GULGONG Terriers began their quest for a Castlereagh Cup with a narrow loss to Group 4 side Kootingal Roosters at Kootingal Oval, just outside of Tamworth on Saturday March 23.
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The Terriers lost 34-28 in a pre-season trial where they fought back from a 30-12 deficit to almost snatch a late victory.
A last second try to the Roosters' Will Saunders handed the home side a final try after the Terriers had scored three late tries to make it 30-28 with a few minutes left.
Fullback Brad James was outstanding for the Terriers, the Western Ram representative scoring two tries, one an 80m stunner, and setting up another for Dan Crane.
Halfback Sam Gorrie also scored a brilliant 75m try from a scrum after the former winger, turned halfback, split the Roosters defence to register his side's first try and make it 10-6 at the end of the first period.
Dave Morrison then dived over from dummy half to claim a second try for the visitors and pull the deficit back to 14-12 at the end of the second period.
Down 30-12 after three quick Rooster tries in the final period the Terriers were tenacious and responded well, sparked by James' first try, a dummy half dart, to begin their fight back.
He then set up Crane for his close range try and then raced 80m in a brilliant long range try to set up a thrilling finish.
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Despite taking a loss, Gulgong coach Mark Gorrie was far from disappointed.
"This was a real good trial for us, a very good hit out," the coach said.
Five-eighth James Morrison was another standout while the club also had three brothers - Brent, Andrew and Zac Warwicka - creating a little bit of club history when they took the field.
I was very happy with them all. A lot of players had very good minutes and we were minus a few players, three outside backs - two centres and a winger.
- Mark Gorrie
KOOTINGAL 34 (Jordan Sharpe 2, Will Saunders 2, Brayden Jerrard 2, Jessie James tries, Brayden Jerrard 3gls) d GULGONG 28 (Brad James 2, Sam Gorrie, Dan Crane, Dave Morrison tries, Brad James 4gls).
