THE Phantoms again claimed victory on the field and left another team broken and in their wake.
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The match did not start in the Phantoms’ favour.
Griffith drew first blood from a successful penalty goal at the hands of Jason Waring-Bryant, but the Leeton side were quick to give chase.
Moji Waqa answered back and put points into the Phantoms’ bank, but the lead did not last long and the Blacks hit back with a try of their own.
“Against Griffith it is always tough,” said Phantoms coach Marika Vunibaka.
“In the last couple of years I have been with the Phantoms it has always been close.”
Not to be outdone, the Phantoms put their heads down and went to work.
Back-to-back tries from Freddy Tupou and Petero Tautusi launched the Phantoms back on top to finish out the first half with a 12-8 lead.
After a pep talk from Vunibaka the Phantoms were ready to return to the field.
Griffith had ground to reclaim and hit back hard, scoring a try to bring the score to a one point lead.
Not to be outdone, Leeton again went to work and ensured that the Blacks previous try would be their last.
Powering through, the Phantoms defensive line cut short every attack Griffith tried to make.
Again and again Griffith attempted to punch through only to be met with a brick wall.
The Phantoms’ mojo stayed strong and they were able to push the ball through the Blacks line with precision.
Staying on target and focused appeared to be second nature for the side and they crushed any hope that the Blacks had of walking from the field holding their heads high.
Waqa had concerns about being healthy enough to play, but managed to get out on the field and set the mark high.
“Moji Waqa was great for us today, he played through,” said Vunibaka.
The Phantoms remain undefeated and untouched and add the 27-13 win over the Griffith Blacks to their untarnished and unblemished record for the 2017 SIRU season.
“We were more disciplined in the ruck and in the tackle area, we are happy,” said Vunibaka.