A DESIRE to erase the memory of last year’s grand final defeat against Goulburn inspired Thirlmere to emerge triumphant with a 19-16 win over Oakdale in Sunday’s Group 6 first grade grand final at Community Oval.

Moss Vale High teacher Matt Carlyon, who bagged a double, was man of the match and Mittagong’s Shane Martin(pictured) ran the Roosters offence at halfback.

Deserved victors, the Roosters went through the season undefeated but almost faltered at the final hurdle against a tough Oakdale outfit.

Thirlmere led 19-12 late in the game but Worker Jamie Blewitt crossed in the corner to give the Roosters a late scare with four minutes to go.

Oakdale were right in the game at the hour mark after Ben Fryer locked it up 12-12 but a Workers fumble from the kick-off gave Chris Heap the easiest of tries and Thirlmere led 18-12. Leading 12-6 at the break, Roosters coach Jamie Horner rallied his troops.

“We were throwing passes about willy-nilly, so I told the boys to stick to our structure,” he said.

“But credit to Oakdale, they came here to play and to win and they frustrated us. It’s good to get the bitter taste of losing last year’s grand final out of our mouths.”

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Wednesday, September 3

sport.highlandnews@ruralpress.com