Scanlon Shield Success for Scone
BY ALEX TIGANI
Expect another successful season for the Scone Thoroughbreds.
The Group 21 powerhouse won all three grades in the annual Scanlon Shield competition only six months after winning all four 2022 senior grand finals at home.
Adam Clydsdale’s first grade line-up defeated Aberdeen 18-0 in the pool stage thanks to tries from Jack Pennell, Jarrod wicks and Jared Austin.
Pennell, the reserve grade grand final hero of 2022, made all three conversions.
The Thoroughbreds played off against Greta Branxton in the tournament decider, the final of twelve matches held at Scone Park that afternoon.
Though the final scores were 18-18, the Thoroughbreds were named as the winner given they had scored the opening try of the final.
Under 18 players Riley Pennel and Brady Roser and youngsters Ashton Frost, Junah Warden, Thomas Dahmes and Hamish Watts all gained some first grade experience.
After a 48-4 victory over Denman, Scone’s under-18 side advanced to the final and celebrated a 28-0 win over Aberdeen.
The club’s Ladies League Tag side, a force which has claimed six of the Group’s seven titles, also impressed onlookers.
They defeated Denman 58-0 and dominated Aberdeen in a 50-0 tournament final victory.
The opening round of Bengalla Hunter Valley Group 21 season will take place on Saturday, April 15. Reigning premier Scone will play host to Muswellbrook (first grade and under-18) and Murrurundi (Ladies League Tag) while reserve grade has a bye.