Clarence Town Cobras took a huge step forward in their quest to establish themselves as a force in this year’s competition with a convincing 44-24 win against Paterson River at Paterson River Sportsground on Saturday.
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The Cobras scored eight tries to five to outplay the River in all areas, combining solid defense and organised attack to dominate the game for long periods.
Ben Trappel scored first for the Cobras when he fooled the markers close to the line to dive over from dummy half. Phil Badior added the extras for a 6-0 lead.
Three repeat sets on the back of a dubious knock on call against the Cobras combined with untidy defense led to Paterson posting their first points, but soon after Trappel linked with James Foot to put Shane Lewis in the corner to give Clarence Town a handy 10-4 lead.
An error bringing the ball out from their line followed by a penalty had the Cobras on the back foot. Paterson took full advantage of the glut of possession and barged over for their second try to close the margin to 10-8.
Despite the Cobras winger appearing to be taken out trying to regain possession, the Rivers scored again to lead 12-10.
Minutes before half-time fullback Kurt Blowes produced a piece of individual brilliance.
As the Rivers attacked the Cobras line, he swooped on a dropped ball and raced 98 metres to outspeed the defence and score next to the posts. The conversion gave the Cobras a 16-12 lead and momentum going to the break.
The Cobras started where they left off and after Ben Bradley was held up over the line, Badior dummied to the open and picked up a rampaging Jarod Rits who burst on to the ball down the blindside to score.
Another beautiful conversion from Badior stretched their lead to 22-8.
A 40 metre break by Joe Gorton had George Dunn bursting onto his quick play the ball to score under the posts and stretch Clarence Town’s 20 points. Soon after Blake Fisher combined with Foot to stretch for Claro to lead 32-8.
The Cobras were in control, the Dunn brothers and lock Bradley led the pack with authority and finally the backs were getting space to show what they are capable of.
Badior scooted out of dummy half to link with Fisher who in turn found Andrew Bashford who then passed to Foot to score his second try. Another sideline conversion from Badior pushed the score out to 38-8.
The Cobras’ effort dropped off in the next 10 minutes and some unlucky bounces of the ball saw the River run in three unanswered tries.
Clarence Town regrouped and George and Sam Dunn capped off fine games when they combined for Sam to score Claro’s final try for a resounding 44-24 victory.
Fullback Kurt Blowes was again one of the Cobras’ best, while youngster Blake Fisher stepped up to the mark and played well.
The Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League committee meets on Monday night to decide the scheduled competition regrading. Go to the Cobras Facebook page for details on next week’s game.
Clarence Town 44: Tries: James Foot 2, Kurt Blowes, Sam Dunn, George Dunn, Shane Lewis, Jarod Rits, Ben Trappel. Goals: Phil Badior 6/8
Best Back: Kurt Blowes
Best Forward: George Dunn
Supporters Award: Ben Bradley
Benchy: Callan Gorman
Players Player: Sam Dunn
