Tallon Smith

The Sawtell Panthers have sent a message to the rest of Group 2 and the broader rugby league community after ending Woolgoolga’s undefeated run at nine games with a 32-10 victory at Woolgoolga on Sunday.

The Panthers, themselves a genuine contender in the competition, all but ended the Seahorses’ shot at the Clayton Cup with one of their best performances of the year.

Sawtell captain-coach Sam Johnstone said that after falling short against Woolgoolga earlier this year, it was good to put together a strong performance against the title favourites. 

“They are a very quality side, and we had a pretty close game with them during the year,” he said. 

“We were pretty confident that we could go up there and give them a good run for their money, and credit to the boys, we showed up.

“We played a really strong sort of finals style of footy and backed ourselves, and we were confident we could come over the top of them, which we did.”

The motivation for yesterday’s clash stems from just under 12 months ago, when ‘Woopi’ ended Sawtell’s season in a heartbreaking Preliminary Final loss, only to fall to Nambucca Heads themselves the following week.

Johnstone said that the win on the weekend gives his side the confidence that they can overcome the two Grand Finalists from last season come finals time.

“I came to the club last year and we had a fairly good run last year getting knocked out one game before the grand final there by Woolgoolga,” he said. 

“We’ve gone back to the preseason, came out this year, and I think the last couple of weeks we’re playing our best footy and we’re definitely finding form at the right end of the season.  

“I know there’s a lot of confidence with the boys and around the club that we can go out there and definitely give those top two sides a run for their money. 

“Nambucca, who won it last year, they’re in and around the mix, they have a good quality side again, and even Macksville are a really tough team, we’ve had a few tough battles with them throughout the year.

“Like I said, it’s an open competition and we’re going to have to be at our best to do it, but I’m really confident if we’re at our best and we’re healthy and we stick to the game plan, we can come out on top and win it.”

In other results from round 13 of the Group 2 First Grade competition, Macksville got a win over South Grafton 46-20, while Coffs Harbour also produced an upset to defeat Nambucca Heads 20-16.