THE dismissal of Wingham prop Michael Richards by referee Barry Murray just before halftime proved to be the turning point of the Group Three Rugby League preliminary semi-final between Wingham and Port City at Wingham.
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Murray hunted Richards following a flare-up involving players from both teams. He was charged with kneeing. Port City halfback Josh Hyde was given a 10 minute stay in the sin bin from the same incident and Hyde and Richards were involved in a heated verbal exchange near the dressing sheds before they were separated by officials. The Tigers led 18-12 at the time however, Port City scored a late try to centre Clint Walker and Anthony Daley’s sideline conversion made it all square at the break.
Wingham were never really in the contest in the second half, eventually going down 36-22. The Tigers will now meet Taree City in Saturday’s minor semi-final with Port City and Port Macquarie to contest the major semi on Sunday. This also means for the ninth consecutive year the grand final will be played in the Hastings.
The Tigers were fuming at the decision to dismiss Richards. Wingham were also on the wrong end of a hefty penalty count.
Wingham had the best possible start to the contest, running in early tries to captain-coach Kurt Lewis and prop Michael Rees. Both were converted by winger Michael Bailey.
However, the Breakers always appeared to be more structured than the home side. Port came up with a try the first time they worked their way into Wingham territory with Daley – their best player on the day, taking a short pass to crash over. His conversion reduced the margin to six and when hooker Jake Kelly capitalised on poor marker defence from the Tigers to score for Daley to convert, the scores were locked up. Wingham hit the lead again when hard working prop Shannon Ellem, who had a strong game, crashed through a tackle and Bailey was on line with the conversion before Walker’s late try and Daley's sideline conversion locked it up at 18-18.
An early try to centre Jarrod Robbin set the tone for the second half. Wingham had little ball and the Breakers piled on pressure and eventually, points. A superb offload by second rower Dan Dumas to the ubiquitous Walker saw him running away for his second try and the Breakers were as good as home. The Tigers scored a late try but it was all over by then.
Reserve grade Port Macquarie 30 defeated Wingham 0
Under 18s: Taree City 38 defeated Port Macquarie 4
League tag Taree City 22 defeated Wauchope 4.
