The Kempsey Cannonballs’ reserve grade side left their run a little too late as they fell short of a miraculous comeback in their preliminary final against the Grafton Redmen.
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The nail-biting 24-22 loss ends the season for the Cannonballs, as the Redmen advance to face the Vikings in the grand final.
The Cannonballs were the better side for the majority of the contest but were let down by a 20-minute period in the first half when the Redmen crossed for three tries.
In a fast start to the contest, the Cannonballs crossed for the opening try as Iulio Tavete barged his way over to give his side a 5-0 lead.
However, the Cannons were punished for their inability to control the ball and a lack of intensity in defence.
Grafton crossed for three quick tires and were strong in defence to take a 19-5 lead into half-time.
The Cannonballs recaptured their groove to start the second half as Dre Barker got on the scorer’s sheet before Zac Tyne dove over to reduce the deficit to 19-15.
However, Grafton quickly reinstated their lead to 24-15.
The Cannonballs had one last surge in them as Iulio Tavete grabbed his second try to make it a two-point game.
Kempsey maintained the pressure on the Grafton defence but unfortunately time wasn’t on their side and they weren’t able to find the winning play.
Cannonballs reserve grade coach Matt Scott was pleased with the effort from his side.
“We started exactly how we wanted to but we weren’t able to go on with it and let them into the game,” Scott said.
“No one played bad. Everyone out there gave 100 per cent. I’m proud of the effort.
“The competition saw what we were made of at the back end of the season and I think the Vikings were happy when they saw us get beat on the weekend.”
It’s the second year in a row the club has been rocked by a string of injuries throughout the season and forced both senior sides to reshuffle their line up almost every week.
“It was a very enjoyable but frustrating season. I just hope the Cannonballs as a club can have an injury free season next year because with two fit squads I think the cannons can achieve big things,” Scott said.
“We are building very nicely as a club from Under-10s right through to first grade and the women’s side is included in that.”
It was the first year the Cannonballs field a women’s side and the club is hopeful they will return for the 2019 season.
The Vikings will face the Snappers in this Saturday’s first grade grand final.
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