A late try to John Blackmore proved just enough for Wagga City to take an entertaining second grade premiership.
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Waratahs powered back into the contest in the second half, but couldn’t sustain the pressure from the Boiled Lollies late in the contest as their Wagga rivals scored a 22-17 win.
Trailing 17-15 after a penalty goal to Shane Lutze, City worked the ball down the field before Blackmore crashed over to score.
It helped him claim the Warwick Tout Memorial Medal as the best player in the decider.
Blackmore was just thrilled to have played his part for the team.
“It was a pretty good day but it is a team effort and I was just lucky enough to be there at the right time (to score),” Blackmore said.
“I’m very happy with the season, the boys were good all year and it is very well deserved.”
As captain Josh Crockatt said after the win, Wagga City definitely made it hard for themselves.
They had two players yellow carded in the win, but still managed to come out on top.
Both Brenden Maxwell and Crockatt were given their marching orders in the second half.
It helped Waratahs hit back after trailing 15-7 at half-time.
Paul Ferguson scored off a nice ball from Damien Roach to get the Tahs within a point before the penalty goal following Crockatt’s card gave Waratahs the lead for the first time since the midway point of the second half.
Waratahs has started brilliantly as they looked to defeat City, who only lost twice all season, for the first time in four meetings.
Captain Rhys Greentree scored for Waratahs win minutes into the clash before Wagga City started to turn the momentum around.
They scored three tries in seven minutes to set the pace.
Firstly James Blanchard crashed over before five minutes later James Tora broke through the Waratahs defence to score.
City kept the pressure on and two minutes later Drew Martin slammed the ball down in the corner to score after a strong break by Gordon Lagaali.
City had all the momentum but Waratahs kept on coming.
Boiled Lollies coach Scott L’Estrange was impressed with how his team were able to get into the grind and turn it around.
“There was a couple of heart stopping moments there right at the end, but I always had faith in the boys and what we have been doing throughout the year,” L’Estrange said.
“It is good to see us come away with the win and end a very big drought for our club in the second grade comp.”
He thought their ability to overcome having a man down twice was a positive.
