Hawkesbury Valley Rugby Club held its annual Back to Valley day this past Saturday, June 22, as they hosted cross town rivals Hawkesbury Agricultural College (HAC) at McQuade Park, Windsor.
It was a good day for the club as they came away winning two of the four grades, and drew one.
First up was third grade in a battle between two of the lower teams on the table.
Last time the two sides met Valley smashed HAC 41 - 10, but this time around HAC put up a big fight and tied the match.
Valley led early with two tries before HAC hit back with one of their own.
The home side were able to extend their lead to 15 - 5, crossing the line for a third try, but HAC added another two of their own to tie the match. The final score was 15 - 15.
Colts followed in what turned into a nail-biter of a match.
HAC got out to a great start scoring an early penalty and try to give them a lead of 10 - nil. That only lasted for a short time as an intercept pass saw Valley go the full length of the field and score a try of their own.
They followed this with another three tries and two conversions taking the lead to 26 - 10, but HAC again fought back scoring two quick tries in the final minutes to get back to 26 - 24.
Full time was called and Valley came away with the close victory.
Next up was second grade, where HAC were looking to get back to the top of the ladder.
An early try by the visitors was matched by Valley putting the scores even. HAC then went on a tear scoring 24 unanswered points.
They crossed for two converted tries, before sealing the match with two more, including a tricky chip and chase finished off by young winger Atticus Strong.
A final fight back from Valley saw winger Glen Sutton cross for the final score of the match, finishing 31 - 14 with HAC taking home the victory and moving to third on the ladder.
First grade rounded out the day with a close match. Valley were first to score with winger Jason de Joux crossing the line.
HAC responded as their openside flanker Dylan Weston found the white paint, and Jake Bailey converted giving HAC the lead.
Valley responded crossing once again through their prop Bobby Mackenzie taking the lead back 12 - 7.
HAC scored another converted try with full back Luke Sproats getting over the line.
This was followed by a penalty goal, bringing HAC 's lead to 17 - 12.
A mistake by HAC on their own try-line resulted in a penalty try for Valley and a yellow card for the visitors, putting them a man down, and giving the lead Valley at 19 - 17.
Another penalty goal for HAC gave them the lead late in the match.
But despite a yellow card for Valley they managed to cross the try line once more out wide giving them the lead and the win. The final score was 26 - 20.
Man of the match went to Valley second rower Bradley Halliwell.
Next weekend Saturday, June 29, Hawkesbury Valley will look to capitalise on their solid wins as they travel to Headen Park to face Beecroft.
HAC will return home to face Redfield Old Boys, with third grade kicking off at 11:40am at the College Oval, Richmond.
