THE Kootingal Roosters put the finishing touch on an undefeated minor premiership with a 48-10 point win over Walcha at home, while premiers Barraba came from behind twice to beat Dungowan at home and Werris Creek ended Boggabri’s season with a 48-6 demolition at David Taylor Park, Werris Creek.
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Peter Johnson starred for the Magpies as they prepare for a qualifying semifinal clash with Walcha Roos at Walcha’s Captain Cook Park this Saturday.
Kootingal, dressed in pink for a breast cancer charity day, may have shown some nerves early on against a defiant Roos side, but soon turned it on to complete their perfect season.
The Roosters faithful were out in numbers for the last round of the season as the home side went about their usual game after a slow start.
An 18-4 half time score soon blew out as the backline came together, scoring all bar one try, that came from captain-coach Nathan Hamlin.
“We never thought we would do this when we put the squad together,” Hamlin said.
“Everyone has just come together as a team and are playing for each other.”
“It all means nothing if we don’t win the next two games.”
Evergreen winger Jeremy Moss scored another double bringing his total to 15 for the season, one more than Barraba’s Joey Latham after the halfback only managed one this week in the Bulldogs hard fought win at home.
Dungowan got off to a flyer, scoring the first two for an 8-nil lead.
Fullback Dylan O’Brien throwing the final ball to winger Ethan Sherlock for both of his tries and a 16-6 half time lead.
Barraba scored straight after the break as a very physical game continued.
The game was then drawn at 16-all, 22-all, and 28-all, with the lead changing hands three times in the final 15 minutes.
A mistake on their line cost the Cowboys after coach Luke Taylor drew them back to even with his second for the day, but Zac Mallise forced his way over to snatch victory at the death.
The two sides will meet again at the same ground next week for the first final, with the winner to play Kooty in the major semi.
“Being home is way better but next week is the one that counts,” Coombes said.
“It was very physical but that’s footy.”
“It will be another very tough game and we will be looking to be better again.”
Werris Creek will travel to Walcha for an elimination final next Saturday after holding of Boggabri for a 48-26 victory.
