Alec Inch Oval saw two lopsided games on the weekend with availability issues seeing 13 men line up against 10 in both games of round 7 of Mount Isa Rugby League.
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Previously unbeaten premiers Townies were one of the two sides with just 10 on the field making their task almost impossible as they took on the second placed Black Stars.
Yet Townies set off like a steam train and barged over for the first two tries of the lead to lead 12-0.
The sides swapped tries with Townies 16-6 up after 15 minutes.
Gradually the lopsided numbers game favoured the Starries and they clawed their way back to score the next three tries to lead 26-16.
But back came brave Town to narrow the gap to 26-22 though a late try gave Black Stars a 10 point buffer at the break.
Town battled manfully to remain in the game at the hour mark just 42-28 down before three quick tries made the game safe for the Starries.
Even then Townies would not lie down and scored the last two tries of the game to give the scoreline a respectable ring.
Final score Black Stars 60, Town 40.
In the earlier game it was visitors Cloncurry who lined with only 10 players as they took on Wanderers.
The task proved too difficult and Wanderers went on to win comfortably 84-28.
Points ladder with games played in brackets Town 10 (6), Black Stars 8 (6), Brothers 4 (5), Wanderers 4 (6).Cloncurry 2 (5),