The Griffith Black and White Panthers – inspired by the return of key players – won a see-sawing affair over Tullibigeal-Lakes United at EW Moore Oval on Sunday.
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In a match where the lead changed four times, the Black and Whites scored 17 points in the final 10 minutes to beat the ladder leaders 47-28 and hand the Sharks their first loss of the year.
Last week, Black and Whites co-coach Craig Morriss was only hopeful of David Milne returning to the team but instead fielded a close to full-strength outfit.
Kodie Charles was one of the returnees and was instrumental in the win and scored a try along the way.
“Full credit to a couple of guys who should have had an extra week off but saw the roster today and put themselves forward by a week,” Morriss said.
“That gave us a big boost of encouragement.
“Those guys that are willing to put their own health and well-being on the line for the team lifts everyone and I think the result reflected that.
“Kodie Charles I thought was stellar. Clint Lilo - unbelievable. We played on the back of them and the other guys stuck in.”
Those guys that are willing to put their own health and well-being on the line for the team lifts everyone and I think the result reflected that.
- Craig Morriss
The Black and Whites came out of the blocks firing as both wingers – Mosese Butukoro and Peni Baleinausori – scored a try each in the opening 10 minutes as Griffith went up 12-0.
From there, the Sharks fought their way back.
The right side combination of Jess Wighton (2) and Damien Hocking (1) scored three tries between them to hand TLU a 16-12 lead at the 27-minute mark.
With six minutes to go, TLU’s Ethan Williams threw a massive dummy close to the line and strolled over as the Sharks looked to be running away with the game.
But, with half-time looming, the Black and Whites bounced back as Charles crossed to keep Griffith in touch 22-18.
Shortly after the break, Griffith reclaimed the lead when a Charles offload close to the line allowed Sonny Tupu to cross.
It took another 10 minutes before points were scored when Williams pounced on a grubber to score his second for the day and give TLU a four-point buffer.
With 16 minutes left in the match, a rampaging Andrew Hoggart barrelled through a hole to score and the Black and Whites didn’t look back from there.
Stephen Broome kicked a field goal in the 71st minute before a late Black and Whites onslaught.
Broome claimed a double – one when he regathered his own monstrous bomb that was allowed to bounce – whilst Baleinausori claimed his second to put the game beyond doubt.
Morriss was pleased with the way his side’s finish.
“We finished strong. We haven't finished strong for a long time,” Morriss said.
‘We came back and actually scored points at the end of the game - I think that’s a good sign.”