The Greta Branxton Colts won the Group 21 grand final at home with a hard-fought 18-16 victory against the Denman Devils.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In front of thousands of home-town supporters yesterday the Colts finished narrowly in front after a tense end-to-end battle and claimed their second top grade title in the Upper Hunter rugby league competition.
The game evoked memories of their maiden title, which was clinched at the same venue in 2009, and helped erase last year’s grand final loss to the same opponents.
“I know how much this means,” Colts coach Ron Griffiths said.
“Two premierships in nine years [since the club entered Group 21] is a fantastic achievement for the club.”
A sideline conversion on full-time would have levelled the game for Denman, but it shaved the upright, and instead the Colts were crowned champions.
An individual effort from Colts fullback Andrew Roberts, courtesy of a midfield chip and chase, led to a try and broke the 12-all deadlock with five minutes to go.
Both sides scored three tries each, one in the first half and two in the second, and it was 6-all at the main break.
Colts lock Joby Patten, who has played 200 first grade games in the Newcastle Rugby League, was named man of the match.
“This is my first win from five grand finals,” Patten said.
“And it just goes to show that grand finals aren’t won in the first minute or the tenth minute, they aren’t won until the final minute.”
See tomorrow’s Maitland Mercury for more coverage of the Group 21 grand final.