IT'S been a lean year for a lot of Upper Hunter rugby league clubs.
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But, a big positive amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) gloom was the fact the region's juniors - male and female - were able to take the field in some form, from tackle to tag.
Now, one of Group 21's smallest organisations is ready to taste success in 2020.
The Aberdeen Tigers under-14s will face the Scone Thoroughbreds in the girls' league tag decider at Muswellbrook's Olympic Park on Friday, October 2.
To even make it that far is a special feat, according to coach Gabby Jones.
"A grand final berth's an excellent reward for all of them," she said.
"We didn't think we'd get a squad together to start with.
"However, they've worked very hard in a small amount of time - and really pushed themselves.
"Two of the girls had never played before, while the side is a mix of youngsters from Aberdeen, Scone and Muswellbrook.
"So, they've done well to gel as a group.
"It's a huge achievement."
With Jones at the helm in her maiden season, assisted by Brad Milton and Tenahya Dennis, the Tigers drew one showdown, suffered two losses and registered six victories on their way to the play-offs, including a 52-4 drubbing of Greta Branxton and a 54-0 whitewash of the Ramettes.
They then accounted for the Singleton Reds 10-8 in a thriller to contest this week's finale.
"The girls have played strongly throughout the rounds," Jones said.
"Even with the defeats, they've always remained positive.
"But, their defence has held them in good stead, too.
"Against the experience Reds, they kept their nerve.
"We trailed 8-0 at one stage - and didn't give up.
"Then, with 20 seconds remaining, we scored the match-winner.
"I'm so proud of them."
As for their latest opponents, the Thoroughbreds, Jones is predicting a close contest.
"Scone's a tough team, no doubt," she said.
"We had an 18-all draw with them; and they knocked us over 34-14.
"However, I know my girls can beat them.
"And, they'll stay in the game until the end."
Meanwhile, the Denman Devils and Reds will go head-to-head in the under-12 encounter, while the Ramettes and Thoroughbreds meet in the under-16 fixture.
Matches begin from 5pm.
Hunter Valley Group 21 Junior Rugby League
Girls' league tag grand final draw
(Friday, October 2 - Olympic Park, Muswellbrook)
5pm: U12 - Denman Devils v Singleton Reds
6.10pm: U14 - Scone Thoroughbreds v Aberdeen Tigers
7.30pm: U16 - Muswellbrook Ramettes v Scone Thoroughbreds