MACINTYRE will have the chance to put a dream ending on their fairytale maiden season after the Warriors held off Ashford in the Group 19 preliminary final on Sunday.
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The Warriors finished minor premiers after only dropping one game this season, before Inverell raided the major semifinal to take the grand final back to Varley Oval.
The Roosters on the other hand were coming in hot after taking care of the Boomerangs at home last week but couldn’t get in front of the relentless Warriors attack at Boggabilla on Sunday, scoring late for a 31-24 loss in the Roosters best season finish to date.
After only getting the club off the ground weeks before the season kicked-off, seeing the team qualify for a maiden grand final was just reward for president Peter Rice and his committee.
“It brought a tear to the eye,” Rice said.
“Who would have ever thought it possible.
“As you can imagine we are very relieved to be cleaning up the ground for the last time this year with one more away trip to go.”
The Warriors dusted themselves off well after the Hawks upset them the week before, although even with a 12 point lead skipper Dave McGrady knocked over a field goal just to make certain.
“There were no real stars today just a really good team effort,” Rice said.
“Everyone pulled their weight right across the park.
“We had a fair go and really deserved our victory.”
The Warriors now face a battle to have everyone fit for next weeks big game, with up to six regular top graders, including a run on front rower and playmaker in doubt with injury.
In reserve grade, the Boomerangs beat Inverell to line up a local derby grand final against the Moree Boars that is sure to have some feeling. In the U18s Ashford beat the Boars to book a decider against Inverell.
The Roosters will also feature in the league tag grand final, taking on the Moree Boars after they beat Inverell 36-nil on Sunday to have six clubs represented in next weeks big day at Varley Oval. The girls will kick-off at 11am.