It’s quite incredible what can happen in a month of Rugby League.
In late July, the Yenda Blueheelers were on the wrong end of a four-game losing streak and looked set to miss the Group 20 finals.
With their season on the line, the James Dole-coached Blueheelers found some bite to add to their bark.
Travelling to Yanco in Round 13 the Blueheelers defeated the Hawks 44-40.
Heading into Round 14 there was talk that Yenda didn't deserve to be in the hunt for finals, but they were proving they had a right to be in the top five.
Again on the road, they travelled to Hay and clipped the Magpies wings to win 44-4.
With the first round of finals kicking off last weekend, most pundits had written fifth-placed Yenda off, with fourth-placed West Wyalong Mallee Men expected to be too big and strong in their Elimination final at Ron Crowe Oval.
On the road for the fourth week in a row, travel fatigue didn't stop the Blueheelers knocking off the Mallee Men 26-20 in an extra-time thriller.
Yenda coach James Dole explained it was a “fingernail biting battle” as the two sides fought tooth and nail after finishing 20-20 at the end of regular time.
In extra time Yenda halves Isaiah Little-Buerckner and Henry Taylor inspired the win linking up for a chip-and-chase try, which Little-Buerckner scored to send his side into the second week of finals.
"It was a huge win and a major confidence boost for us," Dole said.
"I don't think anyone would be far off from saying it was a shock result. We were the clear underdogs, especially going on our previous form against West Wyalong."
Dole said an attitude adjustment had made all the difference to his side.
"We've really tried to work on our attitude, energy, and body language," Dole said.
"Plenty of people were writing us off, but it showed the previous weeks against Yanco and Hay, and the boys are back believing again, which got us over the line against West Wyalong."
Additionally, the Blueheelers have welcomed back from injury key players for finals, which has boosted their chances.
On Saturday, Yenda will host the Leeton Galloping Greens in the Minor Semi-final at Wade Park.
Leeton lost to the Darlington Point-Coleambally Roosters 38-30 in their Qualifying final in Leeton on Sunday.
"We put a big focus on playing at home; Yenda at Yenda is our motto, and while we haven't got the job done a few times this season, it will be exciting to play at home and host a good side like Leeton," Dole said.
"We've shown everyone what we can do."
In terms of preparation, Dole will be sticking with what has worked best.
"I've been thinking about this the last couple of days and I don't want to stray away from what we've done the last few weeks," Dole said.
"We prepped really well against Hay and did the same against West Wyalong, and that's what we can do this week as we prepare for Leeton.”
There are no second chances for Leeton or Yenda - the winner can look forward to taking on the Major Semi-final loser between the Griffith Black and Whites and Darlington Point-Coleambally Roosters. They play at Solar Mad Stadium on Sunday.
Click here for Group 20 draws and results.
