THE Scone Thoroughbreds erased 12 months of heartache at Olympic Park on Sunday.
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Unlike last year’s A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Group 21 decider, which the Thoroughbreds lost in one of the longest league matches in history, they accounted for the Muswellbrook Rams 16-14 in regulation time.
But, the match still went down to the wire.
Muswellbrook had the opportunity to send the encounter into extra-time, however Jeffrey Saarikko’s penalty attempt in the 77th minute was waved away.
The game exploded from the opening minute, as tempers flared, and an all-in melee set the tone for a fiery fixture.
When the dust settled, it was the Rams who drew first blood.
Captain Cade Boney, a thorn in Scone’s side all afternoon, touched down in the 18th minute. Saarikko piloted the ball between the uprights and Muswellbrook led 6-0.
The Thoroughbreds hit back soon after when powerful centre Justin Apthorpe barged his way over the line. John Johnson converted, levelling things up at 6-all.
In the 30th minute, a piece of individual brilliance by Rams’ winger Lennie Craft put his team in front. Liam Dunn missed the sideline shot, but Muswellbrook enjoyed a 10-6 lead.
Both sides were reduced to 12 men following another heated blow-up, with Josh Watson (Scone) and Jacobe Dowell (Muswellbrook) receiving stints in the sin bin.
The Rams had the chance to surge further ahead, however Zac Webb dropped the ball over the tryline.
Scone responded quickly and second-rower Tim Watson scored in a handy position. Johnson added the extras – and the visitors secured the lead, 12-10, for the first time.
That advantage was short-lived as a Saarikko penalty tied it up at 12-all right on the stroke of half-time.
The second period was a dour affair, with heavy defence and a short 10 metres hampering any attacking forays.
Despite that, Muswellbrook moved ahead 14-12, courtesy of another Saarikko penalty.
And, again, Scone retaliated immediately.
Winger Tim Smith crossed in the corner and, even though Johnson missed the kick, the Thoroughbreds led 16-14 with 11 minutes left on the clock.
Muswellbrook threw everything it had at Scone in the final stages, however the men in “blue and white” remained resolute.
SCONE THOROUGHBREDS 16 (Justin Apthorpe, Tim Watson, Tim Smith tries; John Johnson 2 goals) defeated MUSWELLBROOK RAMS 14 (Cade Boney, Lennie Craft tries; Jeffrey Saarikko 3 goals)
