TOWN continue to climb the Lewie Fire Mount Isa Rugby League leader board after a win against Wanderers on Saturday.
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Wanderers came out of the gate strong and saw three tries in the first 15 minutes by Brendon Stonier, Cory Carlson and Matthew Sullivan leading 14-0.
Twenty-minutes into the game and Wanderers form looked promising to take the match, until Townies fought back with a try from Ronnie Francis Jnr at left corner post.
Townies continued with the momentum and Rob Hardgrave stepped through Wanderers defense and converted the try, taking the score to 14-10.
Less then 10 minutes left in the first half, Townies player Adam Devine suffered from an ankle injury but did not deter Townies success with James George powering over the top of Wanderers defensive line and scoring under the posts. Try was converted putting Townies in the lead 14-16.
In the last minute Townies kicked a 40-20 which saw Luke Harm score at the left corner post. The try was not converted, leaving the score 14-20 at half time.
Townies had a stable start in the second half. A chip and chase saw Ron Francis Snr score at the right corner post five minutes in. It was not converted, 14-24.
The rest of the second half turned sloppy and several players from both teams were injured. Townies Zem Patuwai suffered a shoulder injury while James George suffered a head injury.
Twenty-minutes left and Townies started to feel the pressure losing possession of the ball frequently, Wanderers capitalised on Townies mistakes and Chris Lucas scored, but was not converted 18-24.
Wanderers fought back again with another try from Brenton Stonie closing in 22-24.
Wanderers players suffered injuries with Matthew Hawkins doing his shoulder and Ryan Cassidy also injured.
Townies player Ronnie Francis scored the final try of the game at the right corner post. Try was not converted and concluded the game, Wanderers 22, Townies 30.
Townies captain and half back, Marty Paulson, said he was happy with the team’s performance.
“We had a mixed matched team this week so we just wanted to keep our plays basic and it worked well,” Paulson said.
“We definitely need to work on our defense with finals around the corner but other than that the team effort was really good.
“It is a tough season this year but it is great to see everyone getting in and helping each other out.”
Next week should see Town play Brothers at Alec Inch Oval in Mount Isa, Wanderers travelling to Cloncurry and Black Stars travelling to Normanton.