THE grand final replay proved to be almost exactly that as premiers Kootingal and Werris Creek found themselves locked up at 20-all as the siren sounded in Kootingal.
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Werris Creek hooker Cody Tickle scored three tries during the match, although it was wrecking ball Zac Darcy who did what he does best, holding off defenders as he reached a lone arm out and touched down over the line to take the match.
The grandstand finish capped a perfect three weeks for the Magpies, who knocked off then second-placed Dungowan, followed by ladder leaders Uralla and now the premiers to assume their place at the top of the ladder, albeit sharing the role with quiet achievers Boggabri.
The Roos knocked off Uralla at home to take their place, while Dungowan continue to falter, this time against the formerly winless Bundarra as the Cowboys continue to slide down the table.
When the Magpies caused a drop-out in the first set and then scored two tackles later, it looked like it was going to be a long sponsors’ day for Kootingal, although when Ryan Martin put on a beautiful chip and regather to hand off to winger Jacob Simpson to cross, the Roosters got their back up.
With the momentum in their favour, the home side rolled straight back down the field, with Jordan Sharpe putting on a show and go to cross and take the lead.
Cody Tickle got the score back to 12-10 with his second and, when Michael Saunders crossed on the siren, the Magpies took a 14-12 advantage into the break.
That advantage didn’t last long. When the Magpies’ kickoff sailed out on the full, second-rower Leroy Murray made them pay, crossing out wide to get back in front 18-14.
Tickle was then awarded a third try despite the ball appearing to be short of the line to bring the game back to even.
A shoulder charge penalty in front then gave the Magpies a 20-18 lead with three minutes to go before they re-paid the favour with a penalty 35m out which Martin slotted to finish the match at 20-all.
Stewie Porter shaved the upright with a field goal attempt early before the Magpies won the ball back for Darcy to duck out of dummy half and find the line for the win.
Werris Creek coach Lindsay Bowne thought that the side showed plenty to get back in front and win despite handing the ball over more often than he would have liked.
“I think we made six turnovers in the first half and struggled to execute at times,” Bowne said.
“At other times we played some really good football though.
“It is starting to come together and the team are playing like they want to go somewhere.”
