The Canowindra Tigers Youth League side took on the undefeated Manildra Rhinos in a very entertaining Grand Final on Sunday at Manildra. The Tigers held out the Rhinos, defending in their own 20 for multiple sets of six and it wasn’t until the 13th minute that Manildra scored in the corner 4-0.
The Tigers young centre Lochie Stevens then made a 90m run to be brought down 6m short of the line. He then found Jarrod Wilson steaming on to the ball and he scored under the post, Zach Lee converted to lead 6-4.
The momentum in the game then switched and the Tigers Spud Kelly forced his way over the line to score. Unfortunately the conversion attempt hit the upright and the Tigers led 10-4 at half time. Manildra scored the first points in the second half after a cross field kick, levelling the scores at 10-10.
Late in the second half Manildra was able to swing the ball wide and score in the corner, the conversion was unsuccessful. Finally the Tigers gained some good field position and from halfway Zac Lee’s found a gap in the Rhinos defence and beat the full back to score. The score was locked at 14-14 which meant they had to go into extra time.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, Manildra had first use of the ball and from a kick down field the Tigers got an awful bounce and couldn’t field the ball cleanly and Manildra regained possession to score under the post.
Congratulations must go to coach Dan Middleton and his team for the efforts this year. He was able to bring this side together and came just short of a Premiership for the Canowindra Tigers. The boys would like to thank all the coaching staff and sponsors for the 2018 season.
By Barry Traves