An ever-improving Griffith Blacks outfit will face their toughest task to date when they take on the undefeated Wagga Waratahs at Jubilee Oval on Saturday.
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The Southern Inland first grade ladder leaders head to Griffith on the back of a 12-point win over Wagga City.
The win was the Waratahs closest this year and indicates the rest of the Southern Inland sides are closing in on the Wagga outfit.
“I think so, everyone’s been on the improve,” Vitucci said.
“The Waratahs have as well, but from the start they were pretty red hot and everyone is catching up to them.
“The gap in the competition is definitely closing.”
The Blacks will be after their third win on the trot after wins against Albury and CSU in the past two weeks.
Strong starts – something the Blacks had failed to do early in the season – in both games played big parts in both victories.
“At times this season we were really slow to start and at training we’ve addressed that,” Vitucci said.
“Over the last couple of weeks we've come out really well.
“That’s something that hasn’t always happened and we are looking to improve on that again this week.”
The Waratahs have averaged 55.75 points per game this year and by far are the best attacking team in the competition.
Griffith are more than aware of Wagga’s point-scoring ability after beating the Blacks 71-24 last time the teams met.
Vitucci isn’t dwelling on the result but knows the Blacks will have to be on song in defence.
“We’ve been focusing on ourselves and getting out house in order, it’s the only way to attack the game,” Vitucci said.
“We have to work on out structures and put our best foot forward on the paddock.
“I think our defence has been pretty good.
“It’s going to have to step up this week, though, with our communication in our defensive line and that sort of thing.”
The first grade match will kick off at 3.15pm.