Leeton ended Waratahs’ 18-game winning streak with a thrilling victory at Conolly Rugby Complex.
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The Phantoms were their own worse enemy at times, with five cards being handed out throughout the game, but still found enough to take down the premiers.
Waratahs hadn’t lost since the 2015 grand final, but struggled to contain the second phase play of their rivals in the 40-36 loss.
The Wagga club had a mountain of possession courtesy of some poor discipline from their rivals but struggled to make it really count on the scoreboard.
Leeton finished with 13 players on the field with Freddy Tupou and Simon Vunilagi given their marching orders late in the clash, but held strong.
Waratahs got within a try when Dan Selmes found plenty of space out wide with two minutes remaining but they couldn’t find another to remain unbeaten.
While pleased to come away with the win, Leeton coach Marika Vunibaka implored his team to cut down the penalty count.
“We ended up with 13 players so it was a good effort," Vunibaka said.
“But we want to play rugby instead of watching the ref.”
We still haven’t got our plays right or the way we want to play but overall it was a good effort
- Marika Vunibaka
Waratahs had all the ball in the first 20 minutes but had to settle for a penalty goal.
Leeton scored the first try after an error from the restart, spreading the ball wide for Noa Rabici to score.
James Daley hit back with a push over try for Waratahs before Lamont broke out of two tackles to hand his team a 17-7 lead.
The two teams then went try for try before a 60-metre effort right on half-time gave Leeton a 26-24 lead.
While there was plenty of points in the first half, it took 25 minutes for the next try when Jock Munro was on the end of a second push over effort from Waratahs.
The effort put the premiers back in front, but their lead didn’t last too long.
Vunilagi set up as easy try to Emon Vueti with nine minutes left before the Phantoms scored again two minutes later through Peniasi Lutu to go out to 40-31 lead.
That’s when poor discipline reared its ugly head, but Vunibaka was pleased with how his team coped being outnumbered.
“We still haven’t got our plays right or the way we want to play but overall it was a good effort,” he said. “Especially in the last 10 minutes.”
After losing hooker Tim Rolls to a broken finger before the clash, Vunibaka was pleased to come through the game unscathed.
The same can’t be said for Waratahs, who lost Steve Tracey to concussion.
