A defensive effort that saw the Kempsey Cannonballs restrict the Coffs Harbour Snappers to 28-points, despite being put under pressure for the majority of the contest, wasn’t enough to see the Cannons earn their first win of the season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Both sides crossed for three tries each, but the match was decided with the boot as the Snappers capitalised on late ill-discipline.
It was a slow start to the contest, with both sides coughing up possession for the opening 10-minutes of the game.
The Cannons were the first on the board in the gritty and tight fixture when Eric Kerr slotted a penalty goal.
However, the Snappers were able to gain the maximum amount of points when they crossed for their first try.
The two teams exchanged tries heading into the break with Kini Duavaca and Adrian Sabanda getting across the white stripe for the Cannons.
The Snappers extended their 17-15 half-time lead after the break before Dauvaca grabbed his second to reduce the deficit.
The Cannonballs struggled to get the ball in their hands and the Snappers wound down the clock to earn the victory.
“It was another disappointing close loss,” Cannonballs coach Carl Thurgood said.
“We’ve had a lot of them this season and we just haven’t been able to get on the right side of the score board.”
The injuries continue to pile up for the Cannons with Brayden Davis and Reece Nolan the latest to join a long list of players on the sidelines.
Flyhalf Heath Lancaster made his debut for first grade on Saturday and the 17-year-old made a positive impression on his coach.
“Heath did really well, he’s a very talented young man and he did really well in leading us around the park in his first game,” Thurgood said.
“He will only continue to get better.”
The round six match was the end of a long road stint for the Cannons, who will play their first game at home this season this Saturday against the Wauchope Thunder.
