SOUTHERN Beaches had 12 senior players registered four days out from start of the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union season, gave up 103 points in one game and conceded 959 points for the campaign.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That pain was wiped away, even if just for one night, after the cellar dwellers produced a spirited effort to beat Singleton 29-22 at Ernie Calland Oval on Saturday.
What's more, coach Ben Kinkade is adamant they have the people with the nous and desire to ensure the club thrives again.
"The win was a great reward for the players," said Kinkade, who has committed for another season.
"There are massive positives to take out of the season. Considering there were 12 players registered on the Tuesday before the first round.
"The big difference is that the club knows where it is at now and what it has to do. In January, they were in denial. There is enough people at the club who have the smarts and care about the joint enough to see it thrive.
"This year has been about getting the culture right. The challenge is to keep building, increase player depth - numbers and skill set - and improve off the field as well.
"Newcastle rugby needs Southern Beaches in the competition. It is a massive geographical footprint you want to be a part of."
Wholehearted skipper Mitch Gibson was again at the forefront on Saturday.
Fly-half Robert Richardson and centres Michael Delore and Peter Madden were also strong.
After trailing 7-0, the home side, who were again without several key men, hit back through a double to Madden and another to Richardson to lead 19-10 early in the second half.
Singleton lock Jacob Reid, scored his second long-range try, to get withing two.
But Beaches lifted again and young No.8 Sam O'Brien powered over from close range besides the post.
"They celebrated hard, which was great," Kinkade said. "Mitch Gibson was awesome. He should win the Anderson Medal. His workload and strength on the ball ... he just has a footy instinct. He knows where to be, he is tough and he is quality.
"It was a really good game because both teams were in the same boat. Singo were pretty busted as well.
"Our defence was really good, our line-speed, our spacing, which is the thing that has dropped off at times this year ... defensively we were much improved."
As well as provide relief for the club, the win is a fillip heading into the off season.
"It is a springboard, but things were already in motion," Kinkade said. "Off-season programs have been done and distributed and recruitment is underway.
"We will be looking to get players back who left the club as well as bring in some fresh faces. Getting guys back to the club is out of my control but there have definitely been some guys who have indicated they will return.
"I try and stay away from the circus in Newcastle around attracting players."
