Gunnedah’s final round victory was as delightful to watch for their supporters as much it was a reminder of what could have been.
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The Red Devils were sensational in the first half to lead 24-0 at the break before closing out a 43-12 victory.
Gunnedah were resigned to missing the finals some weeks ago but there was still plenty to play for.
It was not only scrum half Dave Heyman’s last game for the club but also Jason Waerea’s last as coach.
The matches also doubled as a Drought Support Day with first grade donning special green jerseys, which were auctioned off, with all money raised being donated to Aussie Helpers and Rotary 2380.
That sum amounted to roughly $25,000.
Waerea said the combination of factors saw the Red Devils produce their best.
“The boys were pretty committed to today, very passionate about the cause for the day and, I guess, they wanted to finish on a high,” Waerea said.
The boys were pretty committed to today, very passionate about the cause for the day and, I guess, they wanted to finish on a high.
- Jason Waerea
”They’ve been disappointed in the last two home games with a draw and losing by one point to Barraba.
“But ultimately, they’ve realised the year for them has been a little bit inconsistent but when we’ve got the best team on the paddock, we’re competitive with anyone.”
The first two times the Red Devils entered Scone’s 22 on Saturday at Rugby Park, they scored.
First points went to Darrell Morrison before Matthew Neilson crossed to hand Gunnedah a 12-0 lead after 14 minutes.
The Red Devils crossed for another two tries in the half before continuing their dominant performance in the second half.
They racked up a further three tries in the second stanza while the Brumbies snagged two of their own including the final of the match.
That particular try saw Scone counterattack through Dale Robinson who then put a kick in just as he was about to be forced into touch which found Josh Pickering who scored. Trent Jorgenson scored Scone’s other try while Morrison and Neilson grabbed doubles for Gunnedah and Matt Pardesi, Matt Hannay and Jeremy Brown also crossed.
