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Mistakes inside their own 22m area proved costly for the Kempsey Cannonballs as they came within a whisker of handing the Coffs Harbour Snappers their first loss of the season.
It was another one that got away from the Cannonballs, who were playing for more than just competition points on Saturday.
The club wore a special jersey and raised $2,500 for Austin Jimmy, a 2-year-old from Port Macquarie, who was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Coach Jared Fuller said his side hasn’t been able to produce in the important moments.
“There are times throughout the game where we just can’t get it right,” Fuller said.
“We will make a mistake or give away a simple penalty and it leads to the opposition scoring a try.”
His side was able to get off to the perfect start on Saturday, scoring the opening two tries.
Outside centre Iulio Tavete busted through an attempted tackle and laid the ball onto Corey Gale who scored under the posts.
Their lead was extended to 12 points after Kini Dauvucu made a break down the sideline and passed to Jake Clay who crossed in the corner.
However, a mistake from the Cannons handed a try to their opponents before Tavete again broke the line to reinstate their 12 point buffer.
The Snappers grabbed a crucial try heading into the break to reduce the deficit to 17-10.
Their momentum continued into the second half with Cannons ill-discipline and mistakes giving the Snappers possession and territory.
The Cannons lead quickly evaporated and they trailed 27-17 when Tavete was forced from the field after dislocating his finger.
Despite losing one of their attacking weapons, the Cannons made it a three point game through a try to Dauvucu.
The Cannons applied the pressure for the final five minutes but they weren’t able to find the game winner.
“The effort from the boys is there but we just haven’t been able to find ourselves on the right side of the scoreboard in the tight games,” Fuller said.
The Cannonballs have two important road games over the next fortnight, first against Wauchope before heading to Grafton.