THE Leeton Greens had to settle with the runners-up title in the reserve grade grand final after they were defeated by Darlington Point-Coleambally on Sunday afternoon, 18-10.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Leeton started the brighter of the two sides and was able to make an impression on the scoreboard with Semi Rokodinono crossing for two tries in quick succession to see the Greens leading 10-0 at half-time.
Five minutes after the main break the Roosters were finally able to hit back with coach Trey Eldridge able to push his way across the line.
The Roosters were then able to hit the front seven minutes later with Phillip Hunter crossing in the corner and despite quite a stiff breeze to contend with Cassidy Evans was able to kick the conversion to make it 12-10.
Leeton was unable to rediscover their first-half form, and with just two minutes left on the clock, any chance of the Greens taking the lead back were dashed with Dylan Trembath getting over to secure the premiership with an eight-point win.
Leeton co-coach Shayne Roden said the side was disappointed with the loss.
"To our boys look, we've done really well to get here," he told the crowd after the game.
"I'm proud of you.
"It's been a tough year.
"This was a tough loss.
"Congratulations to the Roosters. Well done."
The Greens had to fight hard to make the Group 20 reserve grade grand final, playing every week of the finals series in order to cement their spot.
From the Roosters point of view, Eldridge paid credit to the way his side responded after half-time to the Greens after Leeton dominated the first stanza.
"It was a great day .. it was a hard effort," he said.
"Words can't describe what I'm feeling. It's just emotional times.
"Leeton played well in that first half, we just held on in the second to get that victory."
MORE SPORT
The skipper put his side's success in the second half down to the way they nullified one of the Greens main threats.
"We just had to watch Clinton Green and his right side," he said.
"They just carved us up all day. Just to put pressure on him. We did that in the second half, and we executed well."
The Greens will regroup and look to go one step further again next season as they continue to build their senior and junior sides for success.
It was a tough day at the office for the Leeton Galloping Greens after their league tag side also lost a close match against arch-rivals in the Yanco-Wamoon Hawks.
Group 20 grand final day results
- First grade: Darlington Point-Coleambally 30 d Waratah Tigers 18
- Reserve grade: Darlington Point-Coleambally 18 d Leeton Greens 10
- League tag: Yanco-Wamoon 12 d Leeton Greens 4
- Under 18s: Yenda Blueheelers 24 d Darlington Point-Coleambally 20
- Under 16s: Yenda Blueheelers 34 d West Wyalong Mallee Men 10
****
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Friday at 6am from The Irrigator. To make sure you're up to date with all news in Leeton sign up here.