DEFENSIVE lapses cost the Robertson Spuds dearly on Saturday.

The Spuds were efficient with ball in hand but struggled with its defensive structure against the Mt Annan Knights.

Robertson conceded two late tries and paid the consequence as the Knights recorded a 34-30 victory at Robertson Showground.

The result means the Spuds have slipped to fourth spot on the Group 6 second division ladder.

Robertson club president Doug Tilley said Saturday’s match was a high-scoring affair.

“Either team always looked like scoring,” he said.

“We were sloppy in defence and a there was a little bit of commitment lacking in our tackling.”

However, Tilley said the Spuds were impressive in attack.

“It was pleasing that we put so many points on them and our movement of the ball was good.”

Robertson was well served by hooker Steven Baines who scored two tries.

Matt Rolles provided good go-forward and halves combination Barry Hines and Jake Temporalli were impressive.