The Old Bar Pirates overcame a slow start to secure a 26-12 victory over the Macleay Valley Mustangs in the Under 18.5s Group Three Rugby League grand final today.
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The Pirates ran riot in the opening 40-minutes as they raced to a 26-0 lead before the Mustangs got on the board.
The Pirates overcame a nervous start to run riot in the contest, as the Mustangs were outclassed across the park.
Pirates' starting props Kane Evans and Sam Wilkes laid the platform as they caused havoc with almost every run.
Old Bar's five-eighth Drey Mercy was involved in the majority of the Pirates points.
The Mustangs had the better opportunities in the opening stages of the fixture but Old Bar's determined defence kept them at bay.
In their first attacking opportunity, the Pirates made it count as Evans barged his way over from close range.
The Pirates doubled their advantage when winger Jake Saunders scooped up a loose ball, ran in field, found a gap and dove over to give his side a 12-0 lead.
Old Bar's dominance continued when Mercy attacked the short side and strolled over to take a 16-0 lead into the break.
Half-time did nothing to help the minor premiers as Old bar continued to cut their defence to pieces.
A brilliant attacking play which started with an offload from Wilkes, resulted in Zac Power, who was awarded the man of the match, turning Mustangs defenders inside out on his way to the try line.
With 17-minutes remaining, the Mustangs' chance at a remarkable comeback were decreased as backrower McKye Tucknott was sent to the sin bin.
But despite being down a man, the Mustangs scored their first points when winger Miles Montga leaped highest to score in the corner to reduce the deficit to 26-6.
Interchange centre Shaydan Close crossed in the corner to give the Mustangs a glimmer of hope with five minutes left but they weren't able to overcome the 14-point deficit.
Pirates coach Andrew Wilkes said his side started strongly for the first time in the finals series.
"It was a pleasant change,'' Wilkes smiled.
"It was a hot day and it was a 19 man effort today. I think our match fitness helped. The Mustangs haven't played much footy in the last month.''
Wilkes agreed that second rower Sam Power was outstanding.
Mustangs coach Reuben Jones was proud of his side for reaching the grand final but was disappointed they didn't play to their potential.
"I know they are a quality team but we didn't play like it today," Jones said.
"It's disappointing because I know how good they are but we went away from our game plan and got into a forward battle with them.
"They are a much bigger side than us and we were out-muscled."
Jones wants his side to hold onto the pain of this grand final defeat and use it to inspire them next season.
An ugly all-in brawl two-minutes from full-time smeared a quality game.
A Pirates player was sin binned while a Mustangs player was sent from the field and another sin binned.