The Blues returned to home action this weekend with a cup fixture against Hamilton Bulls.

A number of players returned from injury and Jase and Louis made their home debuts. The blues were in confident mood, having trained well for the last 2 weeks, working on their play. The overnight rain made the handling conditions difficult.

The game did not start well for the blues, as in the first phase of the game Bean received a yellow card for a no arms tackle. The blues immediately went down for 14 for the next 10 minutes. The Blues looked un-phased by this set back and after working their way up the park, saw the forwards rumble the ball up, before co-captain Euan crashed over for a try, converted by Alan. 7-0

The Blues looked dangerous with the ball in hand and some sterling work in midfield from Alan, Frazer and Luke kept Hamilton on the backfoot. The home defence was looking a bit ragged in kick chase defence and some loose tackles allowed Hamilton to level the scores.

Hamilton relied on 3 or 4 main ball carriers and the blues were having to manage these players. Again the blues pushed downfield, cheered on my a big touchline support. Some good carries from Matthew and Innis, worked the ball towards the line. From the back of the ruck, Bean, now back on the field, redeemed himself with a try out wide. 12-7

After this both teams worked hard, with some good breaks from Sam and Caelean, showing the pace out wide. Hamilton then worked off a line out, before scoring out side to take the lead 12-14. The blues went back on the front foot, retaining the ball well, with Kyle having a good carry in midfield, before releasing Frazer, who made some good yards. A penalty then resulted which the blues kicked to the corner. Jase, having a good day at the lineout, got a clean take, which was recycled in the midfield, before former prop (and now backrower) Matthew touched out out wide. Alan with a good conversion attempt just sailing wide. HT 17-14

The half-time team talk was to keep working hard and tighten up some phases of play. The blues then started to dominate possession, with some good territory being made. Hamilton still were a danger on the counter attack and the blues had to remain on their toes. Ben, Donald and Louis were the changes at half-time. The blues kept up their work rate and intensity and were unfortunate to miss out on a couple of good turnovers. As they pressured the Hamilton line, the blues decided to kick a penalty and Alan slotted this over to extend the blues lead 20-14.

Luke then was replaced through injury and the blues had to make adjustments for this. This allowed Hamilton to get back into the game, although some sterling tackling and defence kept Hamilton at bay. Both teams were even matched and both looked like they could score again.

After a good number of phases the blues continued to make yards. A quick tap penalty was recycled through the forwards, who pounded the Hamilton line. As the ball seemed to be turned over by Hamilton, Euan quickly snaffled the ball and dived over for second try. Alan knocking over a good conversion 27-14. Hamilton weren't done and scored again to reduce the deficit 27-21.

With 5 minutes to defend, the blues were resolute and some great team tackling kept Hamilton outside the 22m line. The blues had 2 minutes left to see out the game, although some poor decision making gave Hamilton one more chance to score. The blues were determined not to let this happen and held out for the full-time whistle. FT 27-21

Well done to both teams for an exciting game and to the match official for contributing to this. Thanks also to all the home supporters attending and providing great support for the team.