The two teams had a lot to say to each other early in the game, but Mittagong let their football do the talking, drawing first blood to take an early four point lead.

Hinchinbrook had plenty of opportunities throughout the half, with Mittagong forced to defend their goal line.

After failing to capitalise, the Hornets let Lions second rower Sean Whittington storm through the centre of the field to score against the run of play .

Six minutes before halftime, Zac Blackshaw outmuscled the Hornets defence from a close range penalty play to bang the ball down adjacent to the left upright. Five-eighth Corey Martin slotted an easy conversion to give Mittagong a 16-0 lead at the break.

Mittagong looked like they might run away with the game when halfback Kieran Bishop scored two minutes into the second half.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Friday, May 15

sport.highlandnews@ruralp ress.com