A big second half from the Darlington Point-Coleambally Roosters has seen the side register a 44-22 win over the Griffith Black and White Panthers at EW Moore Oval on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Just after half-time, scores were locked up at 16-16 before the Roosters clicked into gear.
They ran in five tries to two in the second half in what captain-coach Clinton Green described as his side’s strongest 80-minute performance of the year.
“I thought our round two game against Hay, for a 30-minute period, that was the best we’ve played but as far as 80 minutes goes, this was probably our best,” he said.
“The way we finished the game was really strong.
“We said after the first half, it seemed whenever we got to their line, we crossed.
“So we knew all we needed to do was complete a few sets and put a bit of pressure on them.”
As the players took to the field, the rain started to fall but it eventually cleared up and didn’t hinder the sides too much.
Green thought the relatively dry conditions helped the Roosters.
“This ground is in pretty good nick and I think everyone was just excited to play with a bit of sun out,” Green said.
DPC centre Tony Leadbitter and backrower Tongia Fox were in the points with two tries apiece and George Broome had a strong game with one try to show for it.
Green said his side’s engine room set the platform and went on from there.
“Our middle third was really strong today,” Green said.
“Jarrad Williams was brilliant jumping out dummy-half and our forwards played off the back of him.
“Robbie Simpson was strong and Chris Latu made some good runs through the middle as well.”
The Black and Whites missed halfback Stephen Broome and the spark he usually provides.
Regular fullback Kelvin Simpson was also missing and his replacement Sekope Rasoqosoqo was taken from the field early in the match with what appeared to be an injury to his right leg.
Green came from the field with about 10 minutes to go with a neck injury but he should be right for next week.
The win puts DPC into fourth position and just as important puts their for and against into positive numbers.
The Black and Whites drop to fifth position from third.