Whanganui Boxon were left grasping at straws after they watched their handsome halftime lead evaporate from a storming finish by the Manawatu league's front-running Linton Cobras on Saturday, losing 18-17.
In the rematch from their 62-4 hiding at the Linton Army Camp in April, Boxon had a magical first 40minutes, scoring three tries for a 17-0 advantage at the break.
Player of the day Mana Chase was moved from the centres into the second row to get his 1.91m tall frame closer to the action and scored a great try.
Winger Pentuakau Turia-Bennett and Paki Ngaira grabbed the other four-pointers, while captain Steelie Koro added two conversions and a field goal.
Coach Stewart Reweti said their defence was also strong as the Cobras either dropped the ball or were held up over the line on three or four occasions.
"I knew we could front them from the start, even though they toweled us up in the first round."
However, Reweti asked his team to up the pace in the second half, only to watch it all fall apart in the back end of the game as the Cobras ran in three converted tries in quick succession.
"Just composure, we had to hold ourselves but somehow we get these 10-15 minute lapses.
"We had it in the bag, the boys couldn't capitalise."
Boxon still could have stolen the game back after the Cobras' last try as they swept up to the home team's tryline within three tackles and earned a penalty.
Unfortunately, Reweti said the player holding the ball had a rush of blood to the head, because even as Koro was walking forward to signal they would take the kick the player made a quick tap and was tackled on the last play.
Boxon's next game is in Otaki against Whiti Te Ra Brothers 1 on Saturday, kickoff 1pm.
