Pirates future looks bright (Port News 7 September 2009)

THE future of the Port Macquarie Pirates looks bright after the under 19s upset the Kempsey Cannonballs 20-14 at Coffs Harbour on Saturday.

The 2009 grand final was played in front of a large crowd, which included Wes Carr, winner of Australian Idol.

In the opening minutes, the Pirates gave away three consecutive penalties, giving the Cannonballs easy metres. Kempsey’s Matthew Carter crossed over the line and the successful conversion enabled them to lead 7-0.

Kempsey made another great break from the kick-off, looking to increase their lead, but a try-saving tackle by Martin Roods saved the Port Macquarie outfit.

A few minutes later, Roods sprinted 40m, chipped the ball over the Cannonballs and captain Chris Turnham regathered and scored. Daniel Byrnes missed the attempt from the sideline and the side trailed 7-5.

The constant work from the forward pack gave the backs plenty of room to weave their magic, and Turnham, Byrnes and Roods combined well to put pressure on the Cannonballs out wide.

Minutes before the break, the Pirates’ forwards drove the Cannonballs backwards, crossing the line twice, however both tries were disallowed.

Straight after half-time, Port Macquarie had another disallowed try.

A scrum penalty against Kempsey gave the Pirates the advantage 5m in front, but the Cannonballs’ pack proved too strong on this occasion, winning the ball against the feed. With some great passing, Carter ran the length of the field and scored under the posts. Scott Ritchie converted to extend the margin to 14-5.

The Pirates refused to surrender.

Thanks to some constant, basic rugby, the team drove the Cannonballs backwards with Beau Tobler touching down to reduce the advantage to 14-10.

With only minutes remaining, a penalty against Kempsey allowed Port Macquarie to make easy metres. Following a big push from the forwards, Tobler went over for his second try of the day. Byrnes kicked the conversion, allowing the Pirates to hit the lead 17-14.

Then, with seconds left on the clock, a second-row feed – against the Pirates – gave the Cannonballs a short-arm penalty five metres from the tryline. But, some desperate defence kept them at bay.