Full, expanded column available in tomorrow’s Hillston Spectator
Tallon Smith
Leeton escaped from Yenda’s Wade Park with an unlikely two competition points after a heartstopping 33-32 win over the Blueheelers on Sunday courtesy of a last gasp Shanon Bradbrook field goal.
Down 28-0 at half time, Leeton mounted a comeback for the ages to level the game at 32-all in the dying stages.
Enter the evergreen Bradbrook, who stepped up to nail a last minute match-winning drop goal from 35 metres out and secure a memorable away victory for the Greenies.
After losing key members of their back-to-back premiership team over the past two years, including Hayden Philp, Cameron Bruest and Beniel Dakunibubului, Leeton have had many question marks hanging over them to start 2025.
However, a winning performance in a twelve-try shootout against a Yenda side coming off a preliminary final berth has provided some early season relief for a squad featuring some good emerging talent.
Leeton Secretary Manager Michael Thomas said the win was a massive boost for the club.
“I’ve been around footy for 20 years, and outside finals, that’s the best win I’ve been a part of,” he said.
After Bradbrook was sin binned during the comeback, 18-year-old young gun Caden Hillier stepped up to steer the team around the paddock in his absence, before the main man returned to slot the winner with 15 seconds remaining.
Greenies President Jade Butler said that the debutant’s involvement was crucial to the side securing victory.
“We brought on the superstar Caden Hillier, and I think he was the turning point in the game,” he said.
“The boys revved up at half time, Shan [Bradbrook] gave clear instructions as we came out of the sheds.
“We’ve got a few still out, so once they come back I think we’re going to go well.”
Doubles to Brandon Catlin and Braydon Doolan accounted for four of the Greenies’ six second half tries, matching Yenda’s total, as both teams kicked four of six conversions.
Meanwhile, Hay gave defending premiers DPC an almighty scare, leading the champions 20-18 late in their clash at Hay Park Oval.
However, it wasn’t to be for Chris Stewart’s men, with a late flurry of tries ensuring the Roosters got over the line 34-20 in a great game of footy.
The Griffith Waratah Tigers took out the local derby at the Exies Oval with a strong 42-14 victory over cross-town rivals Griffith Black and Whites.
The Tigers ran in seven tries to three in a dominant display, with hooker Sina Tatofi scoring two tries, while winger Ulu Akolo kicked seven goals from eight attempts.
While the Waratahs can bask in the glory of victory over their bitter rivals, Kodie Charles’ men will have to use the Easter Break to pick themselves up off the canvas, with the Black and Whites to travel to Darlington Point for the Grand Final rematch with DPC Sunday week.
Finally, Yanco-Wamoon scored a 34-16 victory over Tullibigeal-Lakes United at Lake Cargelligo Recreation Ground.
Having bulked up their pack and backline in 2025 with some key signings, the revitalised Hawks clicked into gear out at Lake, wasting no time in securing their first competition points of the season.
Battlers For Bush Footy 