Warriors defeat injured Bunnies

Decimated with injuries, round 14 saw the first grade Umina Bunnies go down to Northern Lakes 46 to four at Gumbuyah Oval on July 18.

With the high tally of injuries, the first grade side had to rely on young players making their first grade debuts and Jake Harvey in only his second first grade match, according to club secretary Mr Ian Sonter.

"This augurs well for our future as these young players gained experience to compete week in week out in the top grade," Mr Sonter said.

"The Bunnies took it to the opposition, showing that they were not going to be overawed.

"Although trailing 20 to four at halftime, not one player conceded the game was lost and it was only late in the second half, due to further injury, that the Warriors ran away comfortable winners 46 to four.

"One can rest assured that the Warriors will have just as many bruises as we have after the battle.

"Seventeen Umina players went into battle and 17 returned home heroic for their effort even though on the losing side."

Mr Sonter said Umina second grade showed the same commitment, having to call up three 17-year-olds from the Under-19s just to have a reserve bench.

"The Bunnies were right in the match at halftime trailing 20 to 12 as the match became an even more intense arm wrestle after the break," Mr Sonter said.

"The Bunnies matched the opposition defensively as no further points were scored.

"Try as they might to overcome the deficit, only last ditch defence from the Warriors denied the Bunnies although a disallowed try to Nathan Shanks under the post would have made the final 15 minutes interesting if it had been awarded.

"Resolute pride and passion was evident in the Under-19s round 14 game.

"Having only 15 players, the Bunnies took the initiative against the Warriors to lead 10 to four before an altercation saw two Bunnies dismissed.

"Leaving only 11 men remaining on the field for three quarters of the match, the team could have just gone through the motions but with a mixture of bone rattling defence and great attacking play, they outscored the opposition 30 to 16 in the remaining time to record a fantastic win 40 to 20."

Website, 21 Jul 2010 Ian Sonter, Umina Bunnies RLFC