Old Boys inspire Colts’ hot streak
BY ALEX TIGANI
Who wins this Sunday?
It was the question we put forth to Scone Thoroughbreds first grade coach Adam Clydsdale and not even the former NRL star was brave enough to make a prediction.
“A few weeks ago, I would have said Denman but Greta is on a bit of a hot streak so I don’t know, I think it is going to be a pretty close game,” Clydsdale told The Hunter River Times.
The Denman Devils, who suffered a 68-6 defeat to Scone in the major semi-final, will now play host to Greta-Branxton Colts who have won three of their past four games.
The winner will playoff off against Scone on grand final day (Sunday, September 4), a stage neither side has reached since 2015.
The Colts bounced back from a heavy Round 14 defeat at Scone Park to annihilate Muswellbrook 52-10 on Old Boys Day.
They brought that energy into the finals to claim another come-from-behind 28-24 win against the Rams on Saturday.
Former club president and life member Jamie Kowalski said she was very proud to see the large crowd for the club’s final home game.
Past players led the first-grade side onto the ground before a minute’s silence was held for club legend David Axentieff.
“It is very special to see especially after returning to grade,” she reflected.
She predicted the Colts’ success prior to the finals.
“Scone has a strong side, and no one can take that away from them but we have a great bunch of kids within the club and we have a lot of faith in them this year,” she added.
“If not, this year then look out for them in the future.”
First year Greta-Branxton coach Brady Hammond was not as focussed on the Old Boys’ theme.
He continued coaching from the sidelines and assessing his best line-up.
He will now welcome Chris Walters back from injury and, if successful this Sunday, Charlie Wray and Brendan Neal may also be available for the grand final.
“I don’t think you can read into that last round too much; Muswellbrook had a few players out and we had a few as well,” he concluded.
“But in saying that the boys have been completing a lot better, everything has flowed a lot better these last few games.”