The U14s Phantoms travelled to Tumut with a tough run their first match was against a desperate Young Yabbies outfit who were on even points of the ladder and had nothing to lose. The two sides started the game at pace with good structure the Phantoms held the Yabbies back, Young pushed the ball to every corner of the paddock but could not cross the try line, The Phantoms controlled the rucks and slowed the match down to keep control, forwards group running kept the side moving towards the try line and set the backs in good position to take advantage of a disorganised Young side. Tom Ray was strong in attack and defence along with Liam Owers and Jock Yelland. Tom Hughs as well as Zac Manwaring kept solid control both sharing the number 9 role. The Phantoms came out on top after a professional 27 to 10 hit out.
U14s second game was clash for 3rd and 4th on the ladder against the robust Temora Tuskers. Phantoms started the game slow letting the Tusker over for 2 quick tries, As the storm clouds worsened Leeton gathered momentum winning scrums against the feed with tremendous force the backs took control with Kye Davis and Angus Gregory providing strong back play and leading the backs to small fractures in the Tuskers defence Caleb Owers provided pivotal defence to help hold the strong opposition at bay. A mighty tussle between the forwards opened up the game with both sides succumbing to fatigue the final score came down to 2 points the difference. Every player in the side performed outstandingly and the score line showed an even and hard fought victory to the Tuskers side 21 to 19. The Phantoms will meet the Tuskers again in their first semi-final in Young with confidence.
By Quinten Longhurst.