The upset for Leeton in their attempt to climb the ladder for the Group 20 competition has left the team dejected, but still fighting.  

Being only the second game of the season, the Greens are confident the rewards will start coming.  

Leeton was down a mere six points before half-time.

The first half of the game was almost a try-for-try match, with both teams deftly contesting for a win.  

Hay went in for a converted try moments before the half-time bell sounded.  

In the second-half of the game, the match was taken from the tenacious grasp of the Greens. 

“The first minute of the second-half Hay went up a gear,” club president Steve Preston said.  

Going into the game with the same philosophy as last week, the Greens were focused on their kicking, completing sets and displaying better defence and attack.  

The team was completed with four younger players from reserve grade.

The boys finished their reserve grade win, changed jerseys and went straight back on the field.  

“It was great for these reserve graders to have a win and bounce back,” Preston said. 

“It was a double-up, but they put their hands up to help first grade.” 

Preston said having lost the game, the side was despondent that the score blew out the way it did.

“We will keep plugging away, it’s only early in the season,” he said.

“We are still confident we can put a few wins together, we will get the rewards in.

“Starting with two-for-two losses, we remember that the work in pre-season was good.”

Preston said Billy Gilbert didn’t stop trying in attack and defence. 

“Shayne Roden played a strong game, as did Jake Stevenson,” he said.   

“Full-back Teague Sutherland was solid and played well.”  

The Greens will now have three weeks off from competition.

This leaves ample time to refresh, rest a few players and complete sets to put pressure on the other side.  

Leeton’s next chance to secure a win will be on May 17 against Darlington Point Coleambally.