One point is all that separated Waratahs from defending their premiership win.
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After going through 2016 undefeated, the Wagga club just failed to end the unbeaten season of Leeton’s on Saturday.
It would have made them the first club to defend a title since their premiership wins in 2010 and 2011.
Despite a less than ideal preparation and plenty of injuries to key men, Waratahs nearly came away with the shock result from Leeton No.1 Oval.
After Matt Shortis scored with two minutes left, Waratahs five-eighth Xavier Chigwidden had the chance to win it but his conversion attempted faded away.
It left Leeton 30-29 winners.
Coming so close to a repeat premiership, Waratahs coach Angus Macleod could not have been prouder of the fight his team showed.
“There is no question about it – the boys did an absolute stellar job,” Macleod said. “Everyone had written us off so to only lose by one point, and potentially win the game, just shows the calibre of the guys who played and the belief they have in each other.”
Coming into the role this season, the first-year coach was also impressed by the Phantoms.
“At the end of the day Leeton were just too good,” Macleod said.
“They capitalised on our mistakes and while we probably dominated possession but any time we have them the boy we capitalised on it.
“We knew that was going to be the case but there was just one more time we needed to do it and we didn’t do it.”
Waratahs have struggled with illness throughout the finals and lost fullback Euan Bonner right the before the clash.
It meant Corey Toole, who had already played a full game of second grade, came in and the schoolboy sensation did not disappoint.
He was electric on the wing while replacement fullback Tom Hobbs played his best game yet.
Waratahs also lost key forwards Austin Wallace, Joe Mullany and Sam Bunny throughout the clash.
Macleod thought it took a heavy toll.
“The injuries didn’t help,” he said.
The first grade loss ended a disappointing day for the club.
After winning all three men’s grand finals last year all three had the chance to defend their crowns.
However all fell just short.
“Today’s result is an indication of the season,” Macleod said.
“We finished second to them once again today but the club having three grades in today had a good season.
“We just weren’t victorious.”
