Set for their first away game of the season, the Panthers travelled out to Condobolin last Saturday to take on the Rams. Grenfell understood the Rams would provide a strong crowd with a big playing roster at home. It would take an 80 minute, hard fought contest to upset Condo in front of their supporters.
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Running out for the Panthers were: Steven Hundy (Boof), Mitch Liebich, Finlay Maclean, Tim Brown, Henry Mitton, William Mitton, Brock Taylor, Jake Taylor, Fletcher Taylor, Will Brown, Stirling Taylor, Scott McKellar, Brendan Hewen, Matt Randall, Frazer Ryder, Charlie Mitton, Isaac Watt, Tom Dinham, Jai Purdie and Matt Reid.
Captain Henry made it clear to the Grenfell boys that commitment and communication was key for success. With the Rams kicking off, Grenfell showed intent and skill in attack from the first minutes. W and H Mitton were smart off the ruck, running hard and low while looking for offloads to fellow forwards. Rolling forward and gaining territory, some much needed penalties came our way.
In defence, the Panthers held on out wide, the communication between Randall, Taylor and Ryder leading to fast line speed and good kick returns. With the first half hooter closing in, Grenfell kept putting pressure on the opposition goal line aided by the quick ball from Taylor allowing strong phases for both the forwards and backs to run off. An angled line from Hewen broke the game open, the Panthers first to strike on the scoreboard. Half Time 7-0.
Off the back of some confident messages at half time, Grenfell extended their lead by 3, Will Brown slotting a mid-range penalty conversion. Up 10 nil, the Panthers were looking promising. The fresh legs of C Mitton maintained pace at the ruck in attack, while Dinham and Purdie challenged the defensive line with strong running. Taylor, Liebich and Tim Brown held up the fort while Brock sat out his 10 for sinning. Reid and Boof helped the Panthers get over the advantage line in the scrum set piece, stealing many opposition feeds. The game suddenly turned through a few questionable penalties awarded to the Rams, and the Panthers started to slip off. It was the fullback that lead Condo's comeback, scoring on the left wing off a quick tap penalty. The Rams went back to back, scoring again, although both conversion attempts were missed.
The last 10 minutes, like the entire game, was a tight tussle. Tactical kicking from McKellar ensured Grenfell held Condo in their own half, while Will Mitton remained a pest in the ruck, making the Rams contest at every breakdown. With pressure mounting after a missed penalty from Will Brown, the Panthers put the ball into touch and settled for a draw. It was a turnaround performance for the Panthers, putting it to Condo for the entire 80, giving the team some confidence for the short season ahead. Points to B Taylor, W Mitton and H Mitton.
