The game started perfectly for the Cobras with a deep kick-off being allowed to go dead by Morriset, but from the line drop out the Bulls found touch and we knew it was going to be a long afternoon as the boys were not switched on.

From the scrum Morisset applied pressure and walked through some soft defence to score near the posts.

Fortunately for the Cobras the opposition had no kicking tee and the conversion was missed. This would be a costly miss for the Bulls.

The game was a see sawing affair in the first half with Phil Badior scoring two tries from dummy half for the Cobras which were both converted and Morisset scoring a converted try to bring up the halftime score of 12 –10 in our favour.

Halftime was a blessing for Clarence town with injuries everywhere and we were fast running out of fit players for the second half.

Phil Badior played on with a groin tear, and although inconvenienced, put in his usual strong effort.

Max Byrne also suffered an injury and took no part in the second half as well as a torn hamstring for Glen Thackery which ended his game.

Levis also suffered concussion after getting his head in the wrong position and only managed 10 minutes late in the second half.

The second half started poorly for the Cobras with Morisset scoring a converted try in the first five minutes to take a 16 to 12 lead.

This stung the boys into action and strong defence combined with determined running allowed the Cobras to score two tries, one each to Reece Gainsford and Kevin Picton with Kevin converting both to give us a 24 to 16 advantage and all that was needed was the knockout blow.

Clarence Town made great metres in the next set but a poor option on the last where we kicked out on the full allowed the opposition the chance they needed.

Morisset took full advantage and raced in two quick tries which were both converted to hit the lead 28-24 with time running out.