THE Lions are roaring once more, with Quirindi claiming the Don Ewing Shield with a dramatic one-point win over Pirates at Ken Chillingworth Oval on Saturday.
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After a see-sawing tussle in the second half with the lead changing hands three times, Pirates had the chance to snatch the game with a last- minute penalty.
But it sailed out to the left and the Lions kicked the 22 out to hold on for a 27-26 win.
Pirates had led 21-10 at half-time but by 10 minutes into the second half the Lions had worked their way to a one-point lead.
Pirates hit back pretty much straight away, taking a quick tap from a penalty and putting a great backline move together, which Lachlan Windred ran a great line to finish off.
It put Pirates back in front 26-22 with 15 to go.
The Lions then capitalised on a mistake from Pirates to reclaim the lead.
Trying to run it out of their 22, they knocked on.
From the scrum, the Lions spread it left and found a bit of space, with Travis Houghton running through to score.
It was unconverted, leaving the Lions holding onto a one-point lead with seven minutes remaining.
They had seemed to have most of the momentum in the second half but that turned and there was one final twist with Pirates pressing in the Quirindi half as time counted down.
Lions coach Sam Thompson admitted she couldn’t watch the last few minutes.
She said in the first half they were guilty of playing a bit individually.
There was no way they could compete against Pirates doing that.
The second half they played a lot more as a team and to their structure and, through that, they were able to get more ball.
“Their communication was better in the second half and they settled into their plays and their jobs as individuals,” Thompson said.
It started with the forwards.
“The forwards really busted themselves in particular,” Thompson said.
Although they tended to play a bit too much pick and go in the first half.
That wasn’t in the plan. Pirates’ forwards were too good for that, Thompson said, and picked them off too easily.
The second half they ran at them in twos and threes.
The side is made up of Farrer boys and included six U15s.
“It’s simply boys who wanted to play footy,” Thompson said.
She said they’ve loved the season and wanted to thank the zone for allowing them to be part of it.
Number eight Jack Kelly was big for them and named the player of the grand final.
“He’s a local Quirindi boy and has been consistent the whole year,” she said.
“He’s a great leader in the pack – full of agility and strength.”
Ben Hall was also strong, and she also made mention of Latham twins Jacob and Sean.
“Sean stepped into half-back after our half-back broke his leg in the third game of the season,” Thompson said.
“He’s usually a forward.
“He’s given 100 per cent.”
Jacob at hooker finished with two tries, as did Windred for Pirates.
CNRU UNDER 16 GRAND FINAL
QUIRINDI 27 (Jacob Latham 2, Ben Hall, Sean Latham, Travis Houghton tries, Sean Latham con) d PIRATES 26 (Lachlan Windred 2, Morgan Pennefather, Bradley Michalski tries, Michael Hawkins 3 cons). Player of Grand Final - Jack Kelly (Quirindi).
