Cover Photo: Beniel Dakunibubului after winning the 2023 Barry Hails Medal
Tallon Smith
Leeton has maintained its pressure on Tullibigeal-Lakes United in the race for a top three spot following its 40-18 victory over the Hay Magpies at the Hay Park Oval on Sunday afternoon.
Led by a double to front rower Beniel Dakunibubului, the Greenies ran in seven tries to three, including one to debutant Jacob Buchanan, to seal a for-and-against boosting victory that leaves them one point behind the third-placed Sharks with three games to play.
Leeton coach Billy Dickinson said the win over an improved Magpies side was made all the more impressive given the side was missing half a dozen members of its starting side.
“It was a good win for us, the road trip to Hay is always quite hard, they’ve got a solid team and I think they have recruited well in the second half of the season,” he said.
“I was a bit worried because we were down on troops a little bit, but the boys that played dug deep and [put in] a great effort.
“Not many clubs would be able to manage six starters out, but we seemed to do well and that shows how good the depth at the club is.”
In a comprehensive team showing, the standout performer for the Greenies was Dakunibubului, who has made the most of a move to prop with two best on ground efforts in the past fortnight.
Given how well the 2023 Barry Hails Medallist has taken to his new role, Dickinson said the plan is for Dakunibubului to remain there heading into the finals.
“[We’re] just trying to find the right spots for him, and I think prop is probably going to be it,” he said.
“The last two games he’s played there he’s been the best player by a mile and I’d say he’ll play there for the rest of the year.
“He is probably the best prop in the comp.”
Looking at the run home, the Greenies will face a Black and Whites team chasing the all important fifth position, followed by a trip to Yenda and a clash against another finals hopeful in West Wyalong.
With the side missing so many key players, Dickinson said Leeton is more focused on getting back to full strength for the postseason than looking too much at the competition ladder.
“I think it will just be a good game to get everyone back in the team,” he said.
“As I said we had six starters out with injuries on the weekend and suspension, but we got through it.
“It will be good to have a full 17 back ready to go.
“All we can do is just keep winning, and not [be] too fazed about clubs that are around us.”
Hay will enjoy two weeks off with a bye following the general bye, before hosting local rivals Darlington Point-Coleambally on August 16.
LEETON 40 (Beniel Dakunibubului 2, Caydan Hillier, Jacob Buchanan, Charlie Watson, Ethan McDonald, Beau Griffiths tries; Vula Wate 6 goals) DEFEATED HAY 18 (Andrew Solo, Gary Parai, Sulio Loka tries; Loka three goals) at Hay Park Oval, Sunday July 26.
