Tallon Smith
West Wyalong completed an unbeaten season and claimed its first Group 20 under 18s title since 2008 after downing Yanco-Wamoon 10-8 in a thrilling grand final at EW Moore Oval on Sunday.
Only four tries were scored in a brutal defensive clash in warm conditions, with Nicholas Cooper’s lone conversion proving the difference as the Mallee Men claimed their fifth Harold Eckley Cup and first in 18 years.
After Dustin Bryant gave West Wyalong a 4-0 lead, the Hawks hit back twice in the opening half through Luke Anderson and Rhett Mealing to take an 8-4 lead into the break.
Facing their first half time deficit all season, the Mallee Men found their response with 17 minutes remaining when hooker Nate Pursehouse crossed, with Cooper’s boot putting the minor premiers back in front 10-8.
Both sides had numerous chances from there, and the Hawks tested the Mallee Men’s defence on several occasions, but in the end West Wyalong held on to claim a nerve-racking two-point victory in a remarkable grand final.
Victorious captain and Len Bertoldo Medallist Will Tulloch said the victory was “so good” for the side and the club, but gave credit to Yanco, which gave his undefeated team its biggest test of the season in the final match.
“They really gave us a tough game,” he said.
“There was two points in it, so it was very close and a nail-biter, but we’re so happy to get away with that and [it’s a] really good completion [to] the season for us.
“It’s actually the first time we’ve been down in the first half, Yanco were our toughest opponent all year, and it really had us biting our nails, but we came back and they didn’t make it easy.
“It was really good from the boys to get up and get the win.”
An inspirational leader who played plenty of first grade this season, Tulloch was rewarded for yet another outstanding performance with the Len Bertoldo Medal as best on ground.
The front rower said receiving the accolade in a premiership victory meant “so much” to him, though the announcement took him by surprise.
“I didn’t even realise they announced me, and everyone was cheering,” he said.
“It’s so surreal, it doesn’t even feel like I’m holding it now, it’s just amazing.”
The victory is West Wyalong’s first title in any senior grade since it won the last of its four consecutive reserve grade premierships in 2015.
WEST WYALONG 10 (Dustin Bryant, Nate Pursehouse tries; Nicholas Cooper goal) DEFEATED YANCO-WAMOON 8 (Luke Anderson, Rhett Mealing tries) at EW Moore Oval, Sunday September 20.
