Mixed fortunes for the Roosters
BY ALEX TIGANI
It has been a month of mixed fortunes for the Singleton Roosters.
The AFL Hunter Central Coast’s Black Diamond Cup side made a brave decision to remain in the top tier after last year’s 1-12 record.
And this year’s fixture did not help, facing last year’s top three sides Terrigal Avoca, Killarney Vale and Cardiff to open the year with a 0-3 record.
However there was light at the end of the tunnel.
On Saturday, May 6 the Roosters returned to the winners’ circle with a commanding 18.17 (125) to 9.4 (58) win over The Entrance Bateau Bay featuring former Collingwood rookie Scott Reed.
Though it was the side’s first win at home since 2021, the day will best be remembered for Jason Kolatchew’s late goal to join his sons Jackson, Ethan and Seth on the goal-kicking list.
“I was proud of the boys before we even went out there,” Jason explained.
The Roosters then celebrated back-to-back wins for the first time since Round 14, 2021 when defeating Nelson Bay 11.10 (76) to 4.8 (32).
Stalwart Conrad Smith lined up for his 100th senior game.
Singleton coach Tim Hare said the milestone exemplified the defender as a true clubman.
“He has got his health back on track to continue to play football and helped coach the reserve grade side,” Hare explained.
“Now not only a great clubman but a proud family man.”
Elation turned to devastation the following week when the Roosters suffered a 7.9 (51) to 7.5 (47) defeat to the Maitland Saints at Max McMahon Oval.
The visitors, who were already missing key forward Jackson Kolatchew and lost remaining targets Sam Brasington (hamstring), Ethan Kolatchew (ankle) and Daltyn McCartney (knee) before halftime, claimed a late two-point lead thanks to a Jed Ellis-Cluff goal. Ironically, former Singleton junior Rywin Nock slotted the winning goal with the final kick of the match.
On Saturday, the seventh placed Roosters then held a late lead over the sixth placed Warners Bay Bulldogs only to suffer a 13.8 (86) to 9.8 (62) defeat at Feighan Oval.
The Roosters will now play Newcastle City, who celebrated a 38.14 (242) to 0.3 (3) over Nelson Bay, this Saturday at 3pm. The game will be streamed live on BarTV.
| The AFLHCC Black Diamond Cup battle for fifth spot | ||||
| Ladder positions: | Round 9 | Round 10 | Round 11 | Round 12 |
| 5th Maitland (4-0-3) | Killarney Vale (h) | Singleton (a) | Cardiff (h) | Nelson Bay (a) |
| 6th Warners Bay (4-1-3) | Bye | Killarney Vale (a) | Terrigal Avoca (a) | Cardiff (h) |
| 7th Singleton (2-0-5) | Newcastle City (a) | Maitland (h) | Bye | Killarney Vale (h) |
| 8th The Entrance Bateau Bay (1-1-5) | Cardiff (h) | Newcastle City (a) | Nelson Bay (a) | Bye |
| 9th Nelson Bay (0-7) | Terrigal Avoca (a) | Cardiff (h) | The Entrance Bateau Bay (h) | Maitland (h) |