Trevor Jackson
IN a disappointing finish, the Blue Lake Knights went down to the Stawell Mounties in the last play of their Limestone Coast Rugby League Round 10 clash.
The Knights had put on a solid performance, with the score tied up at 22-all late in the game.
However, with a big defensive push in the last half, the Mounties claimed possession and staged a last-ditch effort to take the win.
They did just that with a try in the dying seconds, denying the Knights their second win of the season.
However, for playing coach Lloyd Pierce-Raisin it was a solid effort against one of the top sides in the competition.
“They were top of the table and we came out firing, which was good,” he said.
“We got beaten pretty much right on full time.
“They scored a try out wide then nailed the conversion.
“It was obviously disappointing, but it was good to see we could match it with the big dogs.
“We took it right up to them and got unlucky right at the end.”
Pearce-Raisin said it would have been a good result in a tough, but improving season.
“We had a win against the Bulls the other week and nearly had our second,” he said.
“When we are on and have everyone on the park we can match it with anyone.
“It has been hard through injury and unavailability to have that consistently strong side each week.”
Pearce-Raisin said the Mounties players praised his side for the intensity they brought to the park.
“They said it was one of the hardest games they have had this year, which was good to hear from the ladder leaders,” he said.
“A lot of their boys come over from Ballarat to play – they play Rugby Union with the Highlanders so they have a pretty stacked side.”
Pearce-Raisin said Chris Driver and Brent Dries were in good form again.
“Brent got his first try for the year and I don’t think he missed a kick,” he said.
“He kicked one penalty goal from about 45 metres out.
“He had a blinder, probably his best game for the year.
“He has been great for the club, getting around the younger players and helping them out.”
The Knights now have a bye before the final game of the year, the State of Mind Cup against Naracoorte at home.
