The match started strong for the Phantoms as they powered through to an early lead of 19-nil by the close of the first half.

The Phantoms were able to stop everything the Aggies threw at them, keeping them powerless and scoreless after 80 minutes of play.

After round 8 of the 2016 Southern Inland Rugby Union competition, the Phantoms sit in third on the ladder.

Phantoms coach Seru Rogo was satisfied with the side’s win.

“It’s good to get back into the winning circle,” Rogo said.

“The boys did really well.

“We scored the first try in the first five minutes of the game.”

The Phantoms were in good form for the first half of the match, however the problems that have faced the Phantoms this season reared back as they stumbled their way through the second half only able to add another three points to the board.

“We went away from our structures and game plan in the second half,” he said.

“Ag College got together and lifted their game.”

Rogo felt as Ag College lifted their game, so did the Phantoms defence, holding the Aggies scoreless throughout.

“We were lucky enough to defend and defend all through the second half and only scored three points,” he said.

“We have a couple of things we need to work on in training.

“When we’re winning, we think we can play around with the footy and throw the ball around a bit in our half of the field and that’s not what we train to do.”

The weather played a role in the game, the rain added another challenge and both teams struggled with ball control and dropped passes.

As the side prepares for round 9 they will meet Wagga City on the road this weekend and expect another exciting game.

*****

Results

First grade

Phantoms 22 d Wagga Aggies 0

Second grade

Wagga Aggies 17 d Phantoms 12

Womens 7s

Phantoms 69 d Wagga Aggies 0