Wins keep rivals in sight of trophy
TRL: Highfields and Valleys have kept their Madsen-Rasmussen Trophy Final hopes alive with important Hutchinson Builders TRL Premiership wins on Saturday night.
The two teams remained locked in a share of second spot on the ladder after Highfields downed fellow title contender Pittsworth 30-22 at Kuhls Rd Recreation Ground, while Valleys overcame tricky opponent Souths 50-18 at Herb Steinohrt Oval.
Highfields got the competition points in its game against the defending premiers but the result could have easily gone the way of Pittsworth as both teams ran in five tries, two of which were off intercepts for the Eagles.
The two teams traded tries in the first half but inaccurate goal kicking from Pittsworth saw Highfields hold an 18-8 lead.
Pittsworth ran in three unanswered tries after the break to take a 22-18 lead into the final quarter of the game.
But Jarrod Lee and Aaron Hooper ran in tries in the final 11 minutes for Highfields to help the Eagles escape with the two competition points.
Highfields coach Justin McKellar thought his team was lucky to get away with the result but praised the perseverance of his players in securing the two crucial tries late in the game.
Pittsworth coach Ian Brackstone happy with the showing from his team despite loss, especially as on target goal kicking could have changed the state of the game in the closing stages.
Meanwhile, Valleys got out to a 24-12 lead at half-time against Souths at Herb Steinohrt Oval before taking the Tigers out of the game soon after the break.
Aaron Sillitoe crossed for a first half double for Valleys before the Roosters ran in five unanswered tries in the second half to take the points against Souths, who were coming off a watershed win over Highfields the week before.
Hnaloan Budden and under 18s star Travis Turnbull scored two tries each for Valleys, while Tyrell McCullagh crossed for a double for Souths.