The home ground advantage and knowledge that a win would almost guarantee them a spot in the semis, the Cobras showed early signs that they were up for the challenge.

Hinton and Gorman made inroads into the Magpies’ defense in the early exchanges and it wasn’t long before Foot made full use of the momentum when he raced through a gap out wide and charged 30 metres to line to score.

An unsuccessful conversion left the Cobras with a 4-0 lead.

Clarro werre playing well, they were applying good pressure in attack and their defence was solid in the middle and scrabbling well on their line.

In fact the Cobras were unlucky on a couple of occasions before Gorton actually crossed for their second try.

He left opposition players stranded as he stepped through several defenders to cross for an 8-0 lead.

Midway through the first half the Cobras seemed to take their foot off the pedal.

After a sizzling opening 20 minutes a few little errors began to creep into their game.

Pushed passes on early tackles seemingly the main offender and in the 30th minute just one lazy moment in defense on the inside allowed the Magpies’ centre to step through and score under the posts and close the lead to 8-6.

Gloucester now had all the energy and again the break came from lazy inside defense. The Magpies’ fullback broke through from 40 metres out and raced away to again score under the posts with just one minute to the break. An easy conversion gave the visitors the halftime lead at 12-8.

The Cobras surrendered possession early in the second half and after consecutive sets on the Clarro line the Magpies’ second rower crashed over to stretch their lead to 18-8.

Foot came to rescue at the 20 minute mark when he ran onto a beautifully timed Gorton pass to finish off a sweeping backline movement to score. The gap, now a converted try, stood at 18-12.

Although the Cobras seemed as if they were gaining control of the game on a number of occasions, it was that one elementary error that contributed to their demise.

A mistake followed by a penalty and the Magpies’ hooker crashed over from close range to score and again give the visitors a handy 24-12 lead.

With 10 minutes remaining Trappel capped off a fine game when he stepped through the defense and raced over next to the posts to score and set up a thrilling end to the game with a 24-18 scoreline.

Clarro tried valiantly in the final stages and although it must be said they had their chances and their desperation was evident they simply couldn’t execute the final blow to manage victory. 

The Cobras now find themselves in a must win situation against competition leaders Williamtown in a fortnight.

Due to a spare weekend allowed for catch up games there is no game next week therefore Clarro’s next game will be at home on Sunday, August 10 at 2pm.

This game will also give the Cobras the opportunity to host their sponsors’ day where we can show our appreciation of those people who contribute to the club.

The day will also serve as a double where the players will wear red shorts and socks as a mark of respect for SIDS for Kids. Supporters may wish to donate on the day.

Best forward Matt Hinton, best back Ben Trappel, supporters’ award James Foot, best benchy Rob Elliott and players’ player Matt Hinton.

Best and fairest points: Ben Trappel 3, Joe Gorton 2 and Matt Hinton 1.