Central West Rugby Grand Finals
FORBES Platypii took their first Blowes Cup in 14 years, reversing a heartbreaking three-point loss to Orange Emus in last year’s decider, when all the grand finals were played at Endeavour Oval, Orange
In a remarkable game the Platypii came from behind on a couple of occasions to grab the points and the trophy 28-20. It capped a remarkable week for popular half Mahe Fangupo and hooker Jarrod Hall who had played in last week’s gripping preliminary final win against Bathurst Bulldogs then backed up with Trundle Boomers on the Sunday to claim Woodbridge Cup rugby league winners’ medals.
The occasion marked the end of the remarkable career of coach Hare Lavaka, a former Tongan World Cup and Test prop forward. Hare’s experience and calm demeanour off the field orchestrated the victory that ended a premiership drought that had lasted since 2003.
Remarkably, Forbes defeated Bathurst Bulldogs (grand final) and Emus (final) on their way to that 2003 premiership, an emotional win that was built around the tragic deaths of three of their players just 11 months earlier in the Bali bombings.
It also put the icing on the cake of a memorable 40th anniversary year for the southern club. In other grand final news: Andrew Selwood (Emus) was awarded Central West Player of the Year;
Emus took Second Grade after playing with only 13 men at one stage;
Orange City claimed their first Third grade title since 1991;
Bathurst Bulldogs Colts scored a converted try on the bell to snatch a win from Orange City and
The Bulldogs were victors over Cowra in the Women’s Tens
Former Dubbo Kangaroos players Peter Thomas (first grade) and Jarrod Simpson (Colts) were rewarded for their outstanding work throughout the season when they took the whistle for their respective grand finals.
And long-serving CEO Peter Veenstra, oversighted his last CWRU official function at Endeavour Oval. “PV” has hung up his boots after 31 years of service to the game he proudly proclaims “is the one they play in heaven.”