Windsor Wolves have grabbed their first win of the season after holding on for a 30-26 win over a spirited Kaiviti Silktails in a thrilling Good Friday clash at Hammondville Oval today.
The Wolves surged to a 24-6 lead midway through the first half to suggest the Silktails might be in for another long afternoon after their 56-6 loss to St Marys Saints last Saturday but the Fijians showed great resolve to fight back, set up an exciting finish and suggest a win might not be too far off.
Kaiviti started the match in the right fashion after backrower Pio Seci needed only six minutes to grab a try, with halfback Waisale Nayavucere converting for a 6-0 lead.
Windsor, which included True Blue Tony Williams in their team, hit back strongly after scoring the next four tries in the space of 14 minutes with five-eighth Kakapuna Fotu grabbing a double and centre Zac Mackay nailing all conversions to put them in control at 24-6.
The Silktails needed a spark just before the break to give them some hope and five-eighth Mosese Qionomacawa provided it when he crossed the line with only three minutes to go to close the margin to 24-10.
Kaiviti kept the momentum going when play resumed with centre Ratu inoke Vasuturaga – who grabbed the Silktails only try against St Marys Saints last round - going over to score with Nayavucere slotting the conversion to reduce the margin to 24-16.
Windsor put themselves back in control after captain Tyler Cassel showed tremendous strength to muscle his way out of the Silktails goal line defence and plant the ball down with Mackay landing his fifth conversion to push the lead out to 30-16.
Any joy was short-lived after a Wolves mistake opened the door for the Silktails to pounce on a loose ball and they quickly made their opponents pay after fullback Ratu Jilivecevece scored and then converted his own try to again reduce the margin to eight points at 30-22.
Windsor put themselves under pressure after conceding consecutive penalties and it wasn’t long before the Silktails were working the ball wide for winger Vuate Karawalevu to score. Nayavucere couldn’t land the conversion but the scene was still set for a grandstand finish with Windsor’s lead now cut to 30-26.
Both teams had opportunities to score in the final 10 minutes but couldn't find the knockout blow with the Wolves hanging on for a thrilling victory.
The Silktails’ participation in the NSWRL’s Ron Massey Cup is proudly supported by the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports.
The NSWRL receives funding from the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports to support the Silktails’ participation in the NSWRL’s Ron Massey Cup.
