The Griffith Blacks have done something not many other teams have managed in Southern Inland Rugby Union this season and defeated the Waratahs 53-26 at Exies Oval on Sunday.
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The Waratahs entered the game on a 10-game unbeaten streak, but a strong performance from Sai Ahomana brought that to a close with the Blacks scoring four second-half tries to two to run away with the match.
The Blacks lead 27-14 at the break led by Ahomana who scored two tries in the first 40 minutes, but it was the Waratahs who struck first in the second half to reduce the margin to eight points.
The home side was able to win a penalty close to the line, and a quick tap and pass to Ahomana saw him able to use his strength to push across the line and score under the post, but the visiting side was able to reduce the gap again with Tom Hobbs getting over the line.
While the pressure was on the Blacks, Daniel Bozic was able to make a strong break up the middle of the field, and while he didn't get over the line, there was space found with Ahomana scoring his fourth of the afternoon.
It wasn't all good news with Bozic re-injuring his knee in the play and had to be taken from the field.
The Blacks were able to extend their lead after scoring after winning the scrum against the feed, and Emanuel Dutack made the most of the chance, but the Blacks would lose another player to injury soon after with Johnny Brown taken from the field with a shoulder injury.
The story went from bad to worse for the Waratahs with James Whiteley sent to the sin bin with eight minutes to go, and Naseri Taifai wrapped up the game with a try in the corner.
Blacks coach Craig Morriss said it was a great day for the club.
"It is a pretty good feeling, and the boys went really well. They were probably four or five players down as well, but they are still a strong unit," he said.
"To get a Blackout against Waratahs in Griffith has been a long time coming, so it is a proud moment for everybody at the club.
"It shows that if we can get to the finals and get to that third position, we have a chance of putting in a good show."
Morriss was pleased to see his side improve on their discipline, which had been their one blemish on their good run.
"It was a pleasing day for us because the ball control was good and I think we gave away hardly any penalties," he said.
"We controlled ourselves really well, and that was what we asked of the guys. The two things we wanted before the game was energy and discipline, and we got both of those today.
"They are a good bunch of kids, and when they focus, they can deliver, so it is just a great day for the club."
The one downside to the day for the Blacks are the injuries to Bozic and Brown.
"Johnny's shoulder doesn't look too good, and Boz's (Bozic) knee is 100 per cent, but that is just footy, and we have to move on, and someone will step up," he said.
"Everyone is willing to step up and drop in to fill the spots. The culture is good, and the feeling is good, but we just have to keep it going and not get too carried away.
"Aggies are another task next week, and they probably won't be so forgiving."
Wagga Ag College will be another challenge for the Blacks and will be determined to hit back after falling to Wagga City 16-8 on Saturday afternoon.
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