The Griffith Blacks have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat after scoring two late tries against Albury to come away with a 31-24 win at Murrayfield on Saturday.
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It was a tough start for the Blacks with Steamers Sam Allen scoring two quick tries to give his side a 14-0 advantage.
The Griffith side was able to get a try back with Daniel Bozic getting over the line after the Blacks started to pile the pressure on the Albury defence, but the Blacks were still trailing by nine points as the sides left the field for halftime.
The Blacks reduced the gap to just two points with Blake Theunissen making a short run to get over the line; however, the Blacks started to put the pressure back on themselves.
The Blacks were reduced to 12 men one stage in the second half, and the Steamers were able to make the most of it scoring twice, but the Blacks were able to stay within reach as they closed the gap to 24-19 with around 10 minutes remaining.
Jack Glyde was able to get over out wide after the Blacks were able to stretch the Albury defence to create space for the centre, but with the missed conversion, the scores were locked with three minutes remaining.
Up step Emanuel Dutack who with his side just metres away from the line and Dutack took a dart from the back of a ruck and scored next to the post to see the Blacks come away with the seven-point win.
Coach Craig Morriss was pleased with his side's fight but knows there is work to do.
"The club is happy with the performance, but there is still plenty to do," he said.
"We need to be better with ball retention and with our discipline. You can't afford to be playing down a man later in the season.
"We are getting better when the pressure is on, and hopefully we are able to maintain that heading into next weekend."
When the pressure was on the Blacks and with a player sent off, Morriss praised the work of Johnny Brown and Andrew Madden who made an impact after coming off the bench.
The Blacks take on Waratahs next weekend.
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