The Griffith Blacks were left feeling a strong sense of déjà vu following their 22-19 loss to the Phantoms at Leeton No. 1 Oval on Saturday.
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For the second time this year, Leeton rallied late to snatch victory from Griffith’s clutches in the dying embers of the clash.
After starting well and – thanks to strong performances from Michael Stalley, Chris Latu, Teei Piawi and Toby Nikola – the Blacks took a 10-5 lead into half-time.
The Blacks held a two-point lead late and missed a field goal before Leeton worked their way down the field following a penalty.
Some quick hands then saw the ball find Siti Watkins who crossed for his second of the day to break the Blacks’ hearts.
The loss gives Leeton a 2-0 record over Griffith this year and continues an unlucky trend for the Blacks against their rivals.
The Blacks were beaten on the buzzer against Leeton in April and the Phantoms recorded two close wins over Griffith in 2015.
“Even last year, they beat us pretty much on the buzzer,” Blacks assistant coach Matt Vitucci said.
“We just haven’t been able to hold them out.”
Slow starts had hindered Griffith earlier in the year.
Now that their starts had improved, Vitucci said his side needed to put it all together.
“We’re definitely still improving from the start of the season,” Vitucci said.
“It’s been going well the past few matches but this game we struggled a bit later on. We just need to make sure we don’t switch off.”