Ghosts Fall Agonisingly Short Against Seahorses
Late comeback falls just short in thrilling Group 2 contest
The Grafton Ghosts have suffered a heartbreaking 18-14 defeat to Group 2 Rugby League heavyweights Woolgoolga Seahorses in an entertaining contest at Frank McGuren Field, with the visitors’ clinical finishing proving the difference in the club’s final home game of the season.
Although both teams crossed for three tries, Woolgoolga’s ability to convert all three attempts from close to the posts ultimately secured the four competition points in a match that remained in the balance until the final siren.
The Ghosts enjoyed the better share of territory for much of the afternoon, but were repeatedly frustrated by determined Seahorses defence and the outstanding all-round performance of fullback Dane O’Hehir, who scored one try, created the other two and produced several match-saving defensive plays.
The visitors opened the scoring after a sweeping counter-attack sparked by O’Hehir, whose break through the middle created the opportunity for lock Jake Elphick to send halfback Michael Hart across for the opening try. Elphick converted for a 6-0 lead.
Woolgoolga doubled its advantage just before halftime when O’Hehir again carved through the defence before being dragged down just short of the line. Quick work from dummy half allowed five-eighth Shayde Perham to crash over beside the posts, with Elphick’s conversion extending the lead to 12-0.
Despite trailing at the break, Grafton had created opportunities, only to be denied by desperate defence. Jay Olsen was held up over the line, while O’Hehir produced another vital intervention by grounding a loose ball in-goal moments before halftime.
The Ghosts emerged after the interval with renewed energy and quickly swung the momentum.
A slick backline movement saw Kyron Nipperess finish brilliantly in the left corner after excellent lead-up work from Koopah Walter, Brendan Williams and Cooper Woods. Although the conversion drifted wide, the try sparked the home side into life.
Only minutes later Woods took matters into his own hands, powering over from close range before converting his own try to narrow the margin to just two points at 12-10.
With confidence growing, Grafton continued to pressure the visitors, but Woolgoolga responded when another flowing attacking movement ended with O’Hehir diving over for what would prove to be the decisive try. Hart and Perham combined to create the overlap before sending their influential fullback across.
The Ghosts refused to surrender.
An intelligent kick-off produced a favourable bounce before Jake Martin threatened the defensive line. From the ensuing play, Jay Olsen darted from dummy half to score, and Woods’ conversion reduced the deficit to 18-14 with only minutes remaining.
The home side threw everything into one final attack after Austin Cooper burst 50 metres through the middle of the field. However, under pressure his pass to the supporting Woods went to ground, ending Grafton’s last genuine opportunity.
Appropriately, the final play belonged to O’Hehir, who safely gathered Brendan Williams’ desperate kick as the full-time siren sounded to seal a hard-earned victory for the second-placed Seahorses.
Elsewhere, South Grafton Rebels were unable to match Macksville, falling 32-22 to the Sea Eagles away from home.
The Ghosts now travel to Coffs Harbour this weekend to take on the Comets, while the Rebels will enjoy the bye.
