THEY say a week is a long time in rugby league, and the Sawtell Panthers have proven this old adage true.
After losing to the Coffs Harbour Comets, the Panthers bounced back with instant revenge, accounting for their traditional rivals 32-4 in a spiteful local derby at Rex Hardaker Oval.
It was an intense game throughout with a finals-like atmosphere befitting of a cross-town clash, with the visitors having the better early running.
The Panthers opened the scoring against the run of play in the seventh minute, courtesy of Kalani Morris leaping to catch a kick out wide.
The momentum changed hands to the home side after the opening try, as the Panthers crossed again with Robert Brilley scoring in the 16th minute.
The game started to open up after the early grind, and the Comets hit straight back with Ronan Singleton barging over out wide to open the Comets scoring.
Spitefulness started to become the defining factor, with the physicality and intensity ramping up, resulting in players spending time on the sidelines.
The game teetered on the edge of anarchy, but the Panthers broke through the chaos as Jake Thornton extended his sides’ lead to 14-4 at half-time.
The Panthers continued their dominance after the break, scoring in the opening moments of the second half as Robert Brilley crossed for his double.
Sawtell’s stingy defence made it hard for the Comets to mount a comeback, and was the backbone of the home side’s dominance.
Chaos returned as spite became a factor once again, with a number of players being sent to the bin and spot fires breaking out across the ground.
Jake Thornton scored the sealer, finishing off a great 80m team effort to take the lead to 26-4 with less than 20 minutes to go.
The Panthers delivered a final exclamation point with Mikaere Beattie converting his own try.
A week after their loss to the Comets, Panthers coach Sam Johnstone said he challenged his side to respond.
“Just our attitude was the difference, last week I thought we didn’t show up with the right attitude, and this week I challenged the boys to come back and we did, and did really well,” he said.
“It was a mindset thing for us last week, and we responded this week.”
The coach praised his side’s ability and determination to hold the Comets to just one try.
“Our defence was outstanding, and that’s obviously a big thing, and that’s something we want to work on and it’s going to have to be good against Woolgoolga next week.”
The Panthers now travel to take on the ladder leading Woolgoolga Seahorses this Sunday afternoon.
By Aiden BURGESS
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