The Blackheath Blackcats travelled to Kelso on Saturday, June 18 to take on the Bathurst Villages United team in the top of the table clash.
The Cats were unbeaten in the Mid West–New Era Cup going into this game against the second placed Villages outfit. The Cats only had four players on the bench for the important game with Steve Easter and Tristan Howard unavailable
The Cats looked certain to score in the opening minutes when Big Greg Alderson sliced through the Villages defence on a 40 metre run to the line. Unfortunately Greg was pulled down short of the line, and the ball was stripped.
Villages were first to score - 6-0.
The Cats hit back with a try to Dylan Morton. Brad Jervis failed to convert. From the kick off a barnstorming run by Big Shannon Daniels got the Cats back over half way. On the fifth tackle Brad Jervis put up bomb and winger Michael Rennie gathered the ball and scored in the corner. Dylan Morton missed the conversion, leaving the Cats up 8-6.
Villages then put up a bomb which the Cats failed to gather and Villages scored to take the lead 10-8. Brad Jervis was sin-binned for 10 minutes for backchat.
Villages scored again and increased their lead to 16 -8. Right on half-time the Cats received a penalty and Brad Jervis converted - half-time Villages 16 Cats 10.
A half-time rev up by coach Jed Jervis got the boys fired up for a big second half. The Cats were first to score thanks to Greg Nankervis. Dylan Morton converted, making it 16-16.
The Cats were in again when Brock Tarrant crossed under the posts. Dylan Morton converted - Cats 22-16.
Dylan Morton was sent off after an altercation, and Villages had a player sin binned.
With 20 minutes to go the Cats were down to 12 men but they had fitness and the Blackcats spirit on their side. Villages scored in the corner to make the score 22-20. Villages threw everything at the Cats defence in the final 10 minutes but it was rock solid. Cats home 22-20.
The Cats take on Portland Colts at Portland on July 2.
