For the second season in a row, Narrandera has defeated Ivanhoe in a thrilling Proten Cup decider, with the Lizards needing extra time to beat the Roosters 20-14.
Playing in Goolgowi on Saturday, the undefeated Lizards took on the might of former NRL star Joel Thompson and his hard-hitting Roosters before a bumper crowd that cheered on every tackle, try, and thrilling moment from the enthralling country Rugby League contest.
In a topsy-turvy first half, Ivanhoe scored first via Clay Jones, with the second-rower powering his way over on the left edge.
Narrandera hit back to lead 6-4 after Caleb Atkinson scooted over from dummy-half before stepping and weaving his way through the Ivanhoe defence to score a terrific try.
As the first half wore on, Ivanhoe started to take advantage in the middle third of the field, and this momentum led to points, with the Roosters going ahead 10-4 after Jemaine Dixon crashed over from close range.
The Roosters went into the half-time break up by six points but would play the second half a man down after Jake Whyman was sent from the field for a high tackle.
As expected, the second half was an absorbing stanza of Rugby League, with Ivanhoe repelling attacking raid after attacking raid.
With five minutes left on the clock, it appeared the Roosters might hold on for the unlikeliest of wins.
The pressure finally told, and Narrandera's Jahrel Tereva crossed on the left touchline to level the scores at 10-all, which would remain the score at full-time.
An extra ten-minute period of extra time was locked in, and Ivanhoe powered ahead when Willie Charles scored on the left touchline, and the Roosters led 14-10.
The Lizards hit back before the buzzer, after Tereva crossed for his second try to lock the scores up at 14-all, leading to a second ten-minute period of extra time.
Both sides were out on their feet, when Lizards prop Kyle Prior broke the game wide open after making a break down the right edge.
It took four players to stop him, but before he was tackled, he got an arm free and offloaded to Kaijen Johnson, who scored the game-winner under the post.
Glen Borg potted the conversion and sealed the 20-14 victory before the buzzer.
Narrandera captain Nick 'Bundy' Brett touched on the moments following his side’s thrilling Grand final win.
“I’m just over the moon, and it’s so good for the community and the club,” he said.
“It was great to win, and Ivanhoe led for most of the game, so when the buzzer went, it was so overwhelming, and a fair bit of relief, too, because we didn’t play our best on the day, but we got up in the end, and that's all that matters.”
Brett was full of praise for a brave Ivanhoe outfit that was left to wonder what could have been for a second-consecutive year.
“Their forwards laid the platform, and we were struggling to keep them down,” he said.
“They did so good, and after they had that player sent off, they had their backs against the wall the whole second half, but they kept showing up, and they were just so tough.
“It’s a credit to them, and only that last try in the second half stopped them from winning.”
Both teams were well-supported on Saturday, and Brett believes the success of the 2023 Proten Cup competition proves that Rugby League is well and truly alive in the Riverina.
“It was awesome, the crowd was unbelievable, and it was good country footy,” he said.
“The Proten Cup is great, and days like today bring the community together, and throughout the season, we play that round-robin competition, and after each round, we all catch up with each other, and we get to see different mates from different towns, and there’s nothing like that.
“It’s also important as it connects these small communities and small clubs, and it's great for country Rugby League.
“Plus, the calibre of player has improved so much in recent years; it’s unbelievable, and all the young fellas, who wouldn't normally play, are coming back to play for their hometown and community, which is great.”
On a massive day in Goolgowi, it was a tough day to be an Ivanhoe Rooster, with their women's side also losing in heart-breaking fashion, going down 16-14 to the Barellan.
The Rams led 10-4 at the break and did enough to hold on for an epic two-point win over the Roosters.
Women's Grand Final
Barellan 16 (Brittany Everett, Sharni Winter, Amie Fazekas tries; Monique Higgins 2 goals) def Ivanhoe 14 (Niumai Serukabaivata, Nanise Tale, Bobbi-Lee Goolagong tries; Shailyn Williams goal)
Men's Grand Final
Narrandera 20 (Jahrel Tereva 2, Caleb Atkinson, Kaijen Johnson tries; Glen Borg 2 goals) def Ivanhoe 14 (Willie Charles, Jemaine Dixon, Clay Jones tries; Cassidy Evans goal)
