League tag
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LEETON has finished runner-up in the inaugural Country Rugby League League Tag Premiers Challenge.
Played at Scone last weekend, the Greens came up short in the final, falling to Kiama 14-6.
The tournament featured premiers from Groups 3 to 21, plus four Groups providing second-placed teams. There were 16 teams in total playing in four pools and each team played three matches with the top two from each pool advancing to the finals.
Greens coach David Warburton was impressed his side made the grand final.
"We took away the squad from the (Group 20) grand final, but we had a limited preparation because we were on such a high after the grand final," Warburton said.
"What our girls achieved was just outstanding. The competition was a surprise for me.
"I thought the competition wouldn't be as high as it was, then I watched the first game and thought we were in for a shock.
"I was pretty impressed with a lot of sides - impressed with the competition. It was a big thing to get through the pool and be on top."
As well as travel time, the Greens had to combat temperatures into the 30s and injuries.
The final was a display of talent and skill.
The Kiama defence was on the ball and twice stopped a flying Sophie Welsh.
The Greens were first to score through Eliza Baddock after repeated pressure on the Kiama line and led 6-0 throughout the first half.
Kiama's first points came through a try right on half-time and then it struck again straight after the break, finding a hole in Leeton's strong defence.
One final try at the death wrapped up the win.
"Although they were hurting, they were really keen to do their best," Warburton said.
"They wanted to finish on top, in the final they were keen to go on with it.
"There was a lot of defence. The girls got to where they couldn't physically go on.
"They did dig deep, they just done as much as they could.
"The other sides were a bit older, a bit more experienced."
Warburton said the Scone Football Club provided great support for the Greens, particularly former Leeton residents Scott and Hayley Pennell.