WALLAMBA Bulls have shrugged off recent lethargic performances to stifle the challenge of the Wauchope Thunder in a bruising, sudden-death affair to shoulder their way into next Saturday's Kennards Hire grand final against the Manning River Ratz at Taree Rugby Park.
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If the preliminary final of the Lower Mid North Coast rugby premiership was not all sparkling, length-of-the-field movements, it was fierce, non-stop, absorbing rugby. Few left Lank Bain Sporting Complex without having enjoyed the four tries to two and 22-12 encounter.
And it was tough football, really tough There will be some aching bodies among the two teams this morning.
Referee Greg Boyer, strong, fit, brave enough and good enough for Tests and, like the best in the business, rarely seen, smiled later and said dispassionately: "It was hard rugby all right. Four yellow cards for one side and three for the other," about the men he despatched to the bin.
Wallamba's coach Peter White said of Saturday's grand final: "It'll be tough, a really good game. But I have full trust in my team. Put your money on us."
The Thunder's decision to return to the Lower M.N.C. competition last season after four years in the Upper M.N.C. competition was heaven-sent for the local game. It is a long trip from Wauchope to Forster and back, 230 kilometres or so, and it requires dedication to continue the journeys for a long rugby winter.
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Wauchope had an exceptional women's team last year. They won the premiership in a canter and they are in the grand final again this year, to play Wallamba, winners of the preliminary final against the injury-crippled Gloucester Cockies, 65-5.
The game began in pleasingly benign conditions on a well-grassed field with an awkward cross-breeze. In a game always destined to be low-scoring, Wallamba were the first to strike, prop Beau Collins barrelling through a tangle of forwards for the try.
The Bulls' captain and veteran flanker, Daniel Hessing, joined in a back line movement and when it appeared about to break down, his magical pass sent Chris Tout through for the try , and a lead of 12-0 at half-time.
While the Bulls' scrum remains a problem area, there is much to admire about their back row's work and the back line's strength and penetration, from the half-back combination of Brannon Murray and Jacob Samoa, through to centres James Handford and Jake Schumacher to fullback Chris Simon.
It was halfback Murray's splendid, weaving run which led to the Bulls' fourth try, and sealed the Thunder's fate.
