AFTER a gutsy fightback and a nail-biting finish, the Blackwater Basilisks registered their first win for the Central Queensland Rugby Union season against the Gladstone Goats on Saturday.Basilisks captain Robert Coppo was relieved to get the 34-29 victory in their first home game of the year.
“It was something we were hoping for,” Coppo said.
“There’s nothing worse than getting beaten at home.”
The Basilisks had plenty of concerns at half-time, trailing Gladstone 22-10.
“We didn’t follow our game plan,” Coppo said.
But Coppo was pleased with the discipline his side showed in the second half.
“We seemed to get it together,” he said. “The boys played well. “It was really good actually. “It all fell into place.” With speed not on their side, the Basilisks relied on strength and ball handling to get back into the match.
“We’re not the fittest group,” Coppo said.
“The game plan we had was simple football.
“We just worked our way up the field.”
Coppo said his side’s strength was definitely in their forward pack, which was shown by props Ryan Campbell and Peter Rodrigues being awarded the Basilisks’ best and second-best on ground respectively.
“(Campbell) was fairly strong in the scrums,” Coppo said.
“He has a bit of ball skills as well.
“Our forwards have muscled-up heaps.
“Our backs need a bit more work.”

Blackwater Herald, 12 May 2014, Zac Luke