KURT Hancock has experienced plenty of highlights in his coaching career, but winning a Country Championships title with the under 16 Western Rams ranks near the top of his list.
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The Bathurst mentor watched on from the sidelines at the Cessnock Sportsground on Saturday as his young Rams beat the East Coast Dolphins 32-22 in extra-time.
That the Rams had forced the additional time with a try in the dying seconds made it a result to relish even more. Hancock admitted he had prepared himself for defeat as the clock ticked down and Western was penalised for a forward pass.
"It was funny, I was still really happy with what they had given. They had given absolutely everything against a very good football side. I couldn't ask for anything more. I knew they would be disappointed and I would have to pick up a few emotional 16-year-olds,” he said.
“But we kept our cool and got into extra-time. I said to them before extra-time that what we needed to do was keep attacking, don't look for a field goal, just keep attacking. They did that and kept believing in their own ability.”
The coach praised both his players and Western officials for their efforts.
"I got a great deal out of it, it has sort of rejuvenated me as a coach,” he said.
