The Crookwell Green Devils have secured the George Tooke Shield for 2018, defeating a gutsy North Canberra Bears side by 22-16 in the grand final last Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It was Crookwell’s first title in over a decade confirming their supremacy this season as they lost just one game through the entire year.
It was a tale of contrasting halves as Crookwell raced out of the blocks to lead 4-0 after just a minute of the first half.
READ MORE: Devils vs Bears in grand final showdown
They dominated most of the first stanza building a 16-0 halftime lead.
Crookwell went further ahead early in the second half with a converted try to lead 22-0 and the locals were about to party.
However the Bears held their composure and on the back of some consecutive sets they began to mount a comeback.
READ MORE: Junior League celebrates players
They scored two tries midway through the half to make the Crookwell supporters put the chilled Champagne back in the esky for a while with the score at 22-12.
Another Bears try just four minutes from full time had Crookwell fans reaching for the Valium at 22-16.
In a last desperate raid, North Canberra came up just short but they had scared the life out of the Green Devils who nearly lost the unloosable premiership.
It was a remarkable effort by North Canberra, but in the end the most consistent and strongest team in the competition, Crookwell, deserved their George Tooke Title.
In the Youth league grandfinal, Harden/Boorowa were brave in defeat against the minor premiers Yass Magpies going down by 10-2.
This game was always expected to be a battle of the defences and it didn’t disappoint.
A lone penalty goal to Harden/Boorowa midway through the first half saw the unusual score line of 2-0 at the break before Yass crossed the stripe twice in the second half to win 10-2.
The locals can be very proud of their season despite falling just short of the ultimate prize.
The league tag final was also a close encounter with the Harden Hawkettes winning a thriller by 14-10 sending the hearty band of Harden supporters into a celebration frenzy.
And so ends another footy season with just the all important presentation night to go to round off an eventful year.
This will be held on Saturday, September 22 at the Ex-Services Club with tickets available at the door from 6pm.
The night will include a light supper and a band after the formal presentation.
It should be a great night as we celebrate the achievements of our three teams.
