The Leeton Southern Inland Rugby Union team is coming off their first loss of the season to Wagga Waratahs last weekend, but as always there is a silver lining. 

Phantoms club president Tim Allen said his side played “near perfect” football for 30 minutes in the second half last Saturday. 

“That’s what (coach) Marika Vunibaka said after the game … if we can take that style of play into the rest of our games this year, we’ll be fine,” Allen said. 

“For those 30 minutes, Waratahs really didn’t have any answers. 

“It’s just a matter of replicating that for an entire game.”

The Phantoms were under strength heading into the game against last year’s runners-up and it could be a similar situation on Saturday against Ag College. 

However, they are expected to welcome back Joe Kafoa-Pene into the line up. 

“Ag College seem to be going quite alright this year,” Allen said. 

“They had a good win last weekend, so we’re really going to have to be on top of our game. 

“You can’t take anyone lightly in this competition because on their day any team can beat anyone.”

THE Dianas suffered a 53-0 loss to the Wagga Waratahs last weekend, a side who is yet to be defeated this year. 

While the eventual scoreline was disappointing for the women’s team, co-coach Tim Allen said the side continued to improve each week. “We’re working on how we adapt to turnovers on the moment … there’s a lot of skills we are working on,” he said. 

“Last weekend we went in with an inexperienced squad. We’re still very proud of them. They are showing improvement.” This weekend the side takes on Ag College and the Dianas will welcome back Kaitlin McKay and Talise Rudd to the team.