TOMORROW’S Tamworth first grade grand final might be the end of an era for Warriors despite the club supplying the two grand final opponents – Warrior Blues and Warrior Rainbows.
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Last year the Rainbows beat the Blues 3-1 in a fairytale finish to their debut season.
Made up largely of talented teenagers with the help and guidance of Jeff and Robert Chandler, Mitch Holt and co, the young Rainbows over- achieved.
Last Saturday they earned a grand final rematch with the Blues when they beat Cougars 5-4 in a close preliminary final after the Blues had beaten the Rainbows in the major semi.
While this might be one of the best ever seasons for the Warriors, the club might also be reaching a zenith.
“We look like losing all our good young blokes,” Warriors stalwart Rob Chandler said.
“We could lose half a dozen of the Rainbow boys, all going to uni or going overseas.
“Will Burke is going to London for a gap year. Sam Holt is off to India and Lachlan Ng is going to Melbourne.
“Joey Holt’s off to uni in Newcastle and young Jimmie (Psarakis) could be anywhere with his cricket.
“So that’s going to leave a big hole in the side and the club.
“But we’ve had two great years.
“We’ve been able to field two first grade sides but I don’t think we’ll be able to do that next year because we haven’t got any more of these good kids coming through.”
It also makes tomorrow’s grand final something of a farewell by the Rainbows.
They will be up against a Blues side back to full strength for a rare occasion.
“They will have Jake (Forsythe) back by the looks of things,” Chandler said.
“That’ll help them (Blues). With Dyso, Mick Aldiss, Johnny (Warren) and Mick (Martin), they’re going to be very hard to beat.”