Topsy-turvy victory

DAPTO broke their Illawarra Carlton League drought with a scrappy 18-14 win over Wollongong/Uni Bulls at Dapto Showground on Saturday.

The Canaries were in danger of maintaining their winless 2008 record until Michael Murphy scored out wide for a 16-14 lead.

Adam Blake converted Murphy’s try from the side line to extend Dapto’s lead to four points.

Dapto held on to win, despite the Bulls having a player held up over the line with three minutes left.

Earlier, Wollongong winger Makasini Richter touched down for his hat-trick to level the scores at 12-all with 16 minutes remaining.

Wollongong pivot Scott Porter calmly converted from the side line to get his side in front.

The Bulls began their charge with 19 minutes remaining when Richter completed a clever blindside raid started by rake Laith Cunneen.

Richter’s second try trimmed the margin to 12-8 after the Bulls went to the sheds trailing 12-4.

Wollongong drew first blood in the first half when Richter reeled in a Porter bomb and touched down after six minutes of the first half.

The Canaries seemed rattled and made a number of handling errors which handed Wollongong a mountain of possession and territorial dominance.

Dapto got on the board in the 25th minute when centre Ben Condon latched onto a short ball from half Clint Wright. Blake converted for a 6-4 lead.

With eight minutes remaining in the opening stanza, Wright scored Dapto’s second try for 10-4. Blake converted for a 12-4 lead.

Meanwhile, Corrimal’s unbeaten start to 2008 is over after a 24-16 loss to defending premiers Collegians.

Winger Dean Pauling scored a double for the Dogs and Grant Smith, Reece Simmons and Linken Hutchinson all found the line.

On Saturday the second half of the split round four will be played.

Wests will host Thirroul at Parrish Park on Saturday and Berkeley meet Helensburgh at Berkeley Sports Ground on Sunday.