Best Finish Possible for Thoroughbreds

By David Casson

2016 finished off in the best way for Scone RLFC converting two grand final spots into Premierships.

The Ladies League Tag were chasing their third consecutive title and while having another successful year, picking up the Minor Premiership again, they were not going to take the only team to beat them in two years, lightly.

The first half saw Scone dominating procession and position on the field but it was not until the last minute of the stanza which saw Maddy Adams cross for her first.

A 6:0 scoreline didn’t really reflect the game, but the Thoroughbreds were happy to have the lead.

The second half saw Greta Branxton with some more football, however a length of the field effort from Player of the Match, Maddy Adams saw her cross in the corner to increase the margin to 10:0.

Scone maintained the pressure and it was Captain Coach Sofie Casson who finished off the scoring when she kicked on the last tackle, chased hard and managed to get her foot to the ball again for it to bounce back to her and allow a try under the post.

Charmaine Bloomfield converted this also for the final 16:0 scoreline.

First Grade

The first grade saw Scone returning for its second consecutive appearance, following last years incredible match and loss to Denman.

Whilst the locals won the Minor Premiership, a loss in the major semi final to their opponents Muswellbrook ensured that they had to get to the last game of the year the hard way.

For the older spectators, the match was a trip down memory lane with a number of scuffles and altercations taking place in both halves.

A flair up occurred within the first few sets and this set the trend for the game with a player from each side having time in the sin bin after one such event.

It took around 20 minutes for Muswellbrook to register first points on the board with a converted try to Captain Cade Boney.

Scone responded quickly however and Justin Apthorpe crossed for John Johnson to convert – locking the scores up. Muswellbrook crossed in the corner after this but the conversion was missed.

Scone supporters were on their feet when Tim Watson scored and Johnson’s conversion gave the Thoroughbreds the lead 12:10. A penalty to Muswellbrook before half time saw the scores level at the break

The highlight of the second half was the toughness of both teams with massive runs and heats receiving cheers of support.

Another penatly conversion gave Muswellbrook a 14:12 lead until a terrific run from young Lachlan Walmsley led to a try on the other side of the paddock by Tim Smith.

The conversion was missed but Scone had the lead 16:14 with less than 10 minutes to go.

Muswellbrook had the chance to level scores again with a penalty however the shot went wide, much to the Thoroughbred supporter’s delight.

The team responded to the continual shouts of encouragement from the large blue and white contingent and managed to hold on for a memorable, and well deserved win.

Scott Pennell, president of the Scone Thoroughbreds was ecstatic with the display of both teams and the level of support that the town was able to muster for the games – “the girls were fantastic again today and to record their third consecutive premiership is an outstanding effort.”

“There is not much luck in their performance – they train as hard and as long as the boys and these efforts are rewarded,” he said.

“It is 10 years since we have had a first grade premiership and it is a massive relief for all concerned that we are back in the winning circle.

“It was disappointing that Daniel Ritter, our Captain Coach missed the game from last week’s injury, however the rest of the team stood up and knew that they had to rise to the occasion to compensate for Daniel not being on the paddock.

“There were plenty of nervous moments, but we have to thank our wonderful Thoroughbred family for their support and help in making this day such a success,” he said.

“Special mention to Player of the Match John Johnson who received the same award the last time we won a grand final – 10 years ago,” said Scott Pennell.