THE Wauchope Blues out-muscled, out-played and out-smarted the Port City Breakers yesterday at the Lank Bain Sporting Complex, Wauchope.
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For the first time in 25 years, the Blues finally celebrated success in the top grade, hammering the Group 3 defending premiers to the tune of 32-10.
The scene was set for a red-letter day as the Breakers captured the under 18, reserves and women’s league tag crowns.
But, the title that mattered the most went the way of Wauchope, brilliantly led by Robbie Trembath, who was easily the best player on the field.
The lock forward was closely followed by Tim Coombes, Adam McMurray, Shaun Gregory, Tim Copp, Matt Bottom, Justin Laurie and Kyle Debreceny.
“It’s awesome,” Wauchope coach Greg Hurrell admitted afterwards.
“Our defence was keen as mustard on the day, and our under-rated backs were dangerous out wide.
“The boys fully deserve all the credit.
“We knew we had them at the break – it was just a matter of shutting them out and scoring first.”
For the Breakers, captain-coach Daniel Dumas worked tirelessly, as did Brett Fraser, Mitch Fowler, Glen Littler and Mitch Jackson.
Wauchope had all the early territory, however it was not until Port City’s Adam Atkins and Josh Hyde were sin-binned for separate infringements that the 0-all deadlock broke.
And, with the Breakers down two men and trailing the penalty count 7-1, the Blues made them pay.
In the 28th minute, Trembath broke through and passed to Laurie, who found a flying Dustin Prosser in support. Dean Anderson landed the conversion for a 6-0 lead.
Within seconds, youngster Dean Hurrell hit a yawning gap to add try number two. Anderson raised the flags again, extending the margin to 12-0.
The Breakers responded late in the half but Hyde lost control of the ball, referee Tony Bannerman disallowing the four-pointer.
With Port City needing to strike in the second stanza, the team could not gather any momentum.
Instead, Wauchope soaked up all the pressure and unleashed an attacking frenzy of its own.
At the 41st minute mark, Gregory touched down next to the posts. Anderson booted the Blues 18-0 ahead.
Soon after, Debreceny sprinted down the wing to cross in the corner. Although Anderson failed to convert, the score was 22-0 in Wauchope’s favour.
Port City eventually had something to cheer about when Jackson barged his way through. Adrian Daley jnr missed the shot at goal and the Breakers trailed 22-4.
However, anything Jackson could do, Coombes did better and the big fella celebrated his 100th first grade appearance with a terrific four-pointer. Anderson made no mistake and pushed the Blues even further in front 28-4.
Trembath bagged a well-deserved try in the 73rd minute to extend the margin to 32-4.
With the match as good as over, Port City fullback Jesse Gleeson secured a consolation.
WAUCHOPE BLUES 32 (Dustin Prosser, Dean Hurrell, Shaun Gregory, Kyle Debreceny, Tim Coombes, Robbie Trembath tries; Dean Anderson 4 goals) defeated PORT CITY BREAKERS 10 (Mitch Jackson, Jesse Gleeson tries; Adrian Daley jnr goal)
