THE Grafton Redmen first grade side kept their final’s hopes alive with a lion-hearted display against Port Pirates running out winners 32-24 in front of an emotional home crowd.
Grafton snapped a two-game losing streak running in six tries against a valiant Pirates outfit.
After slow starts the two previous weeks Grafton came out of the blocks firing racing to a 17-0 lead thanks to enterprising play from their backs who had the crowd on the edge of their seats.
However, you sensed Port were not going to lie down as they reduced Grafton’s lead to 17-12.
With the game on a knife’s edge with 15-remaining on the clock the game threatened to boil over as both teams battled for ascendancy.
However, tries to cult hero Sio Lavea and two try-hero Rami Bafeiniaiiraki put the game beyond doubt.
Redmen assistant coach Tony King was almost lost for words after the game.
“It was a special day for all of us,” an emotional King said after the game.
“It was certainly important we came away with the win. It was pleasing to see us get off to a good start, but we need to address our discipline during the week…we gave away far too many penalties.”
As a nice touch to the win, Redmen first grade coach Gary Powell, who is overseas did not miss out on the victory.
“The boys face-timed Powelly on messenger which was great, “King said.
“Powelly was very thankful for the boy’s effort on the field on such an emotional time for him and his family.”
