A STRONG second half from the Blackwater Basilisks rugby side has secured them an important second half win against Central Queensland rugby union favourites Gladstone on the weekend.

The Basilisks were down 22 points to 10 at halftime but fought back to win 34 points to 29 with a strong second half.

Both teams have a tradition of playing a very structured forwards orientated game – and the weekend was no different.

In the end Blackwater – with the aid of a home crowd – were able to eek out the win.

Coach Allan Hannah said the structured second half was the difference.

“In the first part of the game we went away from the game plan, but in the second half we went back to basics,” he said.

“We just tried to keep it simple, with three to five phases and more crash balls.”

“You can’t win a game without ball retention.”
Former Blackwater Crushers forward Ryan Campbell was named man of the match as replacement prop.

Hannah says the Basilisks still have plenty of work to do on their set pieces, particularly the speed and execution of their lineout.

However with a strong turnout at training twice a week, he is hopeful it can be quickly remedied.

Next week the Basilisks have Colts at home in Blackwater.