A CONTENTIOUS try in the final minute of game on Sunday meant the Macleay Valley Mustangs suffered a heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Wauchope Blues.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Leading 30-28 in the closing moments at Lank Bain Oval, the Mustangs were on the verge of sealing their grand final spot.
But their opponents scored in the corner in what - to the Mustangs - appeared to be a double movement.
The visitors' appeals went unheeded though, with the Blues awarded the try and consequently the win by a 34-30 margin.
To add to the Mustangs' frustration, they were denied what would have been a match-winning try by Owen Blair, after it was ruled he had received a forward pass.
Mustangs president Dave Fernando said there were encouraging signs for his side in the game, despite what he viewed as the significant impact of refereeing decisions on the final result.
“The guys really stuck to their guns and put a lot of pressure on Wauchope,” he said.
“We were able to match them for the majority of the match, which we didn’t do when we played them three weeks ago.
"We also had a couple of players out, which I think made a difference.”
The absence of playmakers Lachie Walker and Richie Roberts did not stop the visitors from scoring the first try of the match.
Dennis Smith combined with David Davis to break through the Blues' defensive ranks to cross over for the opener.
It did not take Wauchope long to respond as the sides traded tries in the first half, with the score 12-12 at the break.
The game continued in the same vein after half-time, with neither side able to land a decisive blow.
It all came down to the final few minutes, with the Blues progressing to what will be a home grand final.
The Mustangs will take on the Old Bar Pirates in the preliminary final at Verge St oval this Sunday
With both Roberts and Walker returning for the do-or-die fixture, Fernando believes the side has what it takes to go on and win the ultimate prize.
“I think if we win this weekend, Wauchope will be worried,” he said.
“The way we are playing at the moment, it will take a lot to stop us.
"The guys are playing a very disciplined brand of footy at the moment, which is great to see.”
The Mustangs reserve side suffered a fate similar to their first grade counterparts, losing 20-32 to the Port Macquarie Sharks.
They will take on the Port City Breakers this weekend.
