Griffith Blacks fall just short against Waratahs in Southern Inland Rugby Union

The Blacks opened the scoring when they were awarded a penalty on the 22m line after the Waratahs didn't roll away, and Emanuel Dutack stepped up to slot home the penalty goal.

Off the back of another penalty, the Griffith side was able to gain field position and, after winning the line out, were able to spread the ball out to the other wing, where Daniel Bozic was able to break the line and score under the post.

The Waratahs were able to hit back after a couple of penalties advanced them down the field, but Dutack was able to push the margin back out to six points with another penalty goal.

The home side would score their second try and take the lead soon after, but an eager Andrew Madden chased down the Blacks kick-off, and a few phases later, Lorenco Tafili was able to barge his way over to see the Blacks leading 20-14 with 14 minutes remaining in the first half.

As time wound down, the Waratahs were able to get a chip over the top of the Blacks defence, which was pounced upon by Will Wennerbom to score under the post and give the home side a 21-20 lead at the break.

Both sides had chances in the second half; however, both defences were holding strong, and it looked like the scores would remain unchanged.

Dutack had a chance to give Griffith the lead from a penalty goal, but his kick went across the face, and with that, the Waratahs held on to take a 21-20 victory.

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Blacks coach Chris McGregor was pleased with his sides defensive performance in the second half as well as their attitude.

"We started really well, and our structure looked good it was just a few penalties, and we gave them a bit of an easy carry which got them back into the game," he said.

"I think they had 17 or 18 phases there at one stage when they were picking and driving and had three penalties awarded to them and couldn't get through us.

"I think in that second half, they would have had about 70 per cent of the ball, and we were able to keep them to zero in the second half."

There are also a few injury concerns to come out of the clash with Tafili and Tino Kaue coming from the field.

"Lass looks like he has torn his hamstring, and Tino popped one of his knees," he said.

"He popped it back in, so hopefully, we will see how he goes. But they both could be out, and they will be two big losses because, at the start of the game, those two in particular and Andrew Madden really did some damage."

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