Clarence Town paid for errors and a lack of discipline at crucial times in a 30-12 trial match loss to the Morpeth Bulls on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In front of a large home crowd at Clarence Town Oval, the Cobras were expecting a stiff test against the Bulls, who The Bulls began last season in B grade and eventually dropping back to C grade to complete the season.
The Cobras started the game well with early completion rates quite good.
But things can change very quickly and a simple dropped ball 30 metres coming off their own line bounced perfectly into Morpeth’s hands for them to race to score between the posts for a 6-0 lead.
Towards the end of the first 20 minutes the Cobras began to miss tackles and lacked a little discipline giving away penalties and it inevitably lead to another converted try to the Bulls who went to the break leading 12-0.
Blayd Lencz-Rufo continued his good early season form off the bench and when his front row partner Rob Elliott joined him the latter crashed over next to the posts to bring the score back to 6-12.
The resurgence from the home side didn’t last long. The Cobras at times seemed disorganised and some of the attempted tackles at very best could be described as poor.
This effort combined with a few more penalties led to another two Morpeth tries and by the end of the second 20 minutes Claro found themselves behind 6-24.
The last of the 20 minute periods of play was probably the Cobras best. After applying good pressure, Ben Bradley stormed on to a nice ball to steamroll through the defence to score.
Claro continued to improve during this stanza. A slice of luck contributed to the final Bulls try to finish 30-12 winners.
Wil Palermo had a fine all round game for the Cobras and continually saved worrying situations with several great tackles.
Youngsters Royden Stevens at centre and Riley Hunter at fullback again showed they are making themselves known. Alex Barnet did a splendid job at five eight in his first attempt at converting from union to league.
Congratulations fellas, it is the pre season for a reason and if the training efforts continue the improvement will come together.
Captain Coach James Foot has a lot of youth to work with this season and he seems to be getting the best out of the boys with good numbers at training and it is evident the squad is enjoying his style and enthusiasm.
Congratulations to George Dunn who made the final Possible v Probables game which was held at Dudley last Wednesday night for selection in the Under 23’s Country championships.
The Cobras play Norths at Passmore Oval at 3pm on Saturday.