The Illawarra Cutters defeated the Mt Pritchard Mounties 25-18 at Aubrey Keech Reserve, Hinchinbrook on Saturday.
In conditions perfect for football, both teams had the lead throughout the game but Illawarra were able to hold on to a gutsy victory.
However, early in the game it was all Mounties. The home side were first to score through winger Bill Tupou who was able to score out wide after the ball travelled through the hands.
Minutes later Tupou had his second try of the game. In an almost copy of his first try, Tupou ran almost untouched to cross in the corner.
It was becoming very clear that Mounties had a particular game plan as Tupou scored his third try in the first half to ensure the home side started the game very strongly.
Late inclusion Mitchell Cornish was successful for the first time from the tee to give Mt Pritchard a 14-0 lead.
It took the Cutters a while to get into the game but they did late in the first half when dummy-half Craig Garvey sliced through a gap to score next to the posts.
Sam Duggan converted and the Cutters trailed 14-6.
Just prior to half-time lock Shannon Wakeman found his way over the try line again after his try last week to reduce the gap.
Duggan made no mistake from right in front as Illawarra went into the break trailing 14-12 despite the early setback.
After the interval, the away side were first to react as Shannon Wakeman continued his try-scoring form by running 30-metres to score.
Duggan was playing well and converted again to give Illawarra an 18-14 lead.
The momentum had clearly shifted towards the Cutters and later into the half, winger Tyrone Cranston ducked under a defender and streaked away to score.
Duggan was having no problems with his conversions as he was able to put another one over the posts to lead 24-14.
Mounties weren’t going to let the score get out of hand after leading early and winger Bill Tupou scored his fourth try of the game to reduce the gap.
However, with the game in the balance and both sides aiming to find the try-line, five-eighth Sam Duggan held his composure to plot a field goal and give the Cutters the 25-18 victory.
The Illawarra Cutters 25 defeated the Mt Pritchard Mounties 18.
Illawarra Cutters 25. Tries: Wakeman (2), Garvey, Cranston. Goals: Duggan (4/4) Field Goals: Duggan (1/1).
Mt Pritchard Mounties 18. Tries: Tupou (4). Goals: Cornish (1/4).
