Cover Photo: Tullibigeal-Lakes Unted RLFC Facebook
Tallon Smith
Tullibigeal-Lakes United extended its winning streak to four games with a dominant 66-6 victory over the Yenda Blueheelers at the Lake Cargelligo Recreation Ground on Sunday.
Winger Max Jones crossed for three of the Sharks’ 12 tries in the superb showing, which entertained the healthy crowd at the club’s joint Sponsors’ Day, Old Boys’ Day and Indigenous Round.
Veteran TLU halfback Jaden Kelly said the side put a big emphasis on continuing its strong recent form on what was a significant day for the club.
“We spoke about it, [it was a] pretty big day for the club, so we wanted to make sure we put on a good performance,” he said.
“We played really well, to Yenda’s credit, they really stuck with us for the first 20 minutes and just with their lack of numbers it really hurts after 20.
“We’ve been there before so we know exactly what it’s like, and unfortunately the lack of numbers was against them and we came away with a pretty good win.
“It was really pleasing to stay on the game plan for the whole 80 minutes too.”
The Sharks proved clinical in attack, setting a new high watermark for the season with 66 points scored, as prop Warren Lloyd and co-coach Cody Collins crossed for try doubles.
However, the most prolific player on the scoresheet was Jones, with Kelly praising both the winger’s efforts and energy in his return to the starting side.
“Maxy was up and about, he got one early in the corner, then the other two were pretty good individual tries going straight through the middle,” Kelly said.
“He was really excited about it, and we were excited to see it, he’s up and about.
“It’s good to have him back, he’s a good character around the group, gets everyone in a good vibe, and he’s playing some good footy too.”
Meanwhile, with the side sitting fourth on 16 points, three wins clear of sixth-placed Darlington Point-Coleambally with six rounds to play, the Sharks are in the box seat for a first finals appearance since the COVID-19 Pandemic.
When asked about what a return to the postseason would mean to the club and its supporters, Kelly said it would be a great boost for the small towns of the Northern Riverina, but the side is firmly focused on its remaining regular season games.
“It would be unreal, but as everyone knows a week is a long time in footy, so we just want to keep on hopefully building momentum and keep in form, and hopefully when the finals comes around we will be there somewhere,” he said.
“The crowds dropped off a bit during the leaner years, but on the weekend you were flat out getting a park inside the footy ground, cars were three deep.
“It is awesome to be winning a few games and getting some good crowds.”
The Sharks will tackle Leeton away on Sunday, while Yenda will host top side Yanco-Wamoon.
