Reserve Grade coach Simon Woolford admits his side got away with a scrappy win against Blacktown Workers on the weekend, thanks to determination and hard work.
“We didn’t start the game how we would have liked and that was disappointing, but I said to the guys after the game, it was a really good team effort finding a way to win,” explained Woolford.
“In the second half, even though our attack spluttered at times, we defended our line and defended with a lot more energy than in the first half.
“Our outside backs did another fantastic job and it was nice to see them score a couple of late tries in the game to seal the win.”
It’s the fourth consecutive win for the ISP Knights, which has moved them to seventh place on the ladder.
Woolford credits the continued work on their defensive efforts.
“Last five weeks our defence has been unbelievable and it was only a couple of individual lapses in the first half that cost us tries,” Woolford maintained.
“We sorted that out in the second half and maybe once or twice they had some breaks in our half but I was pretty comfortable with most parts of our defence.”
On his second game in Reserve Grade this season, forward Pasami Saulo recorded his first try in the 75th minute off the back of a precision pass from fullback Nick Meaney.
“We got him on late for a stint to finish the game and I think it was his first touch,” said Woolford.
“It was beautiful seeing Nick Meaney make a nice run and Pasami on the inside was awesome.”
The ISP coach says there was also a confident display from five-eighth Will Pearsall.
“Will got a knock early on the knee so he played pretty tough for us,” said Woolford.
“He came up with some nice touches late in the game as did Jack Cogger, so it was a real collective team performance that got us out of trouble.”
Woolford knows they can’t rest on their laurels if they want to be well placed at the end of the season.
“We still need to be consistent and keep winning,” stated Woolford.
“We are setting ourselves up for a good run home and if we keep our attitude and our willingness to work hard for each other, there’s no reason why we can’t win enough to set up for a good crack."
