LEETON Phantoms second grade celebrated a close win against the Wagga Waratahs on Saturday that now propels them into the Southern Inland Rugby Competition grand final.
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The efficacious team downed the Waratahs, 13-10 at No. 1 Oval.
Their close win will now have the Phantoms travel to Wagga this weekend to meet with Hay in the grand final.
Club president and second grade player Bart Challacombe attributed the win to the team’s attitude.
“We played the full game, right to the very end,” he said.
“It was determination to win.”
Challacombe said that the Phantoms will be training as normal leading up to the grand final game, with a focus on being as prepared as possible.
“Last time we played Hay it was a tie,” he said.
“We are pretty confident we can match them, but it’s going to be a close game. As long as we can match them in the forwards.
First grade co-coach Liam Ward said Matt Allen had done an outstanding job coaching second grade this year.
“Every time he gets a good player, he feeds them to first grade,” Ward said.
Ward said first grade, who was knocked out on Saturday, will be at the grand final game to support the team in their quest for the premiership.
“They will be 100 percent prepared,” Ward said. “Matt will train them hard.”
The already influential team was boosted by key players from first grade on Saturday. The skills of Maika Vunibake and Soli Fili bolstered the team.
Fans turned out in droves to cheer for the team and playing for a home crowd no doubt encouraged the team to end the game with a win.
Tries for the Phantoms on Saturday were scored by Marika Vunibaka and Maika Ravouvou.
Aaron Leeson-Woolley scored a penalty goal.
Ward said that he felt for Brendon Courney.
“He was the best player second grade had,” he said.
“He broke his leg two weeks ago against Albury.
“I feel for him to have to sit on the sideline for the grand final, but that’s football.”
