Just how cruel football can be was on display at Lapstone Oval at the weekend as Blue Mountains Rugby narrowly lost a crucial victory to undefeated leaders Hunters Hill.
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The scoreline was 28-27, with the visitors kicking the winning penalty goal on full-time, the result a bitter disappointment for the home team.
The Blueys really gave it to the star-studded Hunters line up, so used to running over the top of their opponents, and following two sensational second-half tries in the corner to speed machine Brendan Moroney, led 20-5 and looked to be on top.
But the visitors started to find a bit more and raced in two tries and two penalties, to lead by five and the signs were ominous. But the Blueys, with players like man of the match Brian Jones, were not done with yet. George Ftygiannis crashed over with two minutes to go after some great team pressure, and with Alex Pinson's conversion it was 27-25 to the Blueys, but the referee saw a discretion with only seconds to go which gifted victory to the visitors.
Luckily this result has seen the team stay stable on the ladder, instead of getting right back into the semi final scene, but if they can produce this kind of football again consistently, they are going to be a big threat.
Seconds also had a nail-biter, going down 11-10. Young gun Brad Brown was a tower of strength.
Thirds with Grant Prior playing a leading role always looked in command, winning 26-5, while fourths' horror run continued when they were pipped 7-5, and despite some great rugby from Jake Green, they were shaking their heads as to how they could have lost this game of football.
Next Saturday the Blueys take on Lindfield at Lindfield, and for those who want to see some classy junior rugby, the Blue Tongues opens side plays Oatley at Lapstone at 2pm on Sunday.
