Wellington were full of energy early in the match
Dubbo Macquarie has continued its strong form with a resounding win over Wellington at Kennard Park 34-14 with Captain Jade Williams saying his side is “hitting its straps”.
“This is the best we have played all season,” Williams said.
“They were just too good for us,” Wellington coach Brian Johnson said.
The Cowboys were playing in memory of three young men who passed away last year when they met Dubbo Macquarie in a Group 11 rugby league match at Kennard Park.
In bleak weather with light rain, the two sides began the match at high intensity and it wasn’t until the 13 minute mark when the scoreless deadlock was broken.
Wellington lock Rian Humphries bolted from the scrum base to open the Cowboys account.
Dropped ball in the slippery conditions was causing both sides problems when Alister Beale diverted a cross kick to the far reaches of the sideline for winger Robbie Dowton to pounce.
For a while Wellington were in control but late in the first half Jade Williams punted high into the air for half Craig McLean to grab a try under the posts.
Then centre John Grey stepped around Wellington defenders and ran 60 metres on the outskirts to level the match at 10-all.
The second half favoured Macquarie as Jade Williams scored a dazzling try off his own kick.
Centre Quentin Dickinson, also in an urgent mood, took advantage of some good lead up work and midway through the second half Macquarie were ahead 22-10.
Macquarie winger Vilavue Turuva also brushed off defenders to widen the margin, while Aiden Ryan’s try in the corner was little consolation.
Jade Williams worked his magic again before full-time with another well placed kick leading to a try and Macquarie were home 34-14.
“The results are speaking for themselves,” Williams said.
“Whether we are a real premiership threat is too early to tell, there’s a long way to go.
“But we are digging in.”
Wellington’s coach looked forlorn.
“We gave them too many chances, dropped too much ball, they were too good,” Johnson said.
In the other matches, Macquarie won a thrilling under 18s match with Swade Dunn starring in the visiting side’s 33-26 win.
Brent Naden, who is reported to have signed for Penrith for two years, scored a try while the Cowboys won the Reserve grade 22-20.
n DUBBO Macquarie 34 (J Williams 2, McLean, Grey,Dickinson, Turuva tries, M Williams 3 goals) defeated WELLINGTON 14 (Humphries,Dowton, Ryan tries, Beale goal)
RESERVE GRADE:
WELLINGTON 22 (Ahsby 2, Hudson, Tyson, Daley tries Daley 2 goals, 1 penalty goal) defeated Macquarie 20 (Josephs, Murray, Shipp tries, Shipp 4 goals)
UNDER 18:
DUBBO Macquarie 33 defeated Wellington 26