SAWTELL Panthers have started their season in memorable style with a spirited comeback win against the Grafton Ghosts at Rex Hardaker Oval.
Down 22-6 shortly after half-time, a dominant second half saw the Panthers prevail 30-26 to open their Group 2 Rugby League season.
The Ghosts ambushed the home side early with Jake Vickery crossing the line after six minutes, and Lewis Cooper making it 12-0 after 15 minutes.
Facing an early deficit, the Panthers lifted, making big metres and muscling up in defence as they started to gain the ascendancy.
But a Jake Martin try against the run of play took the lead to 16-0.
The Panthers responded with a much needed try a few minutes later, with captain Sam Johnstone barging over to cut the lead to 16-6.
Sawtell were all over the Ghosts late in the half, with the half-time break giving the visitors a reprieve as they took a 16-6 lead to the sheds.
It was a perfect start to the second half for the Ghosts, with Callum Martin crossing in the opening minute to take the lead to 22-6.
The Panthers hit straight back courtesy of Robert Brilley busting over in the 46th minute.
A quick downpour brought the wet weather factor into account, as the Panthers worked their way back into the match creating a number of scoring chances.
Trailing for most of the game seemed to galvanise the Panthers, as they dominated the contest for much of the second half with an outstanding attack and suffocating defence.
Their dominance of the territory battle paid off, with Luke Hetherington barging over to cut the lead to 22-18 with 20 minutes remaining.
The Panthers continued their dominance, and were rewarded again with Jake Thornton scoring in the corner, and Mikaere Beattie converting from the sideline to give the home side their first lead of the game, 24-22, with just 10 minutes to go.
A try out wide to Kalani Morris extended the lead to 30-22 with five minutes to go, before a late Ghosts try to Liam Bloomer set up a final few frantic moments, with the Panthers hanging on for the come-from-behind victory.
“We knew we had the ability to come back, and we spoke about it at half-time,” Panthers captain Sam Johnstone said.
“We knew that if we fixed up our defence we had the points in us, and we showed that at the back end of the half.
“We just spoke about completing our sets, and we backed our fitness to come over the top.
“Just having a bit of belief, and also in that second half I thought our defence showed [us] the side that we really want to be for the competition.
“ I think a big positive is we probably played to about 50 percent of our ability, so if we can build on that we are going to be a pretty good side.”
The Panthers now travel to take on the Macksville Sea Eagles this weekend.
By Aiden BURGESS
