Lethal Cudgen jab silences Rhinos

Cudgen dangerman and fullback Shannon Murphy fends off the Grafton winger.

Blainey Woodham

CUDGEN Hornets gave Grafton Rhinos a lethal injection in the Northern Rivers Rugby League elimination semi-final at Ned Byrne Field on Saturday evening.

The do-or-die encounter gave the Hornets the extra spark they needed and they reproduced some great form to topple the Rhinos 44-30.

Coach Con Theodossiou said the Hornets had stumbled at the start and didn’t have enough pride in the first half.

“We were behind at half-time 24-14 and we came back in the second half with a pretty good defensive effort,” Theodossiou said.

“There was a lot more pride shown in the second half to score 30-6 on them.

“It was a big turnaround.

“They are a big side and it was a great effort to out-muscle them. It was a pretty good game all around.

“There were two standout players: Robert Kelly, who was players’ player, and also Dan Donovan.”

The Hornets had their danger man, fullback Shannon Murphy, back on the paddock and he demolished the best defence in the Rhinos.

Captain Steve Kirkham said the atmosphere was electric and there was a large crowd in attendance for the match.

“It was a big game with a big crowd, and one of the greatest moments in the game came when Josh Sleva scored the best try, beating six players ... he just crushed them,” Kirkham said.

It has been a long time between drinks for the Hornets as they have not been in the semi-finals since 2006.

But the recent success proves they have not lost a grip on their dreams of past.

Patience has been the pathway to paradise for the Hornets, who have had a changing line-up every week.

Theodossiou said it had been a top game across the board and the reserves also had brilliant results.

“The Rhinos didn’t resort to anything and it was a good clean game. All credit to them for sticking with it,” Theodossiou said.

“Tom Pritchard had a top game and Craig Field directed well in the second half, taking control when it was needed.

“It was also a great game for the reserves, who beat Grafton Ghosts in the last minute 22-20 when they kicked a goal.”

Ballina and Northern United hold the balance of power over the Hornets and will play the winner of the match in another semi-final.