Three games were played in much improved conditions from the morning, and Scone teams were successful in all grades. 

Convincing wins to Reserves (42 nil) and League Tag (66 nil) were followed by a very torrid First Grade with a final score of 24 to 16.

Scone’s Daniel Ritter’s comment after the game “that was like old school 80s footy” was fitting following a match that had just about everything - hard and torrid defence, skilful attack, and three players from each side in the sin bin. 

The crowd were on their feet to the last minutes of the match with both teams giving their all. 

Aberdeen were off to a good start with Clinton Blenman finding the line after 10 minutes. 

Tim Watson for Scone was next to cross after 25 minutes with the Jarrod Wicks conversion giving Scone the lead at 6 to 4. 

Aberdeen’s Blenman crossed for his second just before half time with Dane Thorogood giving the Tigers the lead at half time, 10 to 6.

Scone started the second half strongly and were quickly rewarded with Hayden Topliss crossing after only a few minutes. 

Wicks converted for the lead to come back to Scone 12 to 10. 

Topliss was over again after 25 minutes which was converted by  Wicks, extending the lead to 18 to 10. 

There was plenty of feeling in the game and the next few minutes saw two players from each side spending time in the bin. 

A Ritter try moved the score to 24 to 10 following another Wicks conversion. 

Not to be outdone however, Aberdeen came back with a try to Shane Hasselman, converted by Thorogood to make the score line 24 to 16. 

The final 10 minutes still had plenty of excitement with another Scone player having a 10 minute rest. 

The 12-man Scone team managed to hold on however with no further change to the score line. Player’s Player was Will Carrigan.

At the presentation of the Johnny Lawler Memorial Shield, Coach Ritter thanked all spectators and the Aberdeen team for a very tough game. 

“We had to stand up as we were met by strong opposition. 

“Retaining the shield for the third year in a row is an added bonus for a win which we had to work very hard for,” he said. 

Another strong display was witnessed from the Reserve Grade side. 

It is fair to say that at times there didn’t appear to be too much between the teams, however Scone were able to take advantage of field position on  a regular basis which resulted in a 26 nil score at half time. 

Scott Lyne celebrated his return to football with the first try after five minutes. 

Jared Austin found himself out in the centres and celebrated with the next try. 

Henry Wicks (Player’s Player), Kyle Wilcher and Jason Thompson all managed to score with Jake Watts adding three conversions. 

The second half saw the Aberdeen defence reduce the scoring tempo, but they were not able to cross the line thanks to a terrific defensive effort. 

Coach Chris Brennan was first across the line in the second half with Watts scoring the last two, as well as converting two for the final score of 42 nil.

Coach Brennan was pleased with the efforts of the team.

“It is always good to keep an opposition to nil and this relies on everyone working for each other.

“Scoring of tries is obviously important, but we need a strong defensive foundation if we want to be successful at the pointy end of the season,” he said. 

The first half of the Ladies League Tag game saw the home side race to the lead and continue the momentum with a score line of 42 nil at half time. 

From the kick off the ladies had their game together defending hard and attacking with purpose and execution. 

The Aberdeen side were tough but Scone’s explosive running was dominating. 

Maddy Adams put the points on the board for the team first and was followed by Sofie Casson with two tries, Ally Luck, Charmaine Bloomfield, Abbey Van Balen, Jess Day and Claudia Winter all crossing the line.

Coach Sofie Casson said their first half was a great team effort and the girls showed how well they can play when they support each another and perform their basic plays. 

“The girls knew that Aberdeen wouldn’t go down without a fight so there was no room for complacency,” she said. 

Hayley Eveleigh contributed at both ends with a long range try after only a few minutes of the second half   (following an impressive inside ball from player’s player Brooke Noble) and also saving a few close calls with her solid last line of defence. 

Casson scored her third try soon after with Day then adding her second from long distance. Aberdeen never stopped trying and defended well for the next 10 minutes or so, however in the last minute of play Casson crossed for her fourth. 

Adams managed eight conversions and Bloomfield added one, for the final score of 66 nil. 

Round seven action is at Scone Park again this Sunday. 

Ladies League Tag take on Murrurundi at 11.45am while Under 18s and First Grade play Muswellbrook. 

The Under 18s game is at 12.45pm with First Grade under way at 2pm. 

All supporters are encouraged to attend the games and cheer the Thoroughbreds on.