There have been some unexpected twists and turns to the VB NSW Cup and it’s only midway through the season.
It was Country Round in the VB NSW Cup with five sensational contests being taken to various regional towns throughout NSW as well as one match in New Zealand.
At Hunter Stadium, after winning their first seven matches to lead the competition, Mounties fell to Newcastle Knights 34-22 in their fourth loss in their past five matches as they desperately seek for answers to rediscover their top-of-the-table form. Captain Clint Newton was inspirational in for the Knights cling on to fourth place.
The defending premiers, Penrith Panthers, defeated Wentworthville Magpies 16-0 at Port Macquarie to sneak into first position in reaffirming their credentials to go back to back this season.
The Wyong Roos continued their recent red-hot form to beat Newtown Jets 28-12 at Olympic Park, Muswellbrook to earn third spot on the ladder. Nene MacDonald scored a quick double-try effort with the game in the balance for the Roos to clinch the vital victory.
Meanwhile, the Canterbury Bulldogs thumped two of the top-four teams in consecutive weeks as they handed the New Zealand Warriors their first loss at home with a 52-8 thrashing after beating Mounties 35-20 the week before. Winger Tyrone Phillips enjoyed a memorable day to bag four tries for the Bulldogs.
Wests Tigers were unable to bounce back into the top eight at Workers Arena, Goulburn, as they fell 28-20 against Illawarra Cutters. The Cutters overcame a 16-10 deficit to enter the top eight.
Manly Sea Eagles earned their fourth win of the season against local rivals the North Sydney Bears. The Sea Eagles won 30-10 at the new Scully Park in Tamworth with the locals left hungry for more rugby league action in the future. Click on the links for more information.
Click here for Round 13 VB NSW Cup highlights.
Click here for Round 14 VB NSW Cup match details and team line-ups.
