Caldwell Cup misery

JOEL RITCHIE

THE ILLAWARRIORS’ Caldwell Cup campaign came to a flat finish when they lost 16-8 to Newcastle at the Sydney Football Stadium on Friday night.

Coach Sean Barrett said his side produced its worst performance of the championships when it mattered most.

“Once we were in the final the occasion may have got to us,” he said.

“Our execution let us down and we didn’t deal with the pressure they put on us.”

Barrett said he was proud of his side’s efforts throughout the tournament, including a hard-fought win over Newcastle and a do-or-die win over Central West at Parkes.

“Obviously we were disappointed with the result but I am proud of their efforts throughout the event,” Barrett said.

Illawarrriors players Liam Vaughn was named player of the tournament while a number of players are now in the frame for Cockatoos jersey for the Australian Rugby Shield.

On Friday Newcastle led 6-nil after two penalty goals within the first 15 minutes.

Illawarra’s Scott Morgan then scored an intercept try in the 25th minute to trim the margin to one point.

Dwayne Devris handed Illawarra an 8-6 lead at the break through a penalty goal two minutes before halftime.

The Illawarriors had their chances in the first 15 minutes of the second half but failed to convert possession and territory into points.

Newcastle hit back with a converted try to lead 13-8 before another penalty goal put the match beyond the Illawarriors’ reach.

“Newcastle played a smarter game and they looked after the ball,” Barrett said.

“We weren’t in the game really in the first half and didn’t do enough in the second half.”

Barrett said he was yet to decide whether to apply for the job in 2009.