Miners’ miracle comeback
THE Griffiths Pharmacy Healthsave Under-16 Miners took on ladder leaders Brothers Blue in the Townsville District Junior Rugby League competition on Saturday, with unexpected results.
The Miners knew they were up for a challenge, not only because of the quality of the opposition but also the fact they had five players unavailable.
One of those was starting half Liam Brown, who unfortunately suffered a seasonending leg injury playing schoolboys footy.
The Towers boys started off a bit scratchy and it didn’t take long for a well-timed cut-out ball to see the Brethren cross under the sticks.
In trying conditions the big men in the middle were relentless, with Kyle Pacey and Kodi Boalar laying the platform and Corey Guldbransen’s kicking game came into the fore putting the Brothers wingers under constant pressure.
“The game was a real grafting affair and our left edge was really standing tall to the challenge with twins Bailey and Zane Ernst defence and attack was a highlight in the first half,” the Miners coach said.
“With fatigue setting in, a momentary lack of concentration allowed for an easy dummy half try to Brothers.
“It was disappointing, and losing halfback Blaine Woodard to a head knock before halftime threw our interchange rotation into chaos.”
The coach said the setbacks, and the score at 12-0 at halftime, the players could have been forgiven for having a negative attitude, but they were the opposite.
“I do admire the steel in the boys’ attitude,” he said.
The second half started with both teams pushing their case but some errors put the Miners under pressure and another dummy half try gave Brothers a commanding lead.
Down 18-0 with 12 minutes to go, outside backs Luke
Rodighiero, Seth Black and Lane Glenwright rolled up their sleeves.
As the Brothers forwards tired, a slight-of-hand pass from Brenton Miller allowed
Bailey Bliss to score the first of his two tries.
Lachy Lathwell and Toby Turnbull added much-needed impact off the bench and got the momentum back
Miners’ way, and good vision and lead-up work from left edge gave Bailey Ernst one of his trademark runs to cross untouched.
A line break down the right edge allowed a flying Torique Kennedy to race down the sideline to snatch victory away from the highly touted Brothers Blue in the dying moments to win 24-18.