injury.
Ag College coach Mick West said James had been an integral part of the Ag College team for a number of years and was hoping for good news on the ankle injury he suffered but admitted it did not look good.
Apart from the injury, however, Ag College produced another clinical performance, he said.
“Until the 80th minute it was a good game of football but we were too big and strong and our execution was on song,” he said.
“We had a lot of good contact and they really stuck it to us in defence but they couldn't catch us in attack.”
West said Newport’s physicality was impressive and the Ag College players were certainly battered and bruised after the game.
West said for the third week in a row second-rower Ben Goodier was voted best on field by his team mates, with hooker and captain Chad Maker picking up two and Mikaele Gukirewa one vote.
West added that Newport hosted Ag College after the game for a post-match function.
In round nine, to be played on June 16, Ag College will host Valley for the second installment of the Hawkesbury derby this season.
