Pittsworth have edge in grand final replay
Pittsworth coach Ian Brackstone had high praise for second rowers Daniel York and Nick Schnitzerling after a 24-10 win against Warwick Cowboys at Father Ranger Oval yesterday.
The game pitted last year’s A-grade grand finalists against each other in round 1.
Warwick won the three early games, but in A-grade, Pittsworth scored the final try in the game for an easy win.
“Both sides put in the effort and will be better for the run,” Brackstone said.
“Our second rowers were our best. It was hot out there. It is always good to get two competition points in any game against Warwick in Warwick.
“Last season in the game in Warwick, we went down by 40-odd points.”
Brackstone said it was good to see some under-18 players lining up in the A-grade game.
“Dylan Galloway and Joe Fuimaono played well for Warwick and Paul Cantwell directed them well around the park.”
Warwick coach Craig Mullaly was happy with his team’s effort.
“We could have played better but it wasn’t to be. We went into the game with six regulars out.”
He rated fullback Dylan Galloway as his best and also spoke highly of Brandon Vaughan who came off the bench in the second row.
Pittsworth led 18-6 at half-time and then centre Fuimaono scored his second try in the first minute of the second half for the home side to reduce the margin to eight.
The game was in the balance midway through the second half when Warwick had three successive sets on the Pittsworth line.
The Danes defence held and then an intercept allowed Pittsworth to take the ball 40 metres downfield.
Within the next minute, Pittsworth had scored a converted try to lead 24-10.
Fuimaono was close to scoring again under the posts but in desperation got a bouncing pass away but it wasn’t picked up with 10 minutes to go. Soon after, Pittsworth was away again but Galloway saved the day for Warwick when he bundled the Danes player into touch.
James Dempsey led the scoring for Pittsworth with two tries and Alex Sinclair landed four goals.