The Lithgow Workies have found their groove in playing away games, taking a 48-18 win over the Blayney Bears in Blayney on Sunday, July 21.
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Lithgow Workies set the tone of the match in the second minute when Tui Oloapu crossed the line leaving the Bears no doubt scratching their heads as to just how it could have happened, particularly considering that the Bears had received the ball from the kick-off. Harry Bender's conversion was unsuccessful.
The cause of Lithgow's try was a Blayney error but Lithgow were no sticky fingered heroes of the game and a dropped ball at the try line from the Bears kick-off saw Blayney lining up with the hungry expectation of being able to take the lead.
And take the lead they did, but Lithgow's defence line was like their local jail's walls, and no matter how many times the ramrods of Blayney tried to bust their way through, Lithgow held them back.
Lithgow Workies Wolves coach Graeme Osborne said his side played well despite being plagued by injuries.
"We played well considering the number of changes made to our side with injuries and players being unavailable," he said.
For a frustrating nine minutes Blayney tried every trick in the book to get through, but they finally did get that four points courtesy of a screamer of a try by fullback Lhiam Burrell, who has developed a real penchant for spectacular tries in the corner.
Steve Lane took full advantage of the still conditions, and the jibes from the nearby Lithgow supporters, to send the ball neatly through the uprights.
With the scoreboard at 6-4, Blayney had a fire in their belly, although for Ryley Oborn his intense efforts meant that whatever was in his belly was left in the middle of KGO later in the first half.
"It's always a tough road trip to Blayney no matter where Blayney sit on the ladder," Osborne said.
That two point lead though was short-lived and six minutes later a stolen ball by Workies saw Brant Brogan cross the line and the tide turn against Blayney.
If there were two players who took control of the Lithgow side and set the stage for their win it was Jono VanVeen and Jack Sullivan, who along with the boot of Harry Bender, marched Workies home with two tries each before settling down at half time with the score line expanding to 32-6.
The second half was a touch better for Blayney with replacement Lee Monaghan sneaking over for a try and Robert Lane also adding four points to the tally.
With both of those tries converted by Steve Lane Blayney's final score hit 18, but Lithgow also added 16 points to their total thanks to two more tries and the foot of Bender bringing the final tally to 48-18.
"We struggled at times but maintained our goal to get the two points," Osborne said.
Lithgow's last home game will be played on Sunday, July 27, where they take on the first place ladder holders Bathurst Panthers.
To celebrate the last home game of the season before finals, the Workies are hosting another family fun day with face painting and a jumping castle.
A mini league game will be held at half time of the first division match and cheer girls will be performing at half time of the premier league game. The junior storm mini league boys will also get the opportunity to run out with the premier league men before the game.
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