SOUTHERN Beaches have knocked over the two-top teams in consecutive weeks to blow the premiership wide open, but coach Johan Lourens insists the giant killers will remain humble.
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What, a fortnight ago, was seemingly a battle between defending premiers Hamilton and last season’s grand finalists Wanderers, is anything but.
Southern Beaches came from 14-7 down at half-time against Hamilton to inflict the Hawks’ first loss and take hold of the Hawthorne Cup.
The inspired win at Passmore Oval on Saturday, followed an equally impressive 20-14 triumph over the Two Blues.
Beaches remain in third place and, although they can’t catch the top two, they are building momentum with two rounds remaining.
“The boys are working hard and we are going in the right direction,” Lourens said. “We are not getting carried away. We are only looking at our own goals, and that is to get better each week. We will keep our heads down, stay humble and get on with the job.”
The forwards paved the way for Beaches.
“Mitch Gibson was outstanding,” Lourens said. “The tight five too, they really stood up. It is about being patient and sticking to the structure.”
Wanderers bounced back from their loss to Beaches to edge out The Waratahs 40-30. After leading 23-6 at the break, Wanderers trailed 30-26 with 10 minutes to go.
University produced their best to trump Maitland 28-13 at Uni. No.1 Oval and Nelson Bay ended a six-game losing streak with a 60-14 triumph over Singleton.