By MATT NICHOLLS
A LATE try from Fred Waters saved Armidale from an embarrasing opening round loss to rivals Uralla in the Group 19 rugby league competition on Saturday.
The Rams led 30-6 early in the second half and looked headed for a comfortable victory, but a string of errors and ill-discipline handed the Tigers valuable momentum in front of their home crowd.
At one stage, Uralla held possession for 21 minutes in the second half and the Tigers were able to cash in, scoring five unanswered tries to take the lead with less than 10 minutes remaining.
Down 32-30, a desperate Rams side took advantage late in the game after Uralla halfback Lewis Ahoy made a crucial error.
A hole emerged for Waters and he ran 20 metres to score, giving Armidale a 34-32 lead.
The conversion was missed by Rams captain/coach Clarrie Moran, but a minute later he kicked a penalty goal in the dying seconds to hand his side a 36-32 victory.
Celebrations were subdued from the Rams players, who knew they got out of jail after handing up a comfortable lead.
In the first half, Armidale raced to a 12-0 lead on the back of tries to Mitch Cooper and Jamie Smith, before Uralla hit back to make it 12-6.
The Rams responded through Vinnie Moran to take an 18-6 lead before Fijian big man Apakuki Mate crossed before half-time to give Armidale a 24-6 lead.
The front-rower produced another big run just after the break to give the Rams a 30-6 buffer after Moran made the conversion.
But from there, Armidale’s dominance ended.
Tigers fullback Jordan Press crossed for his first try to make it 30-12 and Ronald Kelly edged Uralla closer with a controversial try in the right-hand corner.
Most thought Kelly was into touch before the ball was put down, but without the benefit of a replay, the referee awarded the four points.
From there, the Rams began to capitulate.
A high ball from Ahoy was dropped cold, allowing Press to score his second try, while Kelly crossed again to make it a double, bringing the Tigers within four points.
Armidale’s woes were highlighted when Moran booted the ball out on the full from the kick-off and snowballed when the captain/coach knocked on from a scrum just a minute later.
From there, Ahoy got the ball and dashed from to the try line to score, giving his side a 32-30 lead after he converted his own good work.
If not for Moran’s late try, the Rams would have been left to lick their wounds.
RESULTS:
First grade: Armidale 36 (Tries: Apakuki Mate 2, Mitch Cooper, Jamie Smith, Vinnie Moran, Fred Waters; Goals: Clarrie Moran 6) d Uralla 32 (Tries: Jordon Press 2, Ronald Kelly 2, Lewis Ahoy, Alistair Faulkner; Goals: Lewis Ahoy 4).
Reserve grade: Armidale 62 (Tries: Tim Williams 2, Ron Ahoy 2, Scott Davis 2, Anthony Strong, Ryan Kelly, Graham Smith, Steve Widders, Liva Sili, Soana Vahai; Goals: Anthony Strong 4, Ryan Kelly 2, Fred Waters 1) d Uralla 18 (Tries: Tom Moran 2, Nic Martin, Ken Campbell; Goals: Justin Ahoy 1).
League Tag: Uralla 40 (Tries: Amy Barraclough 2, Vicki Youmans 2, Bea Roberts 2, Teoni Peters; Goals: Amy Barraclough 6) d Armidale 6 (Try: Payton Baines; Goal: Alice Dennison).
