Twelve months later, the Colts extracted their revenge, knocking over the Devils 18-16 in a nail-biting decider at Greta Central Oval last Sunday.

“That was a great feeling, a bit nerve-wracking at times,” winning coach Ron Griffiths said.

“It, sort of, makes up for last year’s result.

“I’m happy for the boys; they worked hard all season.”

But, the script almost didn’t run to plan for the Colts.

With seconds left on the clock, Denman captain Blake Dureau could have sent

the match into extra-time, however his sideline conversion just missed the mark.

This brought cheers from the home crowd, while the visiting fans bowed their heads in disappointment.

After gaining the right to host the grand final, Greta Branxton blew out any early cobwebs with second-rower Mitchell Bird crossing in the fifth minute. Lock Joby Patten converted for a 6-0 lead.

The encounter then swung from one end to the other with neither squad giving an inch.

In the 28th minute, the Devils replied through five-eighth Gary McKeon. Dureau added the extras to lock things up at 6-all.

The Colts suffered a major blow when hooker Daniel Bates left the field with a shoulder injury – and never returned.

Early in the second period, winger Michael Rinkin joined Bates as a spectator, leaving a two-man reserve bench.

A Denman error allowed Greta Branxton halfback Joshua Griffiths to score against the run of play. Patten made no mistake and increased the margin to 12-6. 

However, the Devils hit back, via centre Andrew Nicholls. Dureau raised the flags to draw level at 12-all.

Dureau then appeared certain to score in the 70th minute, but fullback Andrew Roberts pulled off a brilliant trysaving tackle.

Soon after, Roberts chipped over the top and Griffiths regathered to touch down near the uprights. Patten’s successful conversion made it 18-12 in the hosts’ favour.

With one minute remaining, a smart Dureau kick saw winger Broque Smith dive over in the corner. 

With the full-time siren looming, Dureau missed his only shot of the afternoon, presenting the Colts an 18-16 triumph.

GRETA BRANXTON COLTS 18 (Joshua Griffiths 2, Mitchell Bird tries; Joby Patten 3 goals) defeated DENMAN DEVILS 16 (Andrew Nicholls, Broque Smith, Gary McKeon tries; Blake Dureau 2 goals)