Despite conceding 26 points to Cranbrook, Waverley believe it was defence that got them over the line in a thrilling 28-26 victory in the Eastern Suburbs derby on the opening weekend of the CAS season. 

Cranbrook led 26-11 in the second half of the round one clash, before Waverley fought back, eventually kicking a drop goal well after the 70th minute to secure a famous Queens Park victory. 

“It was quite an even contest but our defence kept us in it,” Waverley assistant coach Lachlan Drew-Morris told Rugby News. 

“We lost a player to the sin bin just before half time and Cranbrook started the second half really well and put two quick tries on us. We were playing catch up for the rest of the second half. 

“We fought back and levelled the scores with about 15 minutes to go but then we were forced to defend for probably 10 minutes straight. We just didn’t get any ball. 

“Our effort in defence created an opportunity for us at the end and fortunately we were able to take it.”

Centre Caleb Sinclair-Harris kicked the three pointer after the full time siren and while Drew-Morris was full of praise for the match-winner, he believed the victory was a true team effort. 

“As a coaching group, we’ve spent a lot of time talking about our effort without the ball so that defence was really pleasing to see in round one. 

“You’ve got to have belief in yourself in all situations and that’s what this team and squad seem to have in spades. As coaches, we’ve talked about it a lot but that sort of thing really needs to come from the players and it did on Saturday. 

“They had the belief that if they worked hard in defence, then they’d get an opportunity to go and win the game at the end and that’s exactly what they did.”

After turning down a long range penalty goal, Waverley kept the ball tight as they moved the ball up the field. But when a penalty closer to the posts didn’t come, Sinclair-Harris stepped up. 

“It was great to see him take ownership of the moment. Whether it went over or not, he made the decision and backed himself to execute and when you’re down by one, after the siren and you’ve exhausted all other options, it’s exactly what he needed to do. 

In a five match season, Drew-Morris said the team was well aware of how important that drop goal may prove to be later this year but said his side still had a lot to accomplish this season. 

“It can set up a season in terms of our effort in defence. That’s the benchmark now,” the coach said. 

“But we know it’s going to be a super tight season this year and there’s a long way to go. A team might drop a game and still end up winning the competition.

“Cranbrook were fantastic though and I think they’ll go on and challenge sides every week this year. 

“We’ve got to have the mindset that we need to play for 70-75 minutes every week if we want to get the result.”

In the rounds other matches, Barker and Knox claimed dominant victories over Aloys and Trinity. 

The side’s have a week off over the long weekend, before returning to play round two on June 17 ahead of the July school holidays.

Waverley will travel to face Barker in round two, with Cranbrook hosting Trinity and Knox travelling to play Aloys in the other matches.