Ellenbrook Rabbitohs 32 – Joondalup Giants 28
By PETER ROWE
Ellenbrook pulled their own rabbit out of the hat in their Round 7 Fuel to Go & Play Premiership clash with the Giants to win a remarkable game at Charlotte’s Vineyard, coming from behind to score the winning try with just two minutes left on the clock.
Frustrated Giants coach Matt Gowland said his side once again had shot themselves in the foot, whilst Rabbitohs coach Dan Manning was delighted how his team fought back from 10 points adrift with 10 to go.
“I think both Matt and I were on the edge of our seats in that last 10 minutes,” Manning said.
“Pacing the sideline, the tension was there for all to see.”
The winning try came from the game’s MVP Chase Rye, diving over from dummy half under the posts, but skipper Rye copped it from his coach in the sheds at halftime as the Giants led 20-10.
“The first 20 minutes of the game was his worst,” Manning admitted. “The rest was superb. We talked at the break and he ran the game and deserved the three points.”
Centres Mitch Haggart and Jo-Jo Ranger grabbed early tries to give the visitors a lead before Malakai Letufuga and Jahvarro Joyce responded for the Bunnies.
Joyce and Jake Cocking added two more before Isiah Rapana extended the lead for the Giants.
Then came the comeback and Rye’s match winning try.
“We got dragged into their football in the first half and lost our structure a bit,” Manning said.
“I told them at halftime we had to play to ‘our’ structure – Ellenbrook football – and we did.”
For Giants coach Matt Gowland it was another disappointing day.
“Too many individual mistakes,” he said.
“We gave them too much ball, If only we could play the way we train.
“At halftime we were in front and in control of the game, but we didn’t kick any goals, which ultimately cost us.
“From all the superb training in the week, we got a big fat zero from the game, so very disappointing.”
Fraser Masterton in the halves was their best on ground. “ He looked very comfortable in that role.” Gowland added.
Kastin Baretaka moving to fullback also worked and the return of Mitch Haggart was a positive.
But, as Gowland was quick to point out, “not enough”.