The Blackheath Blackcats hosted the 2015 New Era Cup major semi-final at the Don Bradman Oval, Blackheath, on Saturday. The Cats were the minor premiers and were keen to have the grand final at home in 2015 but it was not to be. The Cats played their worst game when it counted and an 18-5 penalty count against did not help.
Wang scored two tries in the first half and a penalty goal to lead 10-0 at half-time. A rev-up by coach Jed Jervis primed the boys for a big second half but things did not go to plan. Wang kicked another penalty goal to lead 12-0 then the Cats started to get on top when big Greg Alderson scored. Brad Jervis failed to convert and Wang led 12-4. Wang scored again to increase their lead to 16-4 and things turned worse when the Cats' big front rower was sent from the field after a punch up. Wang kicked another penalty goal to take the game 18-4.
Ryan Evans, Ryan Jervis, Steve Easter, Greg Alderson, Taylor Davidson, Aaron Kelso and Matt Ranse tried hard. The boys will need to regroup at training this week and be ready to take on Villages in the do or die final. Villages defeated last year's premiers, CSU Yellow, 32-20.
In the League Tag, the Bathurst CSU team flogged Wang 32-4 and are the first team into the grand final.
In the other semi, Lithgow Giants 16 defeated the Orange Barbarians 0.
Next Saturday, September 12, at the Don Bradman oval, the League Tag commences at 1pm with Lithgow Giants against the Wang Warriors. The Blackheath Blackcats play Bathurst Villages for a spot in the grand final against the Wang Warriors.
Thanks to all the volunteers, especially the Blackheath Fire Brigade who turned up to assist in setting up the ground.
