Scone Thoroughbreds erased 12 months of heartache at Olympic Park on Sunday.
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Unlike last year’s A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Group 21 decider, which the Thoroughbreds lost in one of the longest league matches in history, they accounted for the Muswellbrook Rams 16-14 in regulation time.
But, the match still went down to the wire.
Muswellbrook had the opportunity to send the encounter into extra-time, however Jeffrey Saarikko’s penalty attempt in the 77th minute was waved away. The game exploded from the opening minute, as tempers flared, and an all-in melee set the tone for a fiery fixture.
When the dust settled, it was the Rams who drew first blood. Captain Cade Boney, a thorn in Scone’s side all afternoon, touched down in the 18th minute. Saarikko piloted the ball between the uprights and Muswellbrook led 6-0. The Thoroughbreds hit back soon after when powerful centre Justin Apthorpe barged his way over the line. John Johnson converted, levelling things up at 6-all.
In the 30th minute, a piece of individual brilliance by Rams’ winger Lennie Craft put his team in front. Liam Dunn missed the sideline shot, but Muswellbrook enjoyed a 10-6 lead. The Rams had the chance to surge further ahead, however Zac Webb dropped the ball over the tryline. Scone responded quickly and second-rower Tim Watson scored in a handy position. Johnson added the extras – and the visitors secured the lead, 12-10, for the first time.
That advantage was short-lived as a Saarikko penalty tied it up at 12-all right on the stroke of half-time.
The second period was a dour affair, with heavy defence and a short 10 metres hampering any attacking forays. Despite that, Muswellbrook moved ahead 14-12, courtesy of another Saarikko penalty. And, again, Scone retaliated immediately. Winger Tim Smith crossed in the corner and, even though Johnson missed the kick, the Thoroughbreds led 16-14 with 11 minutes left on the clock.
Muswellbrook threw everything it had at Scone in the final stages, however the men in “blue and white” remained resolute.