Leeton still had enough fire power without three key men to ease to victory over Tumut at Leeton No.1 Oval on Staurday.
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In a fiery clash between the two premier division teams, the Phantoms came away with a 36-7 win to ensure they go through the first round of the competition undefeated.
Wagga City are the only team to take points off Leeton this season and co-coach Liam Ward is looking to continue the impressive run alive as things heat up in Southern Inland.
In control at half-time, Leeton improved its ruck play in the second half with captain Bill Bevan, Joe Kafoa-Penne and Michael Wright standing up.
Ward went in expecting a physical Bulls outfit and wasn’t disappointed.
“It was a very tough game, Tumut are a very physical team and we know that,” Ward said.
“It got a bit spiteful and heated at times but that’s the sort of rugby they knew they were going to play.
The Phantoms played without Marika Vunibaka, Stuart Dyer and Wilson Feagai but all are expected to return for the start of the premier division.
Playmaker James Moore came off with an AC injury however Ward isn’t too concerned about its severity and expects him to be fit for next week’s challenge.
Full-time
LEETON 36 (E Smith 2, M Ravouvou, F Moata, B Emerson, J Kafoa-Penne tries; F Moata 2, J Moore cons) d TUMUT 7