Teams from the Bengalla Hunter Valley Group 21 competition have had a chance to check out their opponents prior to the season starting next week at the annual Scanlon Shield tournament.
It was Greta Branxton Colts who lifted the Shield on Sunday in Scone, defeating Muswellbrook Rams 30 to 12.
“We’ve got a lot of missing people, that are not on the field today, but we knew if we could play our top football and the footy we want to play, we knew we would go deep in this comp, and we’re just glad to come away with the win,” Colts captain Tylar Carter said after the final match.
“Playing in this heat, back-to-back games, takes it out of you mentally and it’s just good to finish one off and get the win. But all the games, all the boys played well, and I’m very happy with how everyone performed from our club.”
This just boosts the confidence the Colts have going into the 2025 season; with a coach they have faith in coming on board this year and a team they believe has what it takes to come out on top come grand final time.
The atmosphere at Scone Park was one of excitement throughout the day, with spectators packing the grounds to support their clubs, and group president Mark Bowditch shared they were rewarded with some great action on the field.
“It was a great day of football, it all started out this morning with the 18s kicking off, and it was a hard-fought game and very close competition,” he said.
“There were only two points in them going through the competition, and the two strongest teams in the under 18s played out in the final, which turned out to be a bit of a runaway for Singleton winning.”
Scores were as close through the first-grade competition, with two points in it come the final whistle in most games.
The final was a rematch of the opening first grade game of the day, which had ended in a draw between the Rams and Colts.
“It was fitting to see them come together again in the final and play that out, and it’s unfortunate that Muswellbrook was a bit tired in the end but to Greta Branxton, all the best for them, congratulations,” Mark said.
“They just went around the top and they showed that they’re going to be a force to reckon with again in 2025, but from what we’ve seen today, all first-grade competitions it’s going to be a really close, comfortable competition, and it’s going to showcase some excellent football.”
The Group 21 season kicks off next Thursday, April 24, at Greta.
RESULTS
Under 18s
Scone 10 – Aberdeen 4
Singleton 12 – Aberdeen 0
Grand Final – Singleton 18 – Scone 0
First Grade
Aberdeen 12 – Denman 10
Muswellbrook 12 drew Greta Branxton 12
Singleton 28 – Scone 6
Greta Branxton 16 – Singleton 10
Grand Final – Greta Branxton 30 – Muswellbrook 12
