SOME called it one of the best grand finals for a number of years.
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And, there wouldn’t be too many people who could argue with that call after the Scone Thoroughbreds knocked over Bengalla Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League defending premiers Aberdeen Tigers 10-6 at McKinnon Field on Sunday.
The victory capped off a brilliant day for the Thoroughbreds, who prevailed in all four grades.
“How good is that?” club president Tom Hagan asked.
“Before the weekend, I honestly thought we were a chance to claim every crown.
“So, to actually do it is unreal.
“It’s just a terrific result for everyone involved in the Thoroughbreds, as well as their supporters – and the town.”
Aberdeen looked set to retain its title, despite holding a slender lead.
But, the longer the game went, the more confident Scone became.
With five minutes left on the clock, Thoroughbreds’ fullback Hayden Topliss sliced his way through the defence to score between the uprights.
However, the drama wasn’t complete yet.
Tigers’ second-rower, and recently named Group 21 Player of the Year, Guy Thompson went within centimetres of securing a win for Aberdeen.
He was deemed to be held up, although a few felt he reached the tryline.
All up, the 2018 decider boasted everything – right until the final seconds.
While the talented backs and halves cancelled themselves out with their rivals, both packs of forwards (Scone’s James Barker, Ben Hagan, Jarrod Wicks, Wes Suckley, Justin Apthorpe, Daniel Ritter, Michael Radford and Isaac Austin; and Aberdeen’s Thompson, Cameron Savage, Daniel Hoogerwerf, Mitch Taylor, Josh Schmiedel, Marcus Marsh, Samuel Fitzsimmons and Travis Bateman) stood tall in difficult conditions, thanks to a rare downpour.
The Thoroughbreds snared the early break, courtesy of five-eighth Josh Watson, to lead 4-0.
Smart play from the Tigers allowed Schmiedel to force his way over. Ben Baker’s conversion put the hosts in front 6-4, which remained until half-time.
The second period was tough, uncompromising and entertaining.
And, each side had an opportunity or two.
In the end, Topliss’ effort in the 75th minute was the only try in that stanza, with Jake Watts raising the flags for a 10-6 scoreline.
With so many players to choose from, selectors eventually chose Apthorpe as the man of the match.