IN a game of contrasting halves, Southern Bay Cyclones came out on the wrong side of the ledger in the Scotney Cup Competition fixture against the leaders Riverside, going down 34-7.
Cyclones took the field with a number of players stepping up to replace a large injury toll, with four regular starting players out of action.
The pace of the game was fast and furious with both sides attacking, defending and counter attacking in a fluid game.
Both sides created opportunities but the first try to Riverside came from a charge down clearance kick, for them to lead 7-0.
Shortly after, Riverside doubled their score with a well contrived try for 14-0.
Cyclones stormed back into the game for the remainder of the half.
For around 17 minutes, they had Riverside firmly on the back foot and raid after raid was launched on the Riverside line.
After a number of close calls, Cyclones were rewarded with the try of the day to Nathan Urquhart and converted by five eighth, Reinier Coetzee for a14-7 scoreline.
Cyclones continued to play inspired rugby, but were denied further scoring by resolute scrambling defence by Riverside.
In a contrasting second half, Cyclones were unable to enjoy their dominant role as a result of a heavily lopsided penalty count and from the first two penalties awarded early in the half, Riverside kicked goals to go to 20-7.
Cyclones players were becoming frustrated at their inability to command possession and territory but remained competitive for a large part of the half.
Towards the end Riverside added another converted try for 27-7 and then in a farcical end Cyclones were awarded a five metre scrum but Riverside chanced their arm with a 22m dropout and scored a converted try at the other end, while the Cyclones eight were still waiting to pack the scrum.
The final score was 34-7 to Riverside.
Post-match team management agreed that Cyclones played their best football of the season in the dominant part of the game prior to half time, but were not mentally tough enough to overcome the challenges of the second half.
Player of the day was Kyle Cooper for some great running and stout defence.
Cyclones play University at University on Saturday at 3pm.