Stanthorpe out of race in thriller

The Stanthorpe Gremlins suffered a heart breaking loss to Pittsworth in the knock semi final of the TRL Clive Berghofer Second Davison competition in week two of the finals.

Just five minutes into the game Stanthorpe opened the scoring with a try to one of their most consistent all season, Jake Burnell. A successful conversion by goal kicker Michael Marini gave Stanthorpe 6-0 lead.

Pittsworth hit back with a converted try and it set the scene for what was a tight game. As the game shifted from end to end, Stanthorpe wrestled back the lead when Matthew Murphy scored. The conversion was unsuccessful and the Gremlins led 10-6 with plenty of time left to play in the first half.

Pittsworth returned serve and a converted try had them with their noses in front 12-10.

The teams went to the half time break locked at 12 all after Michael Marini kicked a penalty conversion.

Pittsworth flew out of the boxes in the second half and after just eight minutes had scored twice and the score shot out to 24-1 in their favour.

Matthew Hendry showed all of his experience when he scored to get Stanthorpe back into the game. When Jake Burnell crossed for his second and Marini converted the margin was suddenly reduced to two points and it was game one.

Michael Marini ensured it was going to be a thrilling finish when he converted a penalty to lock up the scores at 24 all.

As both sides threw everything into the final minutes of the game Pittsworth’s Jake Morris scored the winning try to break the deadlock. Pittsworth were able to repel the attacking raids of the Gremlins in the finals minutes of the game to clinch a 28-24 win and their place in this weekend’s Preliminary final.

The Stanthorpe players were devastated after the game but can hold their heads high after a great opening season in the competition and having come so close. Stanthorpe Coach Gary Skimmings said post game that although simple mistakes killed them he was very proud of his side. With many of the players still in high school it has been a steep learning curve for a predominantly young side that has performed well, often against older more experienced players.

Stanthorpe maybe out of the final’s race but look to have found its niche in this competition and although disappointed are sure to be back next season bigger and better. Well done to the players and all concerned for their hard work to keep rugby league alive in Stanthorpe