Old Boys determined to take chance for glory
IT would mark the end of a journey more than two decades in the making if Scott O’neill and his men can lift the Townsville and District Rugby Union trophy.
But while the North Ward coach and life member knew how much it would mean to him, ultimately it would be a victory for the whole club.
O’neill came as close as the Old Boys have ever come to the title in his playing days, steering the 2005 side to the minor premiership and a narrow grand final defeat.
For more than 20 years, the club has waited for its maiden
A-grade title. Rarely has the team not been competitive, but it had been a prolonged case of not executing under finals pressure.
With every senior grade featuring in finals football this weekend, O’neill said there was a chance for North Ward to create its own history and end the years of heartbreak.
“It’s great for me, but it’s not about me, it’s the club, and we’ve earned the right on Sunday to have all four grades playing,” he said.
“We’re just as proud of every grade, but a maiden title for first grade is something we want to achieve.
“We’ve got more experience over the past two years, it’s just a matter of putting it all together.”
O'neill’s side will be boosted by the return of number eight Mitch Clarke, who has been sidelined through injury and university commitments, as well as the late-season rise of Sam Harpham. The young flanker has come through the club’s pathways and will now start on Sunday against Western Suburbs.
“He’s a young army man who just wanted to play third grade, but he’s come through and played some good footy for us. He’s tough, he’ll go for the full 80 minutes,” O’neill said.