Wagga Kangaroos have booked a date with the Tumut Blues in Sunday’s Group 9 decider marking their first grand final appearance since 2009.
They won their way into the match with a 36-22 victory over the Temora Dragons in the preliminary final played in Tumut last Sunday.
The Roos hopped straight into action with big men Luke Ingram and James Hay taking the fight to Temora’s pack - the pair were involved in some big collisions as the Wagga side worked their way past the advantage line time and again.
On the back of multiple Temora errors and penalties, the Kangaroos shot out to a 16-0 lead after only 20 minutes.
Oliver Hoskins scored his side’s first try when crashing over from close range, and when Latrell Siegwalt converted, the Wagga side led 6-0 after jusy five minutes.
Ryan Cronin and veteran Matthew Pike continued Wagga’s charge through the middle, and fellow forward James Hay was rewarded for an energetic opening stanza with a try.
Siegwalt made no mistake and the Kangaroos led 12-0 after 14 minutes.
James Smart took advantage of his side’s go forward, with the playmaker continually using the strong breeze kicking to the far right corner, which had the already-tired Dragons pack retreating.
It was a Smart cross-field kick that led to his side’s third try with Izak Ford flying high to score in front of the Hobby and Madigan Hills.
Temora earned a penalty against the run of play and following a good Josh McCrone touch-finder, the Dragons were camped in enemy territory.
After spending most of their attacking set on the left edge, the Dragons eventually went right with McCrone and Jock Ward combing to put James Stewart over.
Hamish Starr missed the conversion attempt, but Temora was back in the game trailing 16-4.
Smart, playing one of his best games, led Wagga downfield before halftime crossing for a critical try.
Siegwalt converted, and Wagga took a 22-4 lead into the half-time break.
It was a testy first few minutes of the second half, but Temora struck first through utility Jaiden Burke.
Then in a clever interchange of play, Hamish Starr scooted to the blind but passed back inside to Stewart, who crossed for his second of the day.Starr converted, and with 32 minutes left in the game, Temora trailed 22-10.
Errors continued to cruel Temora’s momentum, gifting Kangaroos good field position after points.
Wagga didn’t need a second invitation finishing off a slick right-edge play with Siegwalt, who scored and converted his own try to take Kangaroos ahead 28-10 after 55 minutes.
Minutes later, Siegwalt potted an easy penalty conversion and Wagga were up 30-10 with just under 20 minutes left on the clock.
Temora mounted a comeback, scoring two quick tries to bring the scores back to 30-22 after 75 minutes.
Firstly, McCrone put a barnstorming Tyler Madden into a hole, then McCrone again with cross-field kick for Starr, who scored and converted his own try.
Still, the Kangaroo were on the move and sealed the game with an Ingram try.
Siegwalt put the exclamation mark on proceedings by converting the try, with the Roos triumphing 36-22.
The Wagga outfit will now prepare for their first Grand Final since 2009 as they look to end a 14-year premiership drought.
They meet the Tumut Blues at McDonald’s Park on Sunday and it will be a tough test.
Tumut has hit top gear in recent weeks, registering big wins over Temora and Kangaroos to qualify for the grand final.
