By Tallon Smith

The Yenda Blueheelers have bounced back from their loss to the DPC Roosters with a dominant 50-6 victory over the Hay Magpies at Wade Park on Sunday afternoon.

In a weekend with four First Grade games due to Yanco-Wamoon having the bye, the Blueheelers’ massive win was crucial for ensuring the team maintained second place and stayed within touching distance of first-placed Darlington-Point Coleambally.

Winger Charlie Tiaina scored first to open the floodgates for the Blueheelers, with tries to Tom Sellars, Henry Taylor and Elvis Nauer-Wood following.

Tiaina then crossed for his second and Taylor scored twice to complete his hat-trick, before halfback Isaiah Buerckner-Little and hooker Jacob Busnello completed the nine tries to one demolition.

Centre Anare Malanicagi scored the Magpies’ only try, converted by Ben Taylor, as the side lost their 16th Group 20 First Grade game in a row.

Despite the result and their losing streak, the Magpies have been competitive in most of their games this year, with the team coming within 2 points of beating TLU a fortnight ago, and a win may not be as far away as many think.

Meanwhile, DPC maintained their two point lead over Yenda in top spot with a 48-22 win over an improved West Wyalong at Ron Crowe Oval on Sunday.

Centre Joey Peato crossed for four tries for the Roosters, while captain-coach Guy Thompson and hooker Kane Simpson each scored doubles to set up a comprehensive victory.

In the closest game of the weekend, the Griffith Black and Whites secured a heartstopping 30-24 win over Tullibigeal-Lakes United at EW Moore Oval.

After a 28-26 win back in round 2 at Lake Cargelligo, the Black and Whites again denied the Sharks victory in the moments that mattered.

Finally, The Griffith Waratahs have moved into fourth place on the Group 20 competition ladder after defeating the Leeton Greenies 20 points to 6 at the Exies Oval on Saturday evening.

Winger Ulukaulupe Akolo scored a try and kicked two goals, while hooker Sina Tatofi and fullback Moses Lolohea also crossed the stripe for the Waratahs.

This upcoming weekend sees Hay host the Black and Whites, Tullibigeal-Lakes host Yenda, the year’s second Grand Final rematch between DPC and Leeton, and West Wyalong play Yanco-Wamoon in a Reserves fixture.