Round 2 saw the Cumberland beavers at home for the second week.
The second grade side took on UWS Macarthur and early on it looked like the good work of round 1 would be lost as the big Macarthur pack rolled them out to a commanding 16 point lead. The Cumberland side struggled to contain them and lacked cohesion and venom in attack. Not long after the break Macarthur had cruised to a 28-10 lead and appeared comfortable.
The Cumberland side spurred on by in form 5/8 Alan Hunt then staged a remarkable come back. Finding their cohesion they ran in quick tries scoring their final try with only 50 seconds left to bring them within 2 points. Ben Coughlin was calm under pressure and added the extras leaving the scores locked at full time. Best for Cumberland were Alan Hunt, Ben Coughlin, Mark Meshkat and George Balamoa.
First grade was a much anticipated match between Cumberland and Sydney University. The 2 clubs have always had a strong rivalry with Cumberland being a campus of Sudney University.
From the kick off the Cumberland boys looked to dominate their main campus rivals with fluent attack that was missing in round 1 seeing early tries to the beavers. The main campus boys were not about to lie down and fought back with a converted try to see the scores at 12-6 at the main break.
In the second half Cumberland began to out muscle their opponents and with dominence around the ruck and powerful surges from the forwards the cumberland backline ran riot running in 5 second half tries. Best for Cumberland were captain Joe Naddaf, his front row partner Elie Moujaly and in the backs Mike Roach and Peter Kayem scoring a double. The clubs new English import Ray Harris also made a strong showing as did former Bathurst back rower Mitchel Gaal.
Next week will see the Bathurst side travel to Parramatta and with the clubs having a history of tough, close contests this shapes up as no exception. Both clubs will then be at the Rose and Crown after 1st grade for a “tight and Bright” night. Everyone is most welcome to come and enjoy the night and have a laugh at the boys expense!
Cumberland Beavers
