After a narrow 12 – 6 lose against Dapto in the 2016 Grand Final, it was redemption day for the Butchers Reserve grade team.
Once again under the guidance of coach (Danny) Ostwald, who is forging his own successfully coaching career, a long side his famous fathers, the Reserve grade team have made the big dance.
After finishing 2nd in the regular season by 1 point to Collies, the two teams would meet twice more before the end of the year.
In the major semi the Butchers defeated the Dogs in extra time 28 to 26. moving straight through to the grand final. Collies were then forced to play Dapto who they defeated, setting up a mouth watering rematch of the two best reserve grade teams in 2017.
It was a superb September day at WIN stadium for the Grand Final, sunshine with a slight breeze perfect for finals footy.
The Butchers struck first in the 8th minute of the game through a clever offload from back rower Eric Newbigging to ever present fullback Nathan Hore. The try was converted and the Butchers lead 6 nil.
The game was back and forward for the remained of the half with Thirroul’s defence out standing. Collies final broke through in the 35th minute of the half after a kick By Holdsworth was charged down and regathered, he sprinted 6o meters to score adjacent to the posts.
Scores tied 6 all at the break.
With Thirroul giving away plenty of penalties in the first half, I’m sure coach Ostwald addressed this for the final 35 minutes.
The second half started similar to the first with Thirroul scoring in the 41st minute. Jacob Devine running the perfect line off a face ball from Jared Prosser. With the conversion unsuccessful the Butchers lead 10 – 6 with half an hour to play.
With play back and forwards again it wasn’t long until Collies hit back through their centre Bray who carried 3 defenders over the line to score wide out, with the conversion unsuccessful the scores were locked up again.
Under 20 minutes remaining seen the Butchers go over to steal back the lead with a neat little inside ball to Tom Simpson who scored near the post. With both kickers struggling, this time the conversion was hit sweetly over the black dot. Thirroul once again lead 16 to 10 going into the final minutes of the game.
But the scoring wasn’t finished there, Collies fullback Jordan Hardy pinched an intercept and ran 90 meters to place the ball right under the cross bar. Scores again tired up after and easy conversion.
Just over 3 minutes remained in the game, it was looking more likely that again their would be extra time played between the two teams.
The Butchers rolled down field and positioned themselves nicely for a last ditch attempt at winning the game with a field goal and thats all it took as 5/8 Corey Tulloch from 22 out slotted it.
The game ended on a sour note with an all in brawl from the kick off but the redemption was complete with the Butchers running out winners 17-16.
Man of the match went to Thirroul 5/8 Corey Tulloch
