THERE was pandemonium from players and supporters at the Hay Street Rugby Fields on Saturday after a try on the stroke of fulltime by Redmen winger Emosi Kuroltacina handed the home side a dramatic 29-27 win against Port Pirates.
With the game on a knife’s edge, Grafton held their nerve in the final minutes to snatch victory after Pirates were poised to make it eight victories in a row.
It was a performance of sheer will and tenacity by Grafton and according to first grade coach Gary Powell the win could not have come at a better time.
“It was such an important win for us today as far as where we are sitting on the table,” and elated Powell said after the game.
“And to prove ourselves against the best team is an added bonus.
“Pirates are a fair way in front on the table and have been the best side all season so it’s good to get a guide to where we are actually at.
“Port are a fast side, and their line speed is great which put pressure on us particularly in the first half.”
Grafton had good field position for most of the first half however failed to capitalise on the scoreboard as frustration set in due to the visitors scrambling defence.
Powell admitted his side struggled early on but added at halftime he still had faith in his side coming away with the competition points.
“I think we lacked a bit of patience in the first half and became a bit frustrated that the points didn’t come,” Powell said.
“I wasn’t too concerned at half time with the scoreline as we have shown throughout the season we have trust in our second half performances.
“All we needed to do was control the ball, and I am so proud of the way the boys hung in there.”
For Grafton there were strong performances right across the park with fullback Wally Tau Vesi and number eight Senio Faalupega both outstanding while Mr-Fix-it, Michael Wright, produced his best game of the season at breakaway.
NICO
